I *never* could have conceived a field trip this great. Being HS'rs and being in the right place and the right time is a great way to start off the school year.
Thank you to the Captain for excellent PR with the kids and adults at the park today.
The kids and their bffs got a first hand look at the Orange County Fire Authority's Snorkel Operations helicopter. That is, the helicopter that we have seen in the past scooping up ocean water to drop on fires. They all got to ask questions and have a tour in addition to watching it take off and land.
Per the card that the pilot handed out to us:
"Snorkel Operations
The OCFA Air Operation's section was created in 1997 Based out of the Fullerton Municipal Airport, the section operates two 1966 Bell UH-1H "Super Huey" helicopters. Both helicopters have undergone an extensive overhaul from their original military configurations. Modifications include an 1800 horsepower turbine engine, and Bell 212 power train components. At a top speed of 120 miles per hour, the helicopters can be anywhere in Orange County in less than 20 minutes. These aircraft have flight endurance of two hours.
The OCFA helicopters are staffed with a Fire Pilot and a Fir Captain / Crew Chief ten hours a day, three hundred sixty-five days a year. Each aircraft can carry additional firefighters, special rescue teams, medical personnel or 2,000 pounds of cargo. Both aircraft are equipped with a 360 gallon Isolator "belly tank" and a 450 GPM snorkel which allow re-filling the tank at a hover in as little as 25 seconds. Each helicopter is also equipped with computerized fire mapping system, dual GPS, dual VHF AM & FM radios and a 5 million candlepower SX-5 Night-Sun light. A Goodrich external hoist, rated at 600 pounds is mounted on the right side of the cabin to assist with remote location rescue operations."
A related link on Fire Safety and Education http://www.ocfa.org/ocfamain.asp?pgn1=4
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