Rim Fire Yosemite Video

CalPilots

The Link below is video from one of the Channel Island C-130 aircraft fightng the Rim Fire. It provides a good perspective of what pilots flying these missions are dealing with.  http://calfire.blogspot.com/2013/08/must-see-maffs-6-146-aw-channel-islands.html#links  

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Castle Airport inks fire-fighting deal with U.S. Forest Service

CalPilots

Castle AirportThe U.S. Forest Service entered into a five-year contract – ushered in bythe massive Rim fire in Stanislaus National Forest – with Merced County for use of Castle Airport in Atwater.

Flight and ground crews hit the ground running Tuesday, their first day at Castle Airport, as they filled air tankers with flame retardant.

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Raising The Rent: Airport Asks Fresno P. D. To Pay More

CalPilots

Fresno YosemiteFRESNO, Calif. (KMPH) – The rent is going up for the Fresno police department and there’s nothing they can do about it. The department’s K-9 and mounted patrol unit training center is located in Fresno on land owned by the Fresno Yosemite International Airport. The facility is directly across the street from the airport. However, the airport says they don’t have a choice and they have to raise the rent.

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California Vies for New Space Industry

CalPilots

Virgin Galactic KnightTwoAs several new private ventures to take people on trips to space come closer to becoming reality, California lawmakers are racing other states to woo the new space companies with cushy incentives.

They are debating a bill now in Sacramento that would insulate manufacturers of spaceships and parts suppliers from liability should travelers get injured or killed on a voyage, except in cases such as gross negligence or intentional wrongdoing. Last year, the state enacted a law that shields space tourism companies such as Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic from similar lawsuits.

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Long Beach Group Concerned About Airport Security Plans

CalPilots

Long Beach AirportLong Beach group concerned about plans for airport security – A group of airport tenants Monday expressed concern that a change in policing strategy at the Long Beach Airport could leave the facility with officers who are less familiar with aviation security than those currently employed.

In a two-page letter addressed to Mario Rodriguez, the airport’s executive director, the Long Beach Airport Association’s Board of Directors said any switch by the airport from trained security guards to uniformed members of the Long Beach Police Department could be costly.

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Elk Hills-Buttonwillow Airport – RC airplanes banned

CalPilots

Elk Hills-ButtonwillowRemote-controlled airplanes banned from local airport, concerns over full-sized aircraft safety – Ban date is set for September 9th

Club members at the Bakersfield Airplane Radio Control Society are forced to cut their air time short after their remote-controlled airplanes have been banished from the Elk Hills-Buttonwillow airport.

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8th Annual BBQ Aerospace Museum of California

CalPilots

You are invited to the 8th Annual BBQ on the Ramp on Saturday, August 24th. Don’t miss this spectacular fundraising event to support the Museum’s educational programs. There will be wine tasting, live music, delicious food, a live auction hosted by David Sobon and an incredible fireworks show!

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Search begins for new VNY FBO

CalPilots

Los Angeles World Airports has issued a Request for Qualifications seeking firms interested in operating as a Fixed-Base Operator (FBO) at Van Nuys Airport (VNY) in Southern California. It’s anticipated that two FBO areas will be made available for lease, according to airport officials. FBO services would include leasing land and buildings, serving the needs…

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Van Nuys Airport Celebrates its 85th Anniversary

CalPilots

van nyesBe Part of Local History as the Van Nuys Airport Celebrates its 85th Anniversary – Now thru August 22, send us your memories, videos, and/or digital photos to be published on this exclusive website.

All participants will be entered in a special drawing to WIN a chance to fly with legendary aviator Clay Lacy aboard his sleek Lear 35!

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