Departing from runway 24 at KSBD is Tanker 118 of the USFS, which in its previous life was USCG HC-130H 1721 (still carried on the nose).

Former USCG 1708 (still carried on the nose), one of 7 redundant HC-130Hs that were assigned to the US Forest Service in 2013 to be converted to air tankers. Instead of installing retardant tanks, the USFS only used a slip-in Modular Airborne FireFighting System (MAFFS) retardant system. In August 2018 the USFS lost interest in using the Hercules as airtanker, and all seven aircraft were transferred to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE). Tanker 116 is seen here at Sacramento Airport, still in full USFS livery.

Basler conversion #7.

Believed written off following a fire on take-off from Boise, Idaho on January 2, 2002. Pilot immediately put down the aircraft and he and the passenger exited without injury. N132Z was substantially damaged.

This pristine Twin Otter has been with the Forest Service since delivered new June 11, 1984.

Photograph by Charles E Stewart. Ex USAF 43-48381.

Registered to the U.S. Department of Agriculture since 1970 this Beech 99 is pictured in use by the US Forest Service. The aircraft is still current as N80275 with Hummingbird Air at the time of uploading.

Former USFS aircraft now owned by Evergreen Helicopters, but still in USFS markings. It was never actually operated by Evergreen.

Converted to BT-67 in 1991 and reregistered to N115Z.

Surplus to military requirements, this U-3A joined the United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service and served as a lead plane when fighting forest fires. On display at the wonderful Pima Air & Space museum.

This T-34 was originally delivered to the USN as 144102. In 1972 it went to the FS in North Carolina and was based at various locations throughout the State before arriving at the Tennessee Museum of Aviation in 2012.

Delivered to the US Agricultural Department Forest Service on September 2, 1959, it's very rare to see a Beaver still operating with it's original owner.

C47A 43-16028 became N100 with the Civil Aviation Authority in 1947. Transferred with a temporary registration N8785 to the US Forest Service and then reverted back to the original registration. The aircraft underwent a Basler turbo conversion in 1991 and was re-registered N142Z. Sold to Ken Borek Air as C-GKKB in March 2013, it's current with North Star Air at the time of uploading.

Built as a SD-360 for lease to Air UK and delivered December 14, 1984 as G-BLPV. Later flying with Loganair and City Flyer Express. Returned to Short Brothers in November 1993, the aircraft was converted to a C-23B with the replacement of the rear fuselage with a new build SD-330 tail. Delivered to US Department of the Army as 93-1328 October 1995. The United States Forest Service bought the aircraft April 17, 2014.

One of three gorgeous Barons at the USFS hangar in Redmond. All are very close or over the 6,000 hour limit recently placed on these aircraft and can no longer be used as lead aircraft.

One of three gorgeous Barons at the USFS hangar in Redmond. All are very close or over the 6,000 hour limit recently placed on these aircraft and can no longer be used as lead aircraft.