Hello GG
It must have been a shock having the bucket go past the car ! yikes.
They load it to the t!ts as well. The thump of the rotor blades is huge as the strain goes on, they are definitely at max safe power - sometimes I would say they even push that limit just a wee bit when the real pressure is on. The extreme slow rate of climb as they lift out is indicative of the load.
We also have water 'super scooper' aircraft operating here but I haven't managed to get a good photo. They are the Bombardier 415, seaplane design that can uptake 1400 GALLONS in 12 seconds - bloody amazing. They also add dye internally to get a better mark from the ground observers. (the chopper cannot do this)
Here is an image of the type (unfortunately not the actual one here !), would love to get a good shot for my photo collection. After a successful fire fighting session the other day both the chopper and the 415 were playing 'chase' in the skies above here. Both obviously having fun. I can understand it as it is a very, very dangerous job.
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Frank Buck it wasn't one of those flying across the road and dumping the 1400 gallons in a few seconds...
When we moved to Portugal I never really expected to see them at all (we are in the North as well) however forest and flash fires are extremely common here in the summer. This year has been mind blowingly hot - even in June we had 30C , in July we had 40C !! some areas inland had nearly 45C.
It hasn't rained for three months but we are having a reprieve this week with temps down to 25c, very nice, feels pleasantly cool.
When at my Bro's in Canada they were a common sight.
I have never bothered with a 'smart phone' mine simply goes ring ring and I can just about read an SMS on the 1 inch square screen.. we were given a faulty Samsung
S4 Mini a few weeks back, I replaced the USB connection board (only a couple of quid) and it is perfect - I was so impressed with the camera on it that I want one - I will never have web access on it but would love it just for the practicality of having a camera so readily at hand. It is almost as good as my very expensive Sony HX50V that I carry in the glove box. - and my other excuse for wanting another S4 (or the later S5) is the superb AMOLED screen - amazing. AND it will work with my endoscope.
I will have to put my amazing HX50V up for sale me thinks....
Your pics are amazing Grumpy mate. Post or send me some summer ones - what a beautiful place you live in.
Joe