A firefighting pilot who died in a plane crash while dumping retardant on a wildfire in Oregon could have been happily retired at 73
A plane carrying the ashes of James Maxwell, a pilot who died fighting a fire in Ore., flies into the Lewiston Nez Perce County Airport, on Friday, Aug. 2, 2024, in Lewiston, Idaho. Pilot Jim Maxwell logged nearly 25,000 flight hours over five decades flying small planes in dangerous situations, from spraying to kill illegal drug crops in Central America to navigating smoky skies to drop fire retardant as wildfires scorch the Western United States.
Andy Taylor, the 60-year-old owner of New Frontier Aviation in Montana, said he prefers the pilots he hires to have as much experience as possible. Newer pilots start by spraying pesticide to get practice flying at low altitudes and dropping loads, Taylor said, but they also need experience flying in mountainous terrain.
Taylor estimates there are about 120 single engine air tanker, or SEAT, pilots working in the U.S. this summer. Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek ordered state flags to be flown at half staff on July 31 and Aug. 1 to honor Maxwell. His ashes were flown to Lewiston, Idaho, on Aug. 2, where where about 200 people gathered at the airport, Jason Maxwell said.A memorial service will be held after the fire season is over.
Plane Crashes Accidents Wildfires Climate And Environment U.S. News General News Article 112701879
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