Had an awesome session at Trigg today with the added bonus of watching one of the big helitacks flying out over the ocean, filling up with water to dump on the fire in Trigg bushland.

The skill of the pilot was amazing, bringing the chopper to around 2 metres above the surface whilst the pump drew the water up, then banking over to fly back to the fire site and dropping the load. The swell wasn't huge but there were a few big waves coming through. Additionally he had a few kites to avoid.


Watched him refill and fly over at least 6 times - was an amazing sight that I will remember for a long time.

They seem to be really effective as well, they had the fire under control quickly and I understand no homes were damaged.

I dunno about you but if you see a pilot going that close to pick up water, why would you be kiting around him? You even mentioned he had to dodge the kites sometimes. I'm sure he loved that challenge! Not. Just seems a bit stupid to put his life in risk if he accidentally hits you or even worse houses and other people's lives at risk because you wanted to kite.

Great session !!! So much action going on - just made it into the car park before the road closure - so just had to do a 3 hr session - only a handful out there, was a bit concerned about the low vis paddlers when the copter came in for the big scoop, kiters were easier to see - I think the pilot was having as much fun as we were, I could see his big grin !
I'm having a day off to catch some crabs now

swinginginthewind said...

Had an awesome session at Trigg today with the added bonus of watching one of the big helitacks flying out over the ocean, filling up with water to dump on the fire in Trigg bushland.

The skill of the pilot was amazing, bringing the chopper to around 2 metres above the surface whilst the pump drew the water up, then banking over to fly back to the fire site and dropping the load. The swell wasn't huge but there were a few big waves coming through. Additionally he had a few kites to avoid.


Watched him refill and fly over at least 6 times - was an amazing sight that I will remember for a long time.

They seem to be really effective as well, they had the fire under control quickly and I understand no homes were damaged.

You better watch out, the pilot may be a pole boarder, and was trying to slurp you up and dump you in the burning bush.

All you folk from WA for some reason are allways nagging at each other.....
Whats with that? Daylight savings? fluoride in the water?

Was a great sesh at Trigg and having the road closed kept the crowds down for those of us already out.

The skill of the pilot was certainly spectacular and the speed they fill up again was something to see. They seemed to get the fire under control quickly.

I was hoping to see some of the footage from the news choppers on the evening news but it didn't make it.

Good news no homes were damaged.

suniboy21 said...
All you folk from WA for some reason are allways nagging at each other.....
Whats with that? Daylight savings? fluoride in the water?

I think its having to carry the rest of australia on our economy

TrueSpirit said...
This is a pic i took yesterday while shooting a few kitesurfing pics at Brighton. "Elvis" looked great out there over Trigg

Thanks for posting the picture Gordon, I was in two minds about stopping kiting to go and get my camera - but of course kiting won.