Somewhere in British Columbia I encountered this beautiful Electra from Air Spray. I hope somebody will recognize the airfield.

Waiting in readiness, carrying the bombing number "87", at the Alberta Agriculture and Forestry fire suppression tanker base at Whitecourt Airport. Converted from airline service to a retardant bomber by Conair, with whom it served as its sole Electra for only a short time, before being sold on to join Air Spray's fleet.

Built in 1959, flew with Eastern Airlines for ten years. Then served with several operators in Honduras, being converted to freighter around 1977. Joined Conair Aviation in 1997 serving as a fire bomber, "Tanker 53". Transferred to Air Spray, in the same role, in 2000. Seen here on a brief detachment to Campbell River in the summer of 1999, to fight a forest fire which had broken out locally.

Originally built for Eastern Air Lines in 1959 then spent many years operating in Honduras (as here) from 1969 until bought by Conair in 1997. Sold to Air Spray in 2000 and current in 2022.

Tanker 487 is being readied for fire season

Tanker 487 has just returned from a test flight in the local area.