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Southwest Michigan AMS/NWA
10 January 2019
West Michigan Aviation Academy
5363 44th St
Grand Rapids, MI 49512
President Warren Wheeler called the meeting to order at 6:05 PM. All of the board members were present. There were about fifty people total in attendance, however, all but ten of those were affiliated with the Aviation Academy or the Civil Air Patrol.
William Marino gave the treasurer’s report, which indicated a balance just prior to our meeting of $891.53. Additional members paid their 2019 dues after the meeting. You can still pay 2019 dues at the next meeting or send a check made out to SWMI-AMS/ NWA to the club address at SWMI-AMS/NWA PO Box 88031 Grand Rapids MI 49515.
Our speaker was Marty Coaker who grew up in West Michigan and is a graduate of the Western Michigan University College of Aviation. He piloted an Avro RJ85 tanker in the western United
States this past fire season. He showed great photos and shared several stories and videos about his firefighting experiences which you can find on our web site at http://amsnwa.com.
The RJ85 is well suited for firefighting since it can fly low and slow at about 150-200 feet above the ground at a speed of 120-140 kts and can quickly descend several thousand feet into mountain valleys without picking up speed. The aircraft holds about 3,000 gallons or 27,000 pounds of fire retardant.
The retardant, or “mud” as it is called, is composed of iron oxide, salt, fertilizer, grass seed and clay mixed with water. It can be toxic to certain species of fish but is effect in retarding fire on the ground for up to two days. The retardant is not dropped directly on the fire but near the perimeter of the fire to prevent its spread.
If anyone would like to have the exciting experience of flying an airplane through smokey skies to fight fires while keeping an eye out for other planes and helicopters, the US Forest Service would love to hear from you.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:45 PM. There will not be a meeting in February. Details about a March meeting will be coming soon.
Respectfully submitted by
Craig James Woods
Secretary
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