Featured Coulson Pilot Firefighting in Chile

Coulson pilot Ryan has been flying for over 20 years. He’s flown all over the world, and is currently working in Chile in a tanked Chinook. 

“The Chinook – it’s an amazing helicopter; the power it has is amazing. The engine’s ability to lift the load; the Chinook just does it well,” Ryan said.  

“It’s also a very stable helicopter. Those two things mixed with the RADS system and retractable snorkel; it’s an overused word but this machine will be a game-changer for the industry.” 

Ryan has done a couple of rotations in and out of Chile. The terrain reminds him of the west coast of the United States.  

“The geography of this place is amazing, seeing it from the air it’s just beautiful,” he said.   

“These fires move very quickly but go out very quickly.”  

He’s worked with pilot translators, which each aircraft has to assist in operations, in both Bolivia and Chile last year, as well as this year. They work their tails off, he said. 

The Chinooks are a big interest to the Chilean communities in which they work. 

“To the people who do it all the time it’s not unique, but we have to remember that to others it really is,” Ryan said.   

“I don’t think of myself as an adrenaline junkie, we keep it as calm as we can. We do all we can to mitigate any hazards but it’s dynamic, whether it’s the weather, or the conditions. 

“It’s a lot of fun, and it’s our job. It’s an awesome feeling to know that you’re helping someone.”