Helitack is a division of the firefighting industry that I wish I had a lot more involvement with.  I fly a restricted helicopter.  It frustrates me to no end that the President of the United States, diplomats, state government, military, and endless amounts of Coast Guard rescuees can ride around all day in the different variants of the Sikorsky H-60 but not Forest Service personnel. 

   Of my 10+ years in the Army I spent about 6 flying the Blackhawk.  I chose utility due to the variety of missions I would get.  I like getting the troops to where they need to be.  Rappelling, parachuting, artillery raids, air assaults, etc. was what I enjoyed.  Now as an aerial firefighter I still enjoy directly working with the folks on the ground but in my restricted aircraft I cannot currently carry them.  Interesting how nobody seemed to care after Hurricane Katrina or before Rita.

   I always have had a great respect for the ground-pounders.  I hope to do right by you all by finding and posting links to the information you need to keep in touch, find equipment, or get training.  If you have photos from the field you would like to see or information you would like to get out to your fellow crews get it to me and I'll get it up on the site.