Last updated 26 February 2023
US FIRE BOMBER OPERATORS:  H

A historical survey of US fire attack air tanker companies to the year 2000, compiled by Geoff Goodall


Halcyon days of piston engined fire tankers captured by Steve Whitby's photo of Hemet Valley Flying Service Fairchild C-119Cs in action
at the Hemet CA USFS air attack base in 1981.  N13743 tanker #81 heads the line.

F.Howard Haradon, Goleta California
Fitz Howard "Howdy" Haradon was a well-known tanker pilot in California during the 1960s-1970s.
F.H.Haradon was listed in the 1963 USFS tanker contracts with his Grumman TBM Avenger N9434Z.
He then flew fire bombers for other operators, including Avengers for Hemet Valley Flying Service for the 1972 and 1973 summers.
Grumman TBM
Avenger
N9434Z
Bu86090
1963
  E52
sold .63 to Sonora Flying Service CA #E52


Howard Haradon's Grumman TBM N9434Z at the Van Nuys CA tanker base,early 1960s.       Photo by Bob Forbes

Thomas W. Hammon, Phoenix, Arizona
The last four A-26 Invader tankers of Donair Inc, Phoenix changed ownership to Hammon circa 1969 when Donaire ceased tanker operations from Phoenix-Buckeye AZ.  It is not known whether they continued in tanker operations or were stored, but ownership of two was to later revert to Don Underwood/Donaire.
Douglas A-26
Invader
N4819E
44-34609
c69-2.81
 C36
Tfd ex Donaire Inc, Phoenix AZ
operationla at Buckeye 78 withiut tank,
parked at Phoenix-Buckeye AZ 79-2015
ownership reverted to Donaire Inc 2.81, sold 4.96
Douglas A-26N9401Z
44-35524
c69-3.72
  C33
Tfd ex Donaire Inc, Phoenix AZ
ownership reverted to Donaire Inc 30.3.72
sold same day to Canada as CF-CUI
Douglas A-26N8627E
44-35752
c69-3.72
  C04
Tfd ex Donaire Inc, Phoenix AZ
sold 3.72 to Kenting Aircraft, Toronto as CF-KBZ
Douglas A-26N8017E
44-34136
c69-3.72
  C32
Tfd ex Donaire Inc, Phoenix AZ
sold 3.72 to Kenting Aircraft, Toronto as CF-KBM

Hawkins and Powers Aviation Inc, Greybull, Wyoming
Avery Aviation pilots Daniel J. Hawkins and Eugene Powers established this business in 1969 when they formed a partnership to take over the operations of Avery Aviation Inc at Greybull, Wyoming. (see Part 1)
Dan Hawkins managed the helicopter operations which had been successfully developed by Avery Aviation, providing a wide range of  insect spraying, fire bombing and forest service support. Gene Powers was responsible for the fire bombing and heavy fixed wing pest spraying. Both sides of the business expanded, making Hawkins and Powers among the largest US firebombing and aerial application operators with its aircraft deployed across the United States including significant operations in Alaska. 

Hawkins and Powers Aviation's fire bombing operations commenced with the Privateers taken over from Avery Aviation. They had been originally tanked to carry 2,000 gallons for spraying, but while with Avery, Gene Powers had modified the tankage to 2,500 gallons. He wanted more power and devised the re-engining from 1,300hp P&W R1830-92s to 1,700hp Wright R-2600 Twin Cyclones, which Avery held as spares from their B-25 Mitchells. The first Privateer to be re-engined took two years for modifications and testing, and incorporated various other impovements was named the Super Privateer. From 1969 H&P continued the re-engining program for all the its Privateers while looking for a new type to increase their fire bomber capability. 

Gene Powers decided on the later model C-119F/G Flying Boxcar, not yet available from US military disposals.

However a large stock of retired Royal Canadian Air Force C-119Fs had been acquired by a dealer Aircraft International Associates, Omaha Nebraska.  One N383S had been civilianised in 1967 with a Westinghouse J34 jetpak on the roof as the Steward Davis STOLMaster, which flew cargo charters as far afield as Switzerland, but no sales eventuated. Five were sold to the Morocco Air Force but the rest were in long-term storage at Lincoln NE. Between 1971-1976 H&P purchased these aircraft from Aircraft International Associates and associated company Carl Renstrom Enterprises. The first few were flown to Chico CA where Aero Union Corp carried out the tanker conversions for H&P, based on their FAA approvals gained on the AU C-119C tanker fleet. After that H&P carried out their own conversions at Greybull, aiming at completing two aircraft each winter.
By 1976 the remaining nine RCAF C-119s had been parked in the open at Lincoln Airport, Omaha NE for six years. H&P sent a maintenance crew under foreman Roger Iverson (see WAIG Inc) to prepare them for ferry flights to Greybull, and to the surprise of local aviators who believed they were far too derelict, the first four were flown out together, followed by the others.  At Greybull several were fitted as sprayers and transports, while the remainder became a valuable source for engines and parts for the C-119 operational fleet.
Despite the RCAF Boxcars being designated C-119F, they were civil certified by H&P as the equivalent USAF model C-119G

Into the 1980s:
Years of debate betwen fire authorities and tanker operators over the merits of larger capacity heavy tankers had resulted in tentative acceptance by USFS, which by 1980 was proposing fire bomber contracts specifying Boeing C-97 Stratotankers. Their operating costs were much higher and the heavy tankers would have to prove tgheir cost-effectiveness.
Late model KC-97Ls were available from USAF disposals at Davis Monthan AFB AZ and Gene Powers decided to add heavy tankers to the H&P fleet. It is reported that H&P purchased or had options on forty KC-97Ls, mostly through high profile Davis Monthan dealer Philip M. Stifler who operated as Dross Metals Inc.
In the event, H&P crews ferried ten KC-97Ls to Greybull, where they were stored pending modification to tankers. After the first KC-97L fire bombing contracts were flown by Hemet Valley Flying Service 1982-1983 with one aircraft, the continuing contracting necessary to justify the cost of tanker conversion did not eventuate. Instead H&P used several of their KC-97Ls for freight work, particularly for the Bureau of Land Management and Alaskan State authorities. In 1985 H&P leased the HVFS aircraft N1365N (tanker #84) and proved its worth as a fire bomber in Alaska, resulting it its purchase by H&P as tanker #97.

H&P also offered engineering and maintenance service to other operators.
- In 1971 the first fire bombing Douglas DC-6 Aero Retardant's N77DG was ferried to Greybull for installation of the H&P designed drop doors and activation system.
- A 1983 USFS list shows retardant tanks constructed by H&P were installed in the following aircraft:
Douglas A-26 N9403Z #27 Reeder Flying Service
PB4Y-2G N3739G #30 Douglas County Aviation
C-119G N15509 #36 Douglas County Aviation
C-119C N13746 #87 Hemet Valley Flying Service
- Douglas DC-3 G-AMCA was ferried from Coventry England to Greybull for installatiuon of ocean pollution control spraying gear

In September 1987 the structural failure of H&P C-119G N48076 during a fire attack in California, spelt the end for the C-119 fleet. Just after the retardant drop, the right wing separated and the tail booms broke away. Hemet Valley had earlier suffered a similar wing failure with one of their earlier model C-119Cs and had retired the other four aircraft.
- From 1988 H&P iacquired military surplus Lockheed P-2H Neptunes and C-130A Hercules for their fire tanker fleet. Following usual practice, stocks of these aircraft were acquired and delivered to Greybull to be held in storage for future conversion to fire tankers. One Neptune N70600 crashed on the VFR ferry flight from Davis Monthan AFB in February 1992 when the pilot (Gene Powers' son) was caught in a snowstorm and struck terrain near Dixon Wyoming, with the loss of both crew. 
- During 1989 H&P partnered with Hemet Valley Flying Service in California to obtain FAA certification for a C-130A fire bomber conversion. The design and stress analysis submissions were reported to have been primarily done by HVFS, which had an urgent need to get its own C-130As inti fire service. When approval came for the C-130A 3,000 gallon retardant delivery system, HVFS carried out the initial engineering work on the first two H&P C-130As at Hemet.
- Later H&P intended to tank Lockheed P-3 Orions and acquired retired military P-3As and P-3Bs, but none had been tanked prior to the company's closure.

Hawkins and Powers Aviation Inc ceased business and closed down in 2005 after the grounding of its PB4Y Privateer and C-130A Hercules fire bomber fleet because of tragic wing structural failures during fire attacks that summer. It was the final blow following the uncertainties and loss of revenue of a series of USFS restrictions, temporary groundings and mandatory structural inspections for their C-130A and P-2 Neptune tankers. Gene Powers was disillusioned that his huge effort to move his big fire attack aircraft fleet into turbines as wanted by the USFS had resulted in much grief and revenue loss.
A final auction was held on 24 August 2006 at home base Little Big Horn County Airport, Greybull WY when the company's operational fire bombers, stored reserve aircraft and extensive spare parts and engine holdings were offered for sale.

Helicopter fleet:
Kaman HH-43A Huskie: N2843J (ex 58-1823) Tfd 6.69 ex Avery. Crashed 15.5.70 Mountain View AR while spraying
Kaman HH-43A Huskie: N2856J (ex 58-1840) Tfd 6.69 ex Avery, damaged. Stored Greybull. Donated .02 to Classic Rotors, San Diego
Kaman UH-43C Huskie: N3910 (ex Bu146321) Tfd 6.69 ex Avery. Donated .02 to Classic Rotors, San Diego for rest. to fly
Kaman UH-43C Huskie: Bu146320 unconverted, US Navy markings. Stored Greybull
Hiller UH-12:     N9754CC, N5369V, N5389V all tfd ex Avery 6.69, N5343V
Hiller OH-23D:  N28909 (ex USAF 61-3146), N28909 (61-3170), N36669 (59-2675), N36670 (61-3091), N67106 (64-15185),
                           N67107 (I58-5479), N67108 (58-5486) 
Hiller OH-23D tailbooms in junk area Greybull 1989: N5343V, N5389V, 58-5455 (N67113), 58-5466 (N62408), 58-5408 (N65738),
                            59-2730, 64-15185 (N67106)
Bell UH-1B Iroquois: N88976 (ex 64-14009) purchased .79
Bell 206B Jet Ranger: N111BH, N2751U
Hughes 500:       N8353F, NN9100F, N58247
AS316B Alouette: N67081

Other aircraft:
Boeing Stearman N6028 (in 1984)
PA-18 Super Cub N9293Z and N4498Z ex Avery 6.69 plus 4 others
Mooney M20E N6937U
Cessna 180 N5059E ex Avery 6.69
Cessna 310R N5469J
Piper PA-27 Aztec 250s N54738, N6008Y
North American AT-6 Texan N99839 (66-2417) purchased 12.75 ex C-GDJC. Traded to USAF Museum, del. .81 to Castle AFB CA
North American SNJ-6 Texan N1122U (121-42815) by 1989 dismantled restoratio project
North American AT-6D Texan N4748C (88-16640) purchased 10.93, restoration project, sold 5.06 to Richard D. Martin, Los Angeles CA

Douglas B-18B Bolo
N52056
37-29
6.69-10.81
 B20
tfd 6.69 ex Avery Aviation Inc
Tanker number reissued as #120 but not painted on aircraft because it had been retired at Greybull,
Traded .81 to USAF Museum, repainted in prewar USAAC scheme at Greybull, del. 25.10.81 to Castle AFB CA where displayed in their museum
Consolidated
PB4Y-2G Privateer
N2870G
Bu66304
6.69-7.80 B22
 122
tfd 6.69 ex Avery Aviation Inc
re-engined with Wright R-2600s as Super Privateer
Wrecked 27.7.80 Ramona CA tyre blew on takeoff and aircraft ran off runway;
wreck sections returned to Greybull where used to rebuild derelict N3431G for US Navy Museum; composite rebuild was certified for the ferry flight Greybull to Pensacola with N2870G's identity
PB4Y-2G PrivateerN2871G
Bu66302
6.69-9.05 A20
 B21
  121
tfd 6.69 ex Avery Aviation Inc
re-engined with Wright R-2600s as Super Privateer
Type grounded for fire-fighting 7.02 following structural failure of N7620C during fire attack
parked Greybull 2002-2006
sold 28.9.05 Pride Capital Group LLC, Deerfield IL
listed at H&P closing-down auction 24.8.06 at Greybull and sold to Hans Lauridsen AZ as warbird
PB4Y-2G PrivateerN7620CBu662606.69-7.02 B23
  123
tfd 6.69 ex Avery Aviation Inc
re-engined with Wright R-2600s as Super Privateer
destroyed 18.7.02 structural failure, left wing broke away during retardant drop, Lyons CO
PB4Y-2G Privateer
N2872G
Bu66300
6.69-6.06 B24
 124
tfd 6.69 ex Avery Aviation Inc
re-engined with Wright R-2600s as Super Privateer
Type grounded for fire-fighting 7.02 following structural failure of N7620C during fire attack
parked Greybull 2002-2008
sold 20.6.06 to Yanks Air Museum, Chino CA:
delivered Greybull-Chino 23.11.08
PB4Y-2 PrivateerN7962C
Bu66306
6.69-8.06
 B26
 126
tfd 6.69 ex Avery Aviation Inc
re-engined with Wright R-2600s as Super Privateer
Type grounded for fire-fighting 7.02 following structural failure of N7620C during fire attack
parked Greybull 2002-2017
listed at H&P closing-down auction 24.8.06 at Greybull and sold to Bobby J. Hawkins, Greybull,
displayed at Air Tanker Museum, Greybull WY
PB4Y-2 Privateer
N3431G
Bu66313
6.69-1.83
-
tfd 8.61 ex Christler and Avery Aviation Co.
no civil conversion, US Navy paint, stripped hulk
rebuilt to airworthy by H&P 1981-1983 using wreck airframe sections of N2870G, completed in Navy midnight blue "66304 F202 NAS Oakland",
Traded in US Navy Museum, delivered Greybull to NAS Pensacola FL 16-17.1.83
PB4Y-2G Privateer

N6813D
Bu59876
11.69-8.75
  A25
  B25
  125
purchased 11.11.69 ex Cal-Nat Airways CA,
conv. to fire tanker completed 3.70 with Wright R-2600s as a Super Privateer
overran runway landing Port Hardy BC 9.8.75, ran into sea, insurance write-off
to Canadian Museum of Flight & Transportation, Vancouver but not collected,
stored stripped Port Hardy 1975-1981;
moved by road .81 to Yankee Air Force museum, Detroit-Willow Run, dislpayed in US Navy blue
PB4Y-2 PrivateerN6884C
Bu59701
8.70-9.05
  B27
  127
purchased 8.70 ex Rosenbalm Aviation OR #84
conv. to Super Privateer completed 5.71 re-engined with Wright R-2600s,
Type grounded for fire-fighting 7.02 following structural failure of N7620C during fire attack,
parked Greybull 2002-2011;
sold 28.9.05 Pride Capital Group LLC, Deerfield IL
listed at H&P closing-down auction 24.8.06 at Greybull and sold to Bob J. Hawkins, Casper WY
Fairchild C-119G Flying BoxcarN8093
RCAF 22111
1974-2006
  132
  140
Purchased .71 ex Aircraft International Associates, Omaha NE,
tanked by H&P at Greybull c74 with roof jetpak;
sold 7.80 Heims Seafoods, Mytle Point OR
repurchased H&P c86, tanker #140 (2).
retired Greybull 89-07
tfd 24.8.00 to D&G Inc, Grebull WY
tfd 28.9.05 Pride Capital Group LLC, Deerfield IL
listed at H&P closing-down auction 24.8.06 at Greybull and sold to Bob Stanford/ Zenith Aviation, Fredericksburg VA,
resold 12.06 to Hagerstown Aviation Museum, Hagerstown MD: dep. Greybull on del. 12.11.08
Fairchild C-119G
N383S
RCAF 22133
1971-6.79
  133
(civil conv. at Long Beach CA 67 to become the only Steward Davis STOLMaster with roof jetpak)
Purchased c71 and tanked for H&P by Aero Union at Chico CA, entered H&P firebomber service c74
destroyed 9.6.79 fire bombing nr Palm Springs CA
Fairchild C-119G
N8832
RCAF 22123
1974-8.85
  134
Purchased .71 ex Aircraft International Associates, Omaha NE, ferried to Chico CA .71 for tanking,
entered H&P tanker service with roof jetpak c74;
written off 17.8.85 in heavy landing at Battle Mountain NV, parts stripped by H&P,
fuselage used by Battle Mountain Air Museum as a storage shed
Fairchild C-119GN48076
USAF 52-5846
1976-9.87
  135
(Michigan Military Air Museum, Saginaw: museum closed, taken back by USAF Museum .74)
Acquired .76 in a trade deal with USAF Museum,
tanked by H&P at Greybull with roof jetpak,
leased to TBM Inc, Tulare CA for 1977 season,
destroyed 16.9.87 near Shasta Lake CA, wing structural failure after retardant drop on canyon fire
Fairchild C-119GN5216R
RCAF 22131
1975-1995
  136
Purchased ex Aircraft International Associates, Omaha NE, tanked by H&P at Greybull 74-75, CofA issued 26.2.75 with roof jetpak,
retired Greybull 90-98, traded to USAF Museum,
del. to Battle Mountain Air Museum NV
Fairchild C-119GN3559
RCAF 22118
1975-1991
  137
Purchased ex Aircraft International Associates, Omaha NE, tanked by H&P at Greybull 75,
CofA issued 1.5.75 with roof jetpak,
traded to USAF Museum:
del. 10.91 to Dover AFB Museum, Delaware
Fairchild C-119GN8682
RCAF 22115
1976-6.81
  138
Purchased ex Aircraft International Associates, Omaha NE, tanked by H&P at Greybull c76 with roof jetpak;
wrecked 27.6.81 forced landing on river sandbar,  South Bettles, Alaska
Fairchild C-119GN15501
RCAF 22130
1976-9.05
  138
   01
Purchased ex Aircraft International Associates, Omaha NE, stored Lincoln NE 70-76, ferried to Greybull .76, tanked at Greybull 76 with roof jetpak
sprayer 90-92 as #01, retired Greybull,
restored 02-03 for movie Flight of The Phoenix, flown to Namibia for filming, returned Greybull,
stored Greybull 04-06,
tfd 29.9.05 Pride Capital Group LLC, Deerfield IL
listed at H&P closing-down auction 24.8.06 at Greybull and sold to Lauridsen Aviation Museum, Phoenix AZ, del. ex Greybull late 06.
Fairchild C-119GN3935
RCAF 22113
4.72-2006
  139
Purchased 26.4.72 ex Aircraft International Associates, Omaha NE,
tanked at Greybull 73 with roof jetpak,
retired Greybull 90s, to Air Tanker Museum, Greybull, painted as "N5216R #136"
Fairchild C-119GN3560
RCAF 22132
1975-6.78
  140
Purchased ex Aircraft International Associates, Omaha NE, tanked at Greybull 75 with roof jetpak
crashed forced landing 10.6.78 near Greybull due runaway right propeller during check flight, 3k
Fairchild C-119GN961S
RCAF 22120
1971-1990
    -
Purchased .71 ex Aircraft International Associates, Omaha NE, stored Chico CA .71-73, not tanked;  based Greybull 77-90 all metallic, no jetpak;
traded to USAF Museum by 1990
Fairchild C-119GN966S
RCAF 22107
1976-1987
    -
Purchased ex Aircraft International Associates, Omaha NE, stored Lincoln NE 67-76, ferried to Greybull .76, retired Greybull 76-85,
traded to USAF Museum,
del. c87 ex Greybull to Hill AFB UT painted as "USAF 52-2107 Troop Carrier Squadron"
Fairchild C-119GN3003 (1
RCAF 22106
1976-2014
    -
Purchased ex Aircraft International Associates, Omaha NE, stored Lincoln NE 67-76, ferried to Greybull .76, stripped for parts Greybull.
sold 6.81 to Heims Seafood Inc, Oregon
(N3003 flew in 1981 fish airlift at Homer AK)

Apparently returned to Greybull, by 1989 was on belly with undercarriage removed;
reassembled by H&P by 95, displ. at Air Tanker Museum, Greybull in original RCAF markings;
tfd 12.3.14 to B&G Industries LLC, Greybull WY
still parked at Air Tanker Museum, Greybull 17
Fairchild C-119GN3003 (2
unknown
1.89-8.06
    03
Registered to H&P 1.89 with identity of N3003(1, however was another aircraft, both N3003s at Greybull at the same time; flown as sprayer #03,
retired Greybull by 91 as #03,
tfd 24.8.00 to D&G Inc, Greybull
sold 23.8.06 as H&P closing down auction
Fairchild C-119GN8091
RCAF 22122
1976-9.88
    -
Purchased ex Aircraft International Associates, Omaha NE, stored Lincoln NE 70-76, ferried to Greybull .76, stripped for parts Greybull;
traded to USAF Museum,
del. 21.9.88 ex Greybull to March AFB CA
Fairchild C-119GN8092
RCAF 22103
1976-1991
    -
Purchased ex Aircraft International Associates, Omaha NE, stored Lincoln NE 70-76, ferried to Greybull .76, stripped for parts Greybull;
donated to National Warplane Museum, Geneseo NY, del. ex Greybull .91 to Geneseo NY
Fairchild C-119G N8094
RCAF 22135
1976-2006
    -
Purchased ex Aircraft International Associates, Omaha NE, stored Lincoln NE 70-76, ferried to Greybull .76, stripped for parts Greybull
tfd 24.8.00 to D&G Inc, Greybull
tfd 29.9.05 Pride Capital Group LLC, Deerfield IL
listed at H&P closing-down auction 24.8.06 at Greybull and sold to Harold Sheppard/Sheppard Trucking, Riverton WY
Fairchild C-119GN5215R
RCAF 22108
1976-2006
    -
Purchased ex Aircraft International Associates, Omaha NE, stored Lincoln NE .71-76, ferried to Greybull .76, stripped for parts Greybull,
traded to USAF Museum
Fairchild C-119GN5217R
RCAF 22116
1976-1992
    -
Purchased ex Aircraft International Associates, Omaha NE, stored Lincoln NE .71-76, ferried to Greybull .76, stripped for parts Greybull;
traded to USAF Museum,
del. c92 ex Greybull to National Infantry Museum, Fort Benning GA
Fairchild C-119GN15502
RCAF 22114
1976-10.88
    -
Purchased ex Aircraft International Associates, Omaha NE, stored Lincoln NE .71-76, ferried to Greybull .76, stripped for parts Greybull;
traded to USAF Museum,
del. 24.10.88 ex Greybull to McClellan AFB CA museum, painted as "USAF 22114"
Fairchild C-119GN15505
RCAF 22101
1976-1992
    -
Purchased ex Aircraft International Associates, Omaha NE, stored Lincoln NE .71-76, ferried to Greybull .76, stripped for parts Greybull
traded to USAF Museum,
del. c92 ex Greybull to US Army Museum, Fort Campbell, Kentucky
Fairchild C-119GN15506
RCAF 22105
1976-2006
    -
Purchased ex Aircraft International Associates, Omaha NE, stored Lincoln NE .71-76, ferried to Greybull .76, stripped for parts Greybull,
traded to USAF Museum,
del c92 ex Greybull to Milwaukee-Mitchell Field ANG Base Museum, Wisconsin
Fairchild C-119GN15508
RCAF 22134
1976-2006
    -
Purchased ex Aircraft International Associates, Omaha NE, stored Lincoln NE .71-76, ferried to Greybull .76, fitted as sprayer .76
traded to USAF Museum,
del. 1.89 ex Greybull to Travis AFB CA painted as "USAF 53-22134"
Fairchild C-119GN15509
RCAF 22110
1976
    -
Purchased ex Aircraft International Associates, Omaha NE, stored Lincoln NE .71-76, ferried to Greybull .76, tanked by H&P at Greybull,
sold .76 to T & G Aviation AZ as tanker #C36
Fairchild R4Q-2/
C-119F
N7051U
Bu131708
5.89-1992
    -
Purchased 5.89 ex Dross Metals Inc, Tucson AZ,
stored Greybull in US Marines markings;
Traded to US Navy Aviation Museum
del. c93 ex Greybull to US Marines Corps Museum,
El Toro CA as "Marines 131708/QH708"
Fairchild C-119L
N37636
53-8150
5.91-2006

Purchased 16.5.91 ex David Brady,Cartersville GA: warbird in USAF markings, named Georgia Box;
stored Greybull 91-14 in USAF markings,
tfd 24.8.00 to D&G Inc, Greybull
tfd 29.9.05 Pride Capital Group LLC, Deerfield IL
listed at H&P closing-down auction 24.8.06 at Greybull and sold to Harold Sheppard/Sheppard Trucking, Riverton WY
Fairchild C-119G
N8504Z
53-7836
7.92-9.92
    -
Purchased 7.92 ex Alaska Aircraft Leasing Inc, Anchorage: operational freighter with roof jetpak;
sold 9.92 to Anchorage Flight Inc, Anchorage AK
Beech C-45G
N9306Z
51-11653
6.69-1988

tfd 6.69 ex Avery Aviation Inc, sprayer
retired Greybull by 89 "Sage Air Lines" titles;
traded to USAF Museum,
del. c88 ex Greybull to Robins AFB GA Museum painted as "USAF 11653"
Beech C-45H
N9533Z
52-10804
6.69-1978

tfd 6.69 ex Avery Aviation Inc
sold c78 to W. W. Dailey, Coolidge AZ
Beech C-45F
N7391C
44-87201
6.69-1994

tfd 6.69 ex Avery Aviation Inc, sprayer,
retired Greybull, stripped in junkyard area 78-90,
restored Greybull 92,
displayed Air Tanker Museum, Greybull from 94, metal finish, no markings
Beech E18S
N141ZA
BA-178
2.86-11.04

Traded 2.86 from USAF Museum ex US Dept of Agriculture: ex fruit tree insecticide sprayer;
operated by H&P as personnel transport,
tfd 24.8.00 to D&G Inc, Greybull
sold 16.11.04 to Advanced Air Inc, Iowa
Lockheed 18 Lodestar
N880V
41-23307
c/n 6124
8.72-2006

(Built as A-29, tfd RAF as BW445, to CF-ESJ,
rebuilt by Gordon B. Hamilton Co at Tucson AZ as executive L18 Lodestar completed 12.56, airframe improvement mods in 64 to Dallaero STCs)
Purchased 31.8.72 ex Duncan Aviation, Lincoln NE, used by H&P mainly for fast crew ferries
tfd 24.8.00 to D&G Inc, Greybull
listed at H&P closing-down auction 24.8.06 at Greybull and sold to Ironworker Supply Inc, CA,
del. 10.06 ex Greybull to CA,
rereg N41CW, flies as exec aircraft
Lockheed R50-5 Lodestar
N505R
Bu12473
c/n 2358
10.72-1982

Purchased 11.10.72 ex Rhoades Aircraft Sales: Howard executive passenger modifications,
used by H&P mainly for fast crew ferries,
retired Greybull by 89
Traded to USAF Museum
Del. 82 ex Greybull to March AFB CA Museum painted as "USAAF 833538"
Boeing KC-97L Stratotanker
N8516U
N197HP
N971HP
53-317
2.81-2001
    -
N8516U purchased 9.2.81 ex Kolar & Co, Tucson AZ, rereg 8.81 N197HP 
ferried to Stockton CA .82 for tanker conversion by HVFS but not carried out, rereg 9.83 N971HP,
parked Stockton CA 82-01 broken-up 2001      
Boeing KC-97L
N8516Y
N297HP
N972HP
53-350
2.81-2006
    - N8516Y purchased 9.2.81 ex Kolar & Co, Tucson AZ, parked at Chandler AZ 3.81, 5.81,
rereg 8.81 N297HP, rereg 10.83 N972HP,
operated by H&P as freighter,
sold 2.89 to Stratolift Inc, Anchorage AK
taken back by H&P,open storage Greybull by 1991
listed at H&P closing-down auction 24.8.06 at Greybull and sold to Clay Lacy, Van Nuys CA,
not collected, resold to Harold Sheppard/
Sheppard Trucking, Riverton WY,
still open storage Greybull by 2015
Boeing KC-97L N8516T
N97HP
N97HB
52-918
8.81-2006
    - N8516T purchased 8.81 ex Kolar & Co, Tucson AZ, rereg 5.82 N97HP,
operated by H&P as freighter, operational 89.
 retired open storage Greybull 1991-2015
tfd 20.6.00 D & G Inc, Greybull
tfd 19.9.05 Pride Capital Group, Deerfield IL
rereg 9.05 N97HB, remained stored Greybull.
listed at H&P closing-down auction 24.8.06 at Greybull and sold to Harold Sheppard/
Sheppard Trucking, Riverton WY,
still open storage Greybull by 2015 as "N97HP"
Boeing KC-97L N2987W
(N597HP)
53-298
3.82-1986
    - Purchased 30.3.82 ex Dross Metals Inc, Tucson AZ
reg reserved 8.82 as N597HP but not taken up
Traded to USAF Museum
Del. 86 to Robins AFB GA museum
Boeing KC-97L N29862
(N697HP)
52-2761
3.82-2006
    - Purchased 30.3.82 ex Dross Metals Inc, Tucson AZ
reg reserved 8.82 as N697HP but not taken up,
stored in contractors yard, Davis Monthan AFB AZ until 1992 then ferried to Greybull for storage, later
tanked for fire bombing,
tfd 20.6.00 D & G Inc, Greybull
tfd 19.9.05 Pride Capital Group, Deerfield IL
listed at H&P closing-down auction 24.8.06 at Greybull and sold to Clay Lacy, Van Nuys CA,
reportedly to be spare parts source for Lacy's airworthy restoration of N1365N,
cancelled from USCR 21.8.13
Restored to Register 10.11.16 as N29862 owner B&G Industries LLC, Greybull WY
Boeing KC-97L N29866
(N797HP)
52-2695
3.82-2006
    - Purchased 30.3.82 ex Dross Metals Inc, Tucson AZ
reg reserved 8.82 as N797HP but not taken up,
stored in contractors yard, Davis Monthan AFB AZ until 1992 then ferried to Greybull for storage, fitted with tail fin “0-22680 Utah ANG”,
tfd 20.6.00 D & G Inc, Greybull
tfd 19.9.05 Pride Capital Group, Deerfield IL
listed at H&P closing-down auction 24.8.06 at Greybull and sold to Clay Lacy, Van Nuys CA,
reportedly to be spare parts source for Lacy's airworthy restoration of N1365N,
cancelled from USCR 26.3.13
Restored to Register 10.11.16 as N29866 owner B&G Industries LLC, Greybull WY
Boeing KC-97L N1386R
N397HP
53-208
3.82-2006
    - Purchased 1.3.82 ex Dross Metals Inc, Tucson AZ
rereg 10.82 as N397HP
open storage Greybull 1982-2014,
tfd 20.6.00 D & G Inc, Greybull
tfd 19.9.05 Pride Capital Group, Deerfield IL
listed at H&P closing-down auction 24.8.06 at Greybull and sold to Harold Sheppard/
Sheppard Trucking, Riverton WY
broken-up Greybull during 2014
Boeing KC-97L N1386W
N497HP
53-265
3.82-2006
    - Purchased 1.3.82 ex Dross Metals Inc, Tucson AZ
rereg 14.7.82 as N497HP
open storage Greybull 1982-2014,
tfd 20.6.00 D & G Inc, Greybull
tfd 19.9.05 Pride Capital Group, Deerfield IL
listed at H&P closing-down auction 24.8.06 at Greybull and sold to Harold Sheppard/
Sheppard Trucking, Riverton WY
Boeing KC-97L N4434U
53-362
8.83-3.87
    - Registered 5.8.83 to H&P
no sightings, assumed stored in contractor yard Davis Monthan AFB AZ
cancelled from USCR 3.87
(USCR quoted incorrect identity "53-0332"
Boeing KC-97L N1365N
52-2698
1985-2006
  84
  97
 
Leased .85 ex Hemet Valley Flying Service CA as operational tanker #84, based in Alaska
Purchased by H&P 12.4.91, tanker #97
tfd 20.6.00 D & G Inc, Greybull
tfd 19.9.05 Pride Capital Group, Deerfield IL
retired Greybull open storage by 2008-2015
listed at H&P closing-down auction 24.8.06 at Greybull and sold to Clay Lacy, Van Nuys CA,
Lacy stated he would fly it painted in an airline scheme as a civil Stratocruiser, but did not happen;
cancelled from USCR 21.8.13
Restored to Register 10.11.16 as N1365N to owner
B&G Industries LLC, Greybull WY
Boeing KC-97L N97KC
53-216
6.91-11.00
    - ("Flight 97 Restaurant" at McMinnville Oregon 1985-87, to USAF Museum stored Hiull AFB UT,
Traded to H&P by USAF Museum
Registered to H&P 5.6.91
open storage Greybull 92-2000
Traded back to USAF Museum
Del 3.11.00 ex Greybull to Minnesota ANG Base Museum, Minneapolis MN
Douglas C-117D
N2121U
Bu17122
1.83-3.84

One of four ex US Marines C-117D transports stored at Davis Monthan AFB AZ traded to H&P  in 1983 by US Naval Aviation Museum:
Registered 25.1.83 H&P
Sold 20.3.84 to D & D Parts Inc, Miami FL
Later to HI-521CT, HI-521SP, YV-505C, N505C
Douglas C-117D N2123Y
Bu50786
1.83-3.84

Registered 23.1.83 H&P, operated as a freighter
Sold 20.3.84 to D & D Parts Inc, Miami FL
Later to N212DD
Douglas C-117D N21270
Bu17175
1.83-10.85

Registered 25.1.83 H&P
Stored Greybull pending resale
Sold 20.3.84 to D & D Parts Inc, Miami FL
Later to N175TD, N30003, XA-TMR, N32TN
Douglas C-117D N4504W
Bu17190
10.83-10.84

Registered 28.10.83 H&P
Stored Greybull pending resale
Sold 10.10.84 to Marine Products Inc, Bahamas
Later to HI-545CT, N545CT, CP-2421
Douglas DC-7C
N8852
45210
12.84-11.85

Purchased 26.12.84 by Randolph W. Sullivan, Greybull ex storage Tucson AZ;
Sold 19.11.85 to Jimmie H.Falls, McAllen TX
Randy Sullivan was H&P Chief Pilot, probably not intend for H&P use
Douglas C-118A
N51599
Bu533291
11.85-7.05

Purchased 26.11.85 ex USN disposals
locust sprayer with above-wing spraybars
sold 7.05 to Everts Air Freight, Fairbanks AK
Douglas C-118A
N233HP
Bu152689
4.86-7.05

Purchased 15.4.86 ex USN disposals
locust sprayer with above-wing spraybars
sold 7.05 to Everts Air Freight, Fairbanks AK
Convair HC-131A
N38HP
USCG 5790
c/n 242
3.86-8.88

Registered 3.86 H&P ex storage Davis Monthan,
traded to USAF Museum
del. 8.88 to Robins AFB GA museum
Fairchild F-27F
N1004
N127HP
33
8.88-2006

(US Navy UC-27A Bu161628 operated on Navy support work as N1004 by Imperial Aviation FL, later to US Atomic Energy Commission, Nevada)

Acquired by H&P 26.8.88 via USAF Museum,
pax seating, rereg 1.89 N127HP, based Greybull
used on personnel transport contracts;
flew to Australia 9.89, based Perth WA carrying mining workers during Australian airline pilot strike;
tfd 20.6.00 D & G Inc, Greybull
tfd 19.9.05 Pride Capital Group, Deerfield IL
retired Greybull open storage
to B&G Industries LLC, Greybull WY
listed at H&P closing-down auction 24.8.06 at Greybull and sold 18.9.06 to Philippi Equipment Co
remained parked in open at Greybull
Reg 24.8.16 Fairchild Museum, Hagerstown MD
Douglas A-26
N94207
N126HP
44-34520
11.88-2006
   28
(Conair Aviation, Canada traded A-26 tankers to USAFM during 1988 in exchange for Grumman S-2 Trackers which they rebuilt as Firecats)
Acquired by H&P in trade deal with USAFM
Registered 21.11.88 N94207 to H&P
rereg N126HP 7.89, retaining Conair red & white paint scheme and Canadian tanker number #28;
tfd 20.6.00 D & G Inc, Greybull
displ. at Ait Tanker Museum, Greybull with port side repainted “USAF 434520/BC-520/K Lu Lu,
other side repainted as H&P tanker #28,
listed at H&P closing-down auction 24.8.06 at Greybull and sold to Lauridsen Aviation Museum, Phoenix AZ, del. ex Greybull late 06;
Lockheed SP-2H
Neptune
N7060X
Bu147957
12.88-1992
   -
Purchased 5.12.88 ex US Navy surplus, Davis Monthan AFB AZ
Stored Greybull in original US Navy markings
Traded to USAFM
Del. ex Greybull .92 to Pima Air & Space Museum, Tucson AZ where displayed as Black Hills Aviation tanker "N14448 #08"
Lockheed SP-2H
N7060Y
Bu145905
12.88-2006
    -
Purchased 5.12.88 ex US Navy surplus, Davis Monthan AFB AZ
Stored Greybull in original US Navy markings
tfd 20.6.00 D & G Inc, Greybull
tfd 19.9.05 Pride Capital Group, Deerfield IL
listed at H&P closing-down auction 24.8.06 at Greybull. Reg cancelled 30.9.12 assumed scrapped
Lockheed SP-2HN70600
Bu148342
12.88-2.92
    -
Purchased 5.12.88 ex US Navy surplus, Davis Monthan AFB AZ, stored contractors yard Tucson;
crashed destroyed 8.2.92 Dixon WY in snowstorm during ferry flight to Greybull, 2k
Lockheed SP-2HN8063S
N140HP
Bu140443
5.89-2.06
  140
Purchased 16.5.89 ex David Brady, Cartersville GA
who was establishing a warbird museum
Stored Greybull by 7.89 in US Navy markings
Rereg 12.89 N140HP, tanked as #140
tfd 19.9.05 Pride Capital Group, Deerfield IL
sold 2.06 to Neptune Aviation Services MT,
rereg 6.06 N445MA tanker #45
Lockheed SP-2HN8064A
N139HP
Bu145906
5.89-2.06
  139
Purchased 16.5.89 ex David Brady, Cartersville GA
who was establishing a warbird museum
Stored Greybull by 7.89 in US Navy markings
Rereg 2.89 N139HP, tanked as #139
tfd 19.9.05 Pride Capital Group, Deerfield IL
sold 2.06 to Neptune Aviation Services MT,
rereg 6.06 N443MA tanker #43
Lockheed SP-2HN2215G
N128HP
Bu140972
1.90-2006
    -
Purchased 16.1.90 ex US Navy surplus, Davis Monthan AFB AZ
Stored Greybull in original US Navy markings
Rereg 10.97 N128HP but remained in storage
tfd 19.9.05 Pride Capital Group, Deerfield IL
listed at H&P closing-down auction 24.8.06 at Greybull, sold to Neptune Aviation Services MT strippd for parts
Lockheed SP-2HN22154
N129HP
Bu147950
1.90-2006
    -
Purchased 16.1.90 ex US Navy surplus, Davis Monthan AFB AZ
Stored Greybull in original US Navy markings
Rereg 10.97 N128HP but remained in storage
tfd 19.9.05 Pride Capital Group, Deerfield IL
listed at H&P closing-down auction 24.8.06 at Greybull
Lockheed SP-2HN22166
N138HP
Bu148338
1.90-2006
  138
Purchased 5.12.88 ex US Navy surplus, Davis Monthan AFB AZ, stored contractors yard Tucson;
rereg 6.90 N138HP, continued stored Tucson;
del. to Greybull c95, rereg conv. to tanker #138,
tfd 20.6.00 D & G Inc, Greybull
tfd 19.9.05 Pride Capital Group, Deerfield IL
listed at H&P closing-down auction 24.8.06 at Greybull. Reg cancelled 25.9.13 assumed scrapped
Lockheed SP-2HN2216K
N122HP
Bu148341
1.90-2006
    -
Purchased 16.1.90 ex US Navy surplus, Davis Monthan AFB AZ
Stored Greybull 91-06 original US Navy markings
Rereg 9.97 N122HP but contimued in storage
tfd 20.6.00 D & G Inc, Greybull
tfd 19.9.05 Pride Capital Group, Deerfield IL
listed at H&P closing-down auction 24.8.06 at Greybull, sold to Neptune Aviation Services MT stripped for parts
Lockheed SP-2H
N2216S
Bu148346
1.90-2006
   -
Purchased 16.1.90 ex US Navy surplus, Davis Monthan AFB AZ
Stored Greybull 91-06 original US Navy markings
tfd 20.6.00 D & G Inc, Greybull
tfd 19.9.05 Pride Capital Group, Deerfield IL
listed at H&P closing-down auction 24.8.06 at Greybull, sold to Neptune Aviation Services MT strippd for parts
Lockheed SP-2HN2218A
Bu148355
1.90-2006
   -
Purchased 16.1.90 ex US Navy surplus, Davis Monthan AFB AZ
Stored Greybull 91-06 original US Navy markings
tfd 20.6.00 D & G Inc, Greybull
tfd 19.9.05 Pride Capital Group, Deerfield IL
listed at H&P closing-down auction 24.8.06 at Greybull. Reg cancelled 24.9.13 assumed scrapped
Lockheed SP-2HN2218E
Bu148356
1.90-2006
   -
Purchased 16.1.90 ex US Navy surplus, Davis Monthan AFB AZ
Stored Greybull 91-06 original US Navy markings
tfd 20.6.00 D & G Inc, Greybull
tfd 19.9.05 Pride Capital Group, Deerfield IL
listed at H&P closing-down auction 24.8.06 at Greybull. sold to Neptune Aviation Services MT strippd for parts
Lockheed SP-2HN2218Q
Bu148359
2.90-2006
   -
Purchased 16.1.90 ex US Navy surplus, Davis Monthan AFB AZ
Stored Greybull 91-06 original US Navy markings
tfd 20.6.00 D & G Inc, Greybull
tfd 19.9.05 Pride Capital Group, Deerfield IL
listed at H&P closing-down auction 24.8.06 at Greybull. sold to Neptune Aviation Services MT strippd for parts
Lockheed SP-2HN173AM
Bu143173
5.91
    -
Purchased 1.5.91 ex Consolidated Aviation Enterprises Inc, Burlington VT, a warbird dealer;
Stored Greybull 91-06 original US Navy markings
tfd 20.6.00 D & G Inc, Greybull
displ. at Air Tanker Museum, Greybull 98-06,
tfd 19.9.05 Pride Capital Group, Deerfield IL
listed at H&P closing-down auction 24.8.06 at Greybull. sold to Mommsen Enterprises,
reg 7.08 Richard C. Camp, Lewes, Delaware
not collected, still at Air Tanker Museum, Greybull
Lockheed SP-2HN8056D
Bu140154
3.93
    -
Purchased 11.3.93 ex Reva Brady, Cartersville GA
(widow of David Brady who was establishing a warbird museum, Brady killed 7.6.91 in midair collision of his Cessna T-37 and a Douglas A-26)
Stored Greybull 1995-2006 in US Navy markings
tfd 20.6.00 D & G Inc, Greybull
tfd 19.9.05 Pride Capital Group, Deerfield IL
listed at H&P closing-down auction 24.8.06 at Greybull. sold to Harold Sheppard/Sheppard Trucking, Riverton WY
Lockheed SP-2H
N8908F
Bu140411
5.97-2006
    -
Registered 13.5.97 H&P
Stored Greybull 1998-2006 in US Navy markings,
broken-up Greybull c6.06
Lockheed SP-2HN125HP
Bu135588
8.97-2006
    -
(N4846N reg 6.85 Tanana Valley Community College, Fairbanks AK,
sold 2.91 to Hans M. Vandermeer, Anchorage AK and stored at Greybull 1992-2006,
Purchased 8.97 by H&P and rereg N125HP,
tfd 20.6.00 D & G Inc, Greybull
tfd 19.9.05 Pride Capital Group, Deerfield IL
listed at H&P closing-down auction 24.8.06 at Greybull. sold to Naval Aircraft Restoration Group: planned move to Robins AFB GA for rest. did not occur, reg 24.2.11 Harold Sheppard, Riverton WY
Lockheed C-130A
Hercules
N134FF
N130HP
56-0534
12.88-6.02
  130
Purchased 5.12.88 ex Hemet Valley Flying Service, Hemet CA
Rereg 2.89 N130HP during conv to tanker #130
destroyed 17.6.02 structural failure, wings broke away during fire attack Yosemite National Park WY
Lockheed C-130A

N132FF
N131HP
56-0534
12.88-2006
  131
Purchased 12.88 ex Hemet Valley Flying Service
Rereg 3.89 N131HP during conv. to tanker #131
tfd 19.9.05 Pride Capital Group, Deerfield IL
listed at H&P closing-down auction 24.8.06 at Greybull. sold to International Air Response AZ
Lockheed C-130AN133FF

56-0535
12.88-2006
    -
Purchased 12.88 ex Hemet Valley Flying Service
(however was ferried to Greybull 11.10.88 from Davis Monthan AFB AZ)
Stored Greybull in USAF camouflage, stripped for parts
tfd 19.9.05 Pride Capital Group, Deerfield IL
listed at H&P closing-down auction 24.8.06 at Greybull, sold to D & D Enterprises, Plantation FL
Lockheed C-130AN8026J
N133HP
57-0482
3.89-2006
  133
Registered 24.3.89 H&P
Rereg 6.89 N133HP during conv. to tanker #133
tfd 19.9.05 Pride Capital Group, Deerfield IL
listed at H&P closing-down auction 24.8.06 at Greybull. sold to International Air Response AZ
del. Greybull-Coolidge AZ 1.3.10
Lockheed C-130AN8053R
56-0496
5.89-7.89
    -
Registered 5.89 H&P,
Stored Greybull by 8.89 in USAF camouflage,
sold 31.7.89 to Roy D. Reagan, Medford OR
Lockheed C-130AN8055R
56-0507
5.89-7.89
    -
Registered 5.89 H&P,
Stored Greybull by 8.89 in USAF camouflage,
sold 31.7.89 to Roy D. Reagan, Medford OR
Rereg N45S, later repurchased by H&P: see below
Lockheed C-130A
N134HP
57-0511
12.89-2006
    -
Registered 12.89 H&P,
Stored Greybull 90-06 in USAF camouflage,
tfd 19.9.05 Pride Capital Group, Deerfield IL
listed at H&P closing-down auction 24.8.06 at Greybull, sold to purchaser Oakland Park FL
Lockheed C-130AN135HP
57-0459
12.89-2006
    -
Registered 12.89 H&P,
Stored Greybull 91-06 in USAF camouflage, stripped for parts
tfd 19.9.05 Pride Capital Group, Deerfield IL
listed at H&P closing-down auction 24.8.06 at Greybull, sold to Total Aerospace Services LLC, Navarre FL
Lockheed C-130AN45S
N4172Q
N132HP
56-0507
11.90
    -
Repurchased 11.90 from Roy D. Reagan: see above
Rereg 4.91 N4172Q
continued in storage Greybull in USAF camouflage
Rereg 12.98 N132HP
tfd 19.9.05 Pride Capital Group, Deerfield IL
listed at H&P closing-down auction 24.8.06 at Greybull, sold to Total Aerospace Services LLC, Navarre FL
continued in open storage Greybull
parked at Air Tanker Museum, Greybull
Lockheed C-130A-
56-0511
90-7.92
    -
Stored Greybull in USAF camouflage 90-92, no civil reg painted on aircraft,
Sold 27.7.92 to Hemet Valley Flying Service CA
Lockheed C-130AN8230H
57-0513
9.98-2006
    -
Acquired ex Pope AFB NC battle damage instructional airframe
Reg 8.9.98 H&P ferried to Greybull
Stored Greybull 00-06 in USAF grey scheme
tfd 19.9.05 Pride Capital Group, Deerfield IL
listed at H&P closing-down auction 24.8.06 at Greybull, sold to purchaser Oakland Park FL
continued in open storage Greybull
Lockheed P-3A Orion
-
Bu150529
90-05
     -
Stored Greybull 90-05 in US Navy markings
broken-up Greybull in 2005
Lockheed P-3A-
P.3-5, "22-24"
Bu150510
90-04
     -
Stored Greybull 90-94 in Spanish AF markings
Reg 1.04 N917AU Aero Union Corp, Chico CA
Douglas C-54
N90203
45-481
1.93-2006
  166
Purchased 1.93 ex Hemet Valley Air Services #166
operated by H&P as tanker #166
leased c06 to Aeroflite, Kingman AZ as #166
retired Kingman by 2010-2015
Reg 4.13 Harold Sheppard, Riverton WY
Fairchild C-82A
Stewart Davis Jet Packet 3400B
N9701F
45-57814
8.92-2006
     -
Purchased 12.8.92 ex Alaska Aircraft Leasing, Anchorage: freighter, retired ANC since 1987,
ferried Anchorage-Greybull 9.92 by Gene Powers,
Painted in USAF markings at Greybull,
visited Oshkosh 7.97 and 7.98,
retired Greybull .00, open storage 00-06
tfd 20.6.00 D & G Inc, Greybull
tfd 19.9.05 Pride Capital Group, Deerfield IL
listed at H&P closing-down auction 24.8.06 at Greybull. sold to Hagerstown Aviation Museum, Hagerstown MD (which featured Fairchild aircraft)
del. Greybull-Hagerstown 15.10.06
Fairchild C-82A
Stewart Davis Jet Packet 3200
N8009E
44-23027
8.92-2006
    -
Purchased 16.6.95 ex Flying B Inc, Anchorage
(probably via Darryl Greenamayer):
retired freighter open storage Anchorage since 1987,
dismantled at Anchorage, by road to Greybull .95,
stored dismantled at Greybull as parts for N9701F,
included in sale of N9701F to Hagerstown Museum
Fairchild C-82A
Stewart Davis Jet Packet 1600
N5102B
45-577826.95-2006
    -
Purchased 16.6.95 ex Darryl Greenamayer,
stripped hulk at Anchorage, open storage since 1975
dismantled at Anchorage, by road to Greybull .95,
stored dismantled at Greybull,
included in sale of N9701F to Hagerstown Museum


Hawkins and Powers Aviation home base, Little Big Horn County Airport, Greybull Wyoming, October 1992.
35 H&P aircraft can be seen on the storage ramp in foreground and maintenance hangar area top right.
         Photo by Geoff Goodall



Gene Powers (left) with fellow air tanker veteran Denny Lynch of Lynch Air Tankers, Montana. Greybull 1992.
Gene had ferried the Fairchild C-82 to Greybull from Alaska a few weeks earlier.       Photo by Geoff Goodall


PB4Y-2 N7962C #126 landing at Billings MT August 1989 while working a nearby mountain wild fire.
Photo by John Chapman


N7962C soon after delivery to Greybull in 1959 still in US Navy midnight blue paint.    Photo by Milo Peltzer


Hawkins & Powers operated Consolidated PB4Y-2 Privateer fire bombers from its start in 1969 until 2005.
Ex Coast Guard PB4Y-2G N2870G #122 is seen during the 1970s in an early paint scheme


PB4Y-2G N7620C #123 at Lancaster CA in November 1992.                             Photo by Geoff Goodall


Former US Navy PB4Y-2 N6884C #127 at the Fox Field Attack Base, Lancaster CA in September 1981.
                      The turret nose has been redesigned utilising an jet trainer canopy and the side gun blisters removed.                     
Photo by Geoff Goodall



Hawkins & Powers Aviation emblem of Smokey Bear riding a Privateer


N2871G #121 was the only H&P Privateer painted all white.  Seen having its retardant tank filled at Fox Field
California in September 1981 while working a mountain fire at Tehachapi.               Photo by Geoff Goodall


     A few minutes later N2871G #121 taxies from the replenishing ramp to return to the fire


Parts-ship PB4Y-2 N3431G ex US Navy Bu66313 at Greybull in September 1979, still in faded Navy blue.
Remarkably it was rebuilt to airworthy by H&P 1981-1982 using sections from the wreck of N2870G #122,
and flown to NAS Pensacola in a trade deal with the US Navy Aviation Museum.   Photo by Geoff Goodall


The stripped hulk of N3431G after rebuild by H&P, displayed at NAS Pensacola, Forida in 1992


Mortal remains of N2870G #122 in the H&P junk area at Greybull August 1989.         Photo by John Chapman


N383S tanker #133 at the Lancaster-Fox Field CA attack base in September 1977.          Photo by Geoff Goodall


 N3559 tanker #137 at Fairbanks AK during September 1979.                                    Photo by Geoff Goodall


Colourful C-119G N48076 tanker #135 at Fox Field CA during September 1977. Although this one-off paint scheme
has the RCAF style lightning flash, it was in fact a former USAF C-119G.                 Photo by Geoff Goodall


N15506 heads a line of stored ex-RCAF C-119Gs at Greybull WY in September 1979.       Photo by Geoff Goodall


This advertisement was run in Trade-A-Plane newspaper during May 1984


N3935 tanker #139 retired at Greybull in August 1989.                                         Photo by John Chapman


Will the real N3003 please stand up? Here's N3003 #03 with underwing spraybars at Greybull in August 1989.
 The stripped hulk of RCAF 22106 painted as N3003 was nearby.                     Photo by John Chapman


The duplicitous N3003 in action as a fish hauler at Homer Alaska during the 1981 fish airlift.      Photo by Larry Klaus


Oldest member of the H&P fleet was this 1938 model Douglas B-18B, seen retired at Gtreybull October 1979.
Traded to the USAF Museum, it was flown out to Castle AFB CA in October 1981.   Photo by Geoff Goodall


Lockheed Lodestar N505R retired at Greybull in 1979 was also traded to the USAF Museum despite the
extensive civil modifications to wings, tailplane and extended nose.
              Photo by Geoff Goodall


The H&P B-18 and Lodestar at Castle AFB in 1982 parked on a B-52 ramp while the museum display area
was prepared. The Lodestar was allocated to the March AFB museum collection in southern California.


The other H&P crew ferry Lodestar N880V at Greybull in August 2000, looking very sharp after overhaul
and repaint by Hawkins and Powers during 1995-1997.                                     Photo by Gordon Reid


Beech C-45F N7391C retired in the junk area at Greybull in 1979, with H&P Kaman HH-43s behInd.
This Beech was later restored for the Air Tanker Museum at Greybull.       Photo by Geoff Goodall


Kaman Huskies N2843J, N2856J and Bu146320 in the junk heap at Greybull 1979.
N2843J had a chemical tank installed in the cabin.       Photo by Geoff Goodall


Hawkins & Powers Douglas C-117D N2123Y at Los Angeles-LAX in March 1984 on a freight run.
Photo by John Wegg


Two former US Navy Douglas C-118As were used for spraying. N233HP at Greybull in August 1989.
Photo by Geoff Goodall


A long way from Greybull: H&P Fairchild F-27F N127HP seen at Perth, West Australia in November 1989.
It carried mining workers to the Argyle Diamonds mine in the far north of WA during an Australian airline
  pilot strike, replacing the Ansett WA F.28s which had flown the contract.            Photo by Walter Civitico


Hawkins & Powers Inc badge on the F-27F's fin.  Perth WA November 1989.           Photo by Walter Civitico


Douglas A-26 N126HP on the H&P maintenance ramp at Greybull in August 1989.   Photo by John Chapman


N4846N was typical of the stored ex US Navy Neptunes at Greybull in October 1992.  Photo by Geoff Goodall


Lockheed SP-2H Neptune N140HP tanker #140 at Greybull in October 1992.         Photo by Geoff Goodall


One of the first C-130As was N133HP seen at Greybull in August 1989.  It became tanker #133
          Photo by Geoff Goodall



 C-130A N131HP tanker #131 at Greybull in October 1992 in H&P standard red and cream paint scheme.
Photo by Geoff Goodall


Former Spanish Navy P-3A 1505610 stored at Greybull in October 1992.             Photo by Geoff Goodall


The one and only H&P Douglas C-54 tanker #166 at Greybull in August 1997.        Photo by Terry Fletcher


Fairchild C-82 Packet N9701F was purchased in Alaska in August 1992 and ferried to Greybull by Gene Powers.
Asked why he purchased the veteran USAF transport, Gene said "well I couldn't let them scrap it".
It was used for occasional freight work and Gene twice flew it to Oshkosh.     Photo by Geoff Goodall


Hemet Valley Flying Service Inc, Hemet California
Hemet Valley Flying Service Inc, Hemet-Ryan Field and 418 S Juanita, Hemet CA.
Later postal address: 1121 L Street, Sacramento CA
Operational base was Hemet-Ryan Field CA, with a maintenance hangar at Stockton CA.

Founded as an aerial application business by Jim Venable, Hemet CA as an associate company of his Venable Aircraft Co Inc., Hemet CA
Jim Venable commenced at Hemet in 1952 as aerial agricultural operation WHV Flying Service (Willcox, Hanna,Venable) conducting cropdusting in California and Mexico. Venable Aircraft Co was a family business, Jim's son Lloyd was cropdusting at the age of 16 and Jim's brother Bob was killed in a Stearman crash in 1966.
By 1960s Venable Aircraft Co Inc provided FBO services at Hemet-Ryan Field with modern GA aircraft. In the late 1960s operated Beech D18S N64R as Valley Airlines on passenger services to LAX but discontinued after a few years.
Jim Venable retired as HVFS President during the 1980s and was later elected as a Hemet city councillor and Riverside County Board Supervisor He died at Hemet on 17 March 2016 at age 79.

HVFS commenced fire tanker operations circa 1957 by modifying Stearman biplanes to drop a hopper load of water or retardant on fires.
The last two retired Stearman tankers #5 and #7 were parked at the back of the HVFS hangar at Hemet into the late 1960s. The Stearmans had been replaced by much higher load capacity military surplus Grumman TBM Avengers. The HVFS Avengers gained significant USFS contracts each summer and grew to a large fleet., all painted in the distinctive Lencia Orange, this bright orange colour increasing their visibility in the air and on the ground in the event of accident.
During the 1971 and 1972 forest spruce budworm spraying seasons prior to each summer, HVFS deployed TBMs to Canada, each with fire tanker gear modified to drive insecticide chemicals through wing spray bars. At the end of each contract they returned to California to be reconfigured for fire bombing in time for the summer. However the USFS was increasingly concerned at the high loss rate for single-engined tankers during fire operations, almost inevitably with the death of the pilot. From the end of ther 1973 season, no more USFS fire bombing contracts would be given to single-engined tankers. HVFS' remaining six TBMs were lined up at the Stockton maintenace base awaiting resale. However the company had already moved into PBY-6A Catalinas equipped for retardant delivery. Most were modified to Super Cats re-engined with more powerful Wright R-2600s and other improvements. 
In 1970 HVFS successfully tendered for annual fire bombing contracts offered by the Chilean Government, which until then had been operated by Canadian opeerators Kenting and Field Aviation. Two HVFS Catalinas made the long ferry flight south and flew tanker oprerations during the Chilean summer, which was winter down-time back in California. HVFS was to return to Chile in late 1974 when a Catalina of successful tenderer Sis-Q Flying Services was stranded on an airstrip in southern Mexico with a u/s engine. Aero Union flew down a replacement engine in one of their C-119Cs but it blew an engine while trying to depart. Hawkins & Powers were chartered to collect a replacement engine for the C-119C and deliver it with an AU maintenance crew to Mexico. Meanwhile HVFS agreed to send a Catalina to Chile to commence the fire bombing contract.

In 1970 a significant agreement with California Division of Forestry was signed. With two other Californian tanker operators, Aero Union Corp and Sis-Q Flying Service, HVFS would operate Grumman Tracker tankers supplied by and owned by CDF. The first two were ferried into Hemet during 1971 and two years later HVFS installed retardant tanks to CDF design. The tanks and delivery system were redesigned for the many following CDF Tracker fire bombers. The CDF contract with Trackers deployed to bases throughout California was to be a major part of HVFS business for the next 20 years. Up to a dozen CDF Trackers woud be seen at Hemet having winter maintenance. In 1983 HVFS was to acquire 5 retired Japanese Navy Trackers which were shipped to California and parked at Hemet.

The next big step was the 1974 purchase all five Aero Union Fairchild C-119C Flying Boxcar tankers. The deal included all spares and engineering equipment plus 5 additional C-119Cs held in a contractors yard on the boundary of Davis Monthan AFB AZ. These spare aircraft were in the open weather and badly deteriorated, although one had been worked on by Aero Union ground crews in preparation to be flown out - HVFS assessed it as beyond their capability to complete, so all six were broken up for parts, which were sent by road to Hemet.

In a joint venture with Hawkins & Powers Aviation, a Boeing KC-97L Stratotanker N1365N was modified at Stockton 1982-83 as a fire bomber and flown on USFS heavy tanker trials over the next two summers. It was then leased to Hawkins & Powers who based it at Fairbanks AK on contract to Alaskan State authorities and BLM for fire and transport work until 1991 when sold to H&P. The two companies had colaborated on the engineering and certification of this first KC-97L tanker and both had ferried another KC-97L to Stockton to be converted, but in the event no more tanker conversions were completed.

Collaboration with Hawkins & Powers Aviation continued at the end of that decade when both operators received a number of ex USAF C-130A Hercules in an exchange deal brokered within the USFS to get operators into turbine tankers. It involved the USAF Museum in a separate arrangement to its long-running Heritage Program trading surplus USAF aircraft for retired tankers which were restored to military configuration and displayed at USAF Base museums across the country.
Unfortunately this new USFS deal was to become part of the infamous Air Tanker Scandal that resulted in jail sentences for two key players. HVFS traded its retired C-119Cs while H&P traded its retired C-119Gs at Greybull. A ten year investigation took its toll on the personnel of the main tanker companies involved and certainly contributed to HVFS ceasing operations in 1996. Another factor was the ramifications of the NTSB investigations into structural failure of C-130A N135FF which shed the right wing on 13 August 1994 in level flight near Palmdale CA while enroute cruise to a fire, killing the three crew. The cause was traced to fatigue cracks not detected during maintenance.

Identified agricultural sprayers/dusters:
Boeing Stearman: N1263N, N56787, N59792, N62719, N63026, N67348, N69096
Emair MA-1B Paymaster (Stearman conversion) N88898
Navy N3N: N45062, N44835
PA-36 Pawnee Brave: N57808, N9984P
PZL M-18 Dromader N4206A

Other aircraft:
Aero Commander 500B N1HV
Piper Aztec N5391Y
Piper J3 Cub N9200W
Cessna 182s N3128Y, N3165S, N3775U, N2303R, N9333G, N92465
Cessna 180 N5915E
Beech 33 Debonair N936T
Beech C-45H N9805Z (AF-652) 1962-64

Grumman TBM-3
Avenger
N9830C
Bu53540
10.58-7.59
 
Reg 21.10.58 HVFS
crashed 5.7.59 in mountains Yucaipa CA
Grumman TBM-3N7229C
Bu86195
by59-8.71
  E71
dest. by fire 30.8.71 Ojai CA after forced landing due engine fire during fire attack
Grumman TBM-3N5168V
Bu53592
by59-3.75
  E68
retired 1973, stored Stockton CA
Sold 18.3.75 to Hillcrest Aircraft Co, Idaho
Grumman TBM-3N5170V
Bu53886
by59-7.62
  E70
crashed 22.7.62 Beaumont CA during fire attack
Grumman TBM-3N9082Z
Bu53727
1.60-7.70
  E73
Reg 20.1.60 HVFS
crashed 28.7.70 Bear Mountain CA fire bombing
Grumman TBM-3N3356G
Bu85844
8.62-7.70
  E75
(Previously USFS trials aircraft N106Z)
Reg N3356G to HVFS 8.62
crashed 28.7.70 Columbia CA during fire attack
Grumman TBM-3
N7833C
Bu91289
by60-4.75
  E56
  E74
stored Hemet 5.60 Navy markings, hand-painted reg
retired 1973, stored Stockston
sold 4.75 to Hillcrest Aircraft Co, Idaho
Grumman TBM-3N5169V
Bu53825
by63
 
off USCR by 1964
Grumman TBM-3N3357G
Bu53858
by63-4.75
  E72forced landing gear-up San Jacinto CA c67, repaired
retired 1973, stored Stockton CA
Sold 17.4.75 to Hillcrest Aircraft Co, Idaho
Grumman TBM-3N9679C
Bu69293
7.64-7.68
  E96
Purchased 29.7.64 ex Routh Aircraft as tanker #E96
crashed 20.7.68 San Jacinto Mountains CA while fire bombing
Grumman TBM-3N9860C
Bu86118
1964-9.70
  E95
Purchased .64 ex Routh Aircraft as tanker #E95
crashed 4.9.70 near Ramona CA while fire bombing
Grumman TBM-3N7161C
Bu86064
c64-4.75
  E97
Purchased .64 ex Routh Aircraft as tanker #E97
retired 1973, stored Stockton CA
Sold 12.4.75 to Hillcrest Aircraft Co, Idaho
Grumman TBM-3N9434Z
Bu86090
c67-4.75
  E52
Purchased .67 ex Sis-Q Flying Service tanker #E52
retired 1973, stored Stockton CA
Sold 12.4.75 to Hillcrest Aircraft Co, Idaho
Grumman TBM-3N9548Z
Bu91598
c67-c71
  E76
Purchased .67 ex Rector Air Service as tanker #E76
sold c71 to Reeder Flying Service, Twin Falls ID
Grumman TBM-3
N6825C
Bu85883
c68-9.71
  E37
Purchased c67 ex Sis-Q Flying Service tanker #E37
crashed 4.9.71 Placerville CA during retardant drop
Grumman TBM-3N66475
Bu69344
c71-c75

Purchased c71 ex AVAircraft Inc as a sprayer
unconfirmed if used as fire tanker by HVFS
retired at Stockton by 74, no tanker #.
traded to US Navy Aviation Museum,
displ. on carrier USS Yorktown, Charleston SC
North American B-25J Mitchell
N10564
44-29887
5.65-10.68
    -
Purchased 5.65 ex Parsons Airpark, Capentiria CA as tanker #E91 after USFS goundeding .63 of B-25s ferried to Hemet where the Wright R-2600 engines were removed for Super Cat conversions,
open storage engineless Hemet 66-68
sold 10.68 to Tallmantz Aviation, Orange County CA for the movie Catch 22
Consolidated PBY-6A Catalina
Super Cat
N6453C
Bu64041
c67-5.79
  E54
  54
  85
Purchased c67 ex Cal-Nat Airways CA tanker #E54 modified at Hemet 69 with R-2600s as Super Cat
flew to Chile late 70 for summer fire bombing contract
sold 5.79 to Flying Fireman, Canada as C-GFFI
PBY-6A Catalina
Super Cat
N6458C
Bu46644
10.68-12.78
  E83
  83
Purchased 21.10.68 ex Ace Demers Oregon #F33 sold 12.78 to Flying Fireman, Canada as C-GFFH
PBY-6A Catalina
Super Cat
N6459C
Bu46653
10.68-7.70
  E77
Purchased 21.10.68 ex Ace Demers Oregon #F11
modified at Hemet 70 with R-2600s as Super Cat
crashed destroyed 18.7.70 landing Columbia CA
PBY-6A Catalina
Super Cat
N6456C
Bu63996
.70-12.78
  E84
  84
 
Purchased .70 ex Jack Urich CA ex open storage at Long Beach CA untanked, ferried to Hemet .70
tanked at Hemet 70 and re-engined with Wright R-2600s as Super Cat
rear fuse dam. by APU fire on ground, Stockton .77
rear fuse & tail grafted from the HVFS spare PBY-5A airframe: flying again within 10 days!
sold 12.78 to Flying Fireman, Canada as C-GFFJ
PBY-5A Catalina
-
US Navy "204"
by70-c80

Spare parts airframe purchased from Bird Corp,
Palm Springs CA
fuselage standing on its undercarriage Hemet 70-79 original US Navy blue markings "204",
sold to Robert Schlaefli for SLAFCO spares
Douglas DC-7B
N401US
c/n 45127
4.73-1975
   97
   14
Purchased ex Arthur W. McDonnell, Mojave CA
(ex long-term storage in California Airmotive prop airliner compound at Lancaster-Fox CA),
del. to HVFS base at Stockton CA,
tanked ,74 by Aero Union at Chico CA for HVFS, flew the 1974 summer with HVFS then traded to Aero Union as part of the C-119C purchase deal.
Resold by AU 3.76 to Butler Aircraft Co OR #97
Douglas DC-7B
N842D
c/n 45448
c73-1975
    -
Purchased ex storage at George T. Baker Aviation School, Miami Airport FL
ferried to Stockton CA where parked 74,
not tanked
traded to Aero Union, Chico as part of the C-119C
purchase deal, ferried Stockton-Chico by 8.75
parked, later stripped for parts Chico
Fairchild C-119C
Flying Boxcar
N13742
49-194
.74-7.81
   85
   88
Purchased .74 ex Aero Union, Chico CA
destroyed due structural failure 8.7.81, left wing broke away during fire attack Los Padres Forest CA
Fairchild C-119C N13743
49-132
.74-92
   81
Purchased .74 ex Aero Union, Chico CA #E12
retired Hemet 87-92, traded to USAF Museum
del. .92 to Pima Air and Space Museum, Tucson AZ where displayed as tanker #81
Fairchild C-119C N13744
49-199
.74-92
   86
Purchased .74 ex Aero Union, Chico CA #E13
retired Hemet 87-92, traded to USAF Museum
del. .92 to Castle AFB Museum CA painted as
"USAF 9199"
Fairchild C-119C N13745
48-322
.74-92
   82
Purchased .74 ex Aero Union, Chico CA #C14
retired Hemet 87-92, traded to USAF Museum
del. .92 to Milestones of Flight Museum, Lancaster-Fox Field CA, displ. as tanker #82
Fairchild C-119C N13746
48-352
.74-92
   87
Purchased .74 ex Aero Union, Chico CA
retired Hemet 87-92, traded to USAF Museum
del. 92 to Edwards AFB Museum CA painted as "USAF 48-0352"
Fairchild C-119C
(N9955F)
49-133
.74-c88

Aero Union spares airframe, stored Petrovski's yard Davis Monthan AFB, became Desert Air Parts yard
broken-up for parts in 80s
Fairchild C-119C (N9966F)
51-2605
.74-c88

Aero Union spares airframe, stored Petrovski's yard Davis Monthan AFB, became Desert Air Parts yard
broken-up for parts in 80s
Fairchild C-119C (N9959F)
51-2608
.74-c88

Aero Union spares airframe, stored Petrovski's yard Davis Monthan AFB, became Desert Air Parts yard
broken-up for parts in 80s
Fairchild C-119C (N9961F)
51-2610
.74-c88

Aero Union spares airframe, stored Petrovski's yard Davis Monthan AFB, became Desert Air Parts yard
airframe moved to Hemet by 8.88, stripped for parts
Fairchild C-119C (N9960F)
51-2618
.74-c88

Aero Union spares airframe, stored Petrovski's yard Davis Monthan AFB, became Desert Air Parts yard
broken-up for parts in 80s
Boeing KC-97L Stratotanker
N1365D
52-895
.82-11.89
  (44)
 
Purchased .82 ex Dross Metals Inc, Tucson AZ, ferried to Stockton CA by 6.82
planned conv. to fire tanker, USFS allocated #44,
but remained stored Stockton 82-89
sold 11.89 to Erickson Air Crane, Medford OR
Delivered 8.11.89 from Stockton to Medford
Boeing KC-97L N1365N
52-2698
.82-85
  (35)
   84
Purchased .82 ex Dross Metals Inc, Tucson AZ, ferried to Stockton CA by 6.82
conv. to fire tanker, USFS allocated #35,
changed to #84 before it entered service,
operated by HVFS as fire bomber 83-84 seasons,
leased .85-91 to Hawkins & Powers Aviation, Greybull WY as tanker #84 operated in Alaska
sold 12.4.91 to H&P
Boeing KC-97L N1365P
53-361
.82-c90
     -
Purchased .82 ex Dross Metals Inc, Tucson AZ, stored in DMI yard Davis-Monthan AFB AZ,
Reg 1.83 HVFS but remained in storage DMI yard, stripped for parts; broken-up for scrap 2010.
Boeing KC-97L
N1396F
52-2606
.82
-
Purchased .82 ex Dross Metals Inc, Tucson AZ, stripped for parts in DMI yard Davis-Monthan AFB AZ,
broken-up for scrap by 10.82
Grumman TS-2A
Tracker
N400DF
Bu136458
73-84
  70
 
Operated for California Division of Forestry
Del. to Hemet .71 ex Davis-Monthan AFB AZ, stored until .73 when conv. to tanker by HVFS with CDF prototype tank design
retired Hemet by 83, stipped for parts, scrapped
Grumman US-2A
N401DF
Bu136490
(73-83)
   -
California Division of Forestry contract
Del to Hemet, stripped as parts source, scrapped c83
Grumman TS-2A
N402DF
Bu136507
(73-83)
   -
California Division of Forestry contract
Del to Hemet, stripped as parts source, scrapped c83
Grumman TS-2A
N403DF
Bu136514
73-87
  71
 
Operated for California Division of Forestry
Del. to Hemet .71 ex Davis-Monthan AFB AZ, stored until .73 when conv. to tanker by HVFS with CDF prototype tank design;
retired Hemet by 87, stripped for parts, scrapped
Grumman TS-2A
N419DF
Bu133234
(75-83)
   -
California Division of Forestry contract
Del. to HVFS at Stockton CA as parts source,  stripped hulk by 77
Grumman TS-2AN405DF
Bu133295
78-94
  72
Operated for California Division of Forestry
midair collision 9.10.79 with Piper PA-38 but  landed safely Ramona CA
tfd .94 to Serv-Air Inc, Rancho Cordova CA #72
Grumman TS-2AN406DF
Bu133322
78-94
  73
Operated for California Division of Forestry
tfd .94 to Serv-Air Inc, Rancho Cordova CA #73
Grumman US-2A
N411DF
Bu136567
75-94
  74
Operated for California Division of Forestry
tfd .94 to Serv-Air Inc, Rancho Cordova CA #74
Grumman US-2AN412DF
Bu133251
78-94
  78
Operated for California Division of Forestry
tfd .78 ex Aero Union, Chico CA #22
tanker number changed to #78 with HVFS
tfd .94 to Serv-Air Inc, Rancho Cordova CA #78
Grumman S-2AN404DF
Bu136399
78-6.79
  80
Operated for California Division of Forestry
tfd .78 ex Aero Union, Chico CA #30
tanker number changed to #80 with HVFS
dest. 13.6.79 during fire attack Plumas Forest CA
Grumman US-2A
N436DF
Bu133081
78-9.84
  100
Operated for California Division of Forestry
dest. 28.9.84 during fire attack near Monterey CA
Grumman US-2AN415DF
Bu136715
78-6.86
  77
Operated for California Division of Forestry
dest. 29.6.86 during practice drop Calaveras CA
Grumman US-2AN417DF
Bu133090
78-94
  78
  76
Operated for California Division of Forestry
tfd .94 to Serv-Air Inc, Rancho Cordova CA #76
Grumman US-2AN420DF
Bu136479
76-94
  75
Operated for California Division of Forestry
tfd .94 to Serv-Air Inc, Rancho Cordova CA #75
Grumman TS-2A
N442DF
Bu133284
85-94
  70
Operated for California Division of Forestry
tfd .94 to Serv-Air Inc, Rancho Cordova CA #70
Grumman US-2B
N416DF (2
Bu136704
85-94
   26
   96
Operated for California Division of Forestry
tfd .94 to Serv-Air Inc, Rancho Cordova CA #96
Grumman TS-2A
N447DF
Bu136508
86-94
   93
Operated for California Division of Forestry
tfd ex Sis-Q Flying Service, Santa Rosa CA #93
Grumman TS-2A
N453DF
Bu136663
86-94
   91
Operated for California Division of Forestry
tfd ex Sis-Q Flying Service, Santa Rosa CA #91
tfd .94 to Serv-Air Inc, Rancho Cordova CA #91
Grumman US-2A
N446DF
Bu133204
86-94
   94
Operated for California Division of Forestry
tfd ex Sis-Q Flying Service, Santa Rosa CA #94
tfd .94 to Serv-Air Inc, Rancho Cordova CA #94
Grumman TS-2A
N423DF (2
Bu133275
86-94
  77
Operated for California Division of Forestry
tfd .94 to Serv-Air Inc, Rancho Cordova CA #77
Grumman TS-2A
N436DF (2
Bu136536
87-94
  100
Operated for California Division of Forestry
tfd .94 to Serv-Air Inc, Rancho Cordova CA #100
Grumman TS-2A
N427DF (2
Bu136641
88-6.92
   92
Operated for California Division of Forestry
dest. 19.6.92 during fire attack near Columbia CA
Grumman TS-2A
N448DF (2
Bu144723
88-94
   95
Operated for California Division of Forestry
tfd .94 to Serv-Air Inc, Rancho Cordova CA #95
Grumman TS-2A
Marsh Turbo Tracker
N426DF (2
Bu136613
88-94
  180
Operated for California Division of Forestry
Grumman US-2B
N404DF (2
Bu136546
88-94
   80
Operated for California Division of Forestry
tfd .94 to Serv-Air Inc, Rancho Cordova CA #80
Grumman TS-2A
N443DF
Bu133224
93-94
   71
Operated for California Division of Forestry
tfd .94 to Serv-Air Inc, Rancho Cordova CA #71
Grumman S-2A
N3880N
JMSDF 4101
Bu136579
(83-94)
   -
Purchased by HVFS at Japanese disposal auction,
shipped to California, arr. Long Beach port 10.83
stored Hemet as a parts source
Grumman TS-2A
N3933C
JMSDF 4118
Bu136670
(83-94)
   -
Purchased by HVFS at Japanese disposal auction,
shipped to California, arr. Long Beach port 10.83
stored Hemet as a parts source
Grumman TS-2A
N3933D
JMSDF 4124
Bu136676
(83-94)
   -
Purchased by HVFS at Japanese disposal auction, ex storage at Kanoya AB, Japan : spare parts source
Grumman TS-2A
-
JMSDF 4127
Bu136679
(83-94)
   -
Purchased by HVFS at Japanese disposal auction,
shipped to California, arr. Long Beach port 10.83
stored Hemet as a parts source
Grumman S-2A
-
JMSDF 4146
Bu136745
(83-94)
    -
Purchased by HVFS at Japanese disposal auction,
shipped to California, arr. Long Beach port 10.83
stored Hemet as a parts source,
only Japanese Tracker remaining by 95
restored 99-00 Hemet for display "CDF tanker #70"
CDF Fire Attack Base memorial park, Hemet CA
Douglas DC-4
N90203
c/n 35934
85-1.93
  166
Leased ex Ken Spiva for the 1985 fire season already tanked as #166; purchased 7.10.85
Sold 1.93 to Hawkins & Powers Aviation #166
Fairchild C-123K
Provider

N3142D
54-0580
.87-90
   63
Purchased .87 ex TBM Inc as tanker #63
del. 90 to Pima Air & Space Museum, Tucson AZ as part of USFS exchange programe to acquire C-130As
Lockheed C-130A
Hercules
N131FF
56-0530
8.88-96
   81
Reg 8.88 HVFS, tanked at Hemet 89
sold 8.89 to Michael Zicka Leasing Co, lsd HVFS
sold 3.7.90 Aero Firefighting Service Co, Anaheim CA but leased back to HVFS
leased for periods to Securite Civile, France
Lockheed C-130A
N132FF (1
56-0534
8.88-1.89

Reg 8.88 HVFS
Reg 1.89 Hawkins & Powers Aviation WY
Rereg 3.89 N131HP tanked as #131
Lockheed C-130A N132FF (2
56-0511
7.92-96
   83
Allocated to H&P, stored Greybull WY 90-91
Reg 27.7.92 HVFS, conv. to tanker at Hemet 93,
op as tanker #83 in camouflage 93-96
sold 29.1.97 Aero Firefighting Service Co, Anaheim CA
Lockheed C-130A N133FF
56-0535
8.88-10.88
    -
Reg 8.88 HVFS
transferred to Hawkins & Powers Aviation, Greybull WY:  del. 11.10.88 Davis Monthan AFB to Greybull;
Reg 1.89 H&P Aviation: stripped for parts Greybull
Lockheed C-130A N134FF
56-0538
8.88-12.88
 
Reg 8.88 HVFS
Reg 5.12.88 Hawkins & Powers Aviation WY
Rereg 2.89 N130HP tanked as #130
Lockheed C-130A N135FF
56-0540
8.88-8.94
   82 Reg 8.88 HVFS, tanked at Hemet 89
sold 8.89 to Michael Zicka Leasing Co, lsd HVFS
tanked at Hemet, completed 6.90
sold 3.7.90 Aero Firefighting Service Co, Anaheim CA but leased back to HVFS
leased for periods to Securite Civile, France
dest. 13.8.94 Pearblossom CA when right wing broke away in level flight due fatigue cracks
Lockheed C-130A N136FF
56-0541
(8.88-96)
    -
Reg 8.88 HVFS
stored contractor's yard Davis Monthan AFB AZ,  stripped for parts
Lockheed C-130A N137FF
56-0484
(8.88-96)
    -
Reg 8.88 HVFS
stored contractor's yard Davis Monthan AFB AZ,  stripped for parts
Lockheed C-130A N138FF
57-0520
6.89-96
   88
Reg 20.6.89 HVFS
sold 3.1.90 Pacific Gateway Investments, Orange CA, leased back to HVFS
stored Hemet 90 USAF camouflage, tanked by 94
Lockheed C-130A
N8053R
N134FF (2
56-0496
(11.90-96)
    -
Reg 8.11.90 Aero Firefighting Service Co, Anaheim CA ex Roy Reagan, Medford OR
stored Hemet unconv USAF camouflage from 91








N5168V #E68 heads a line of HVFS Lencia Orange painted Grumman TBM-3 Avengers in this 1960 picture.
Steve Whitbey collection


HVFS Grumman TBM N3357G tanker #E72


Tanker #72's pilot waits between sorties while the retardant tank is filled at Hemet-Ryan Field, May 1967


              N6825C #E37 at Columbia CA in July 1971. It crashed during a retardant drop two months later.               
Photo by Jay Sherlock



TBM N9494Z # E52 at Hemet during April 1972.                                            Photo by Paul Veenboer


A fine study of HVFS TBM N9548Z #E76 at the Paso Robles CA fire attack base during September 1970.
Photo by Gordon Reid


B-25J Mitchell N10564 was acquired by HVFS just for its Wright R-2600s, to be used to upgrade the Catalinas.
Pictured retired at Hemet during 1965. "US Department of Agriculture USFS" on rear fuselage was a leftover
from its use on USFS trials
in 1962 to evaluate B-25 airframe stresses during fire bombing.


PBY-6A N6453C tanker #E54 at Santa Barbara-Goleta CA in August 1971.             Photo by Gordon Reid


N6453C at Hemet CA in February 1972 after repaint in white "Super Cat" scheme.  Photo by Gordon Reid


N6453C again, at the HVFS maintenance base at Stockton CA in July 1978, with new tranker #85.
Photo by Barney B. Deatrick


PBY-6A "Super Cat" tanker #E84 at home base Hemet CA in February 1972.          Photo by Gordon Reid


HVFS Douglas DC-7 tanker #14 in action at Ontario CA during September 1975


N400DF was the first of the many Grumman S-2A Tracker tanker conversions for the Californian Department of Forestry,
carried out during 1973 by HVFS and operated on contract by HVFS as tanker #70.           Photo by Paul Veenboer


California Division of Forestry S-2ATracker N436DF #100 landing at Fox Field CA in September 1981.
Hemet Valley Flying Service is painted on the rear nacelles.            Photo by Geoff Goodall


USFS workers enjoy the shade under Fairchild C-119C N13743 at Lancaster-Fox Field in September 1979
Photo by Geoff Goodall


Hemet Valley's C-119C N13745 #82 dropping retardant down a steep slope.              Photo: wildfire.com


HVFS Boeing KC-97L N1365D at Stockton CA October 1983, tailplane dismantled to avoid wind damage.
Photo by Gordon Reid


Advertisement from Trade-A-Plane newspaper in September 1984


Hemet Valley Flying Service C-123K N3142D at Pima Air & Space Museum, Tucson AZ after it was traded in a
US Forest Service program in exchange for USAF surplus C-130As.
                        Photo by John Chapman


Hemet-Ryan Field USFS Fire Attack Base in 1992, with visiting C-54 tanker #151.   Photo by John Chapman


Artwork on this Hemet-Ryan Field retardant tank depicts HVFS Tracker #72.         Photo by John Chapman

Henderson Air Service, Willows California
Harold Henderson, 651 S Merrill Street, Willows CA
Agricultural spraying business which flew Navy N3N biplanes fitted as air tankers in the mid 1950s during the formative years of California fire bombing. Harold Henderson joined with other spraying companies like Willows Air Service to provide squadrons of tankers in 1957 whch attacked mountain wild fires in groups or individually, dropping "Borate" brand retardant powder hand-mixed with water to a heavy consistency.
By the early 1960s the comany returned to agicutural work only and became Henderson Air Service.
Naval Aircraft Factory N3N
N45233
c/n 2634
56-69
  65
noted 5.66 at Willows County Airport
NAF N3N
N45102
c/n 4499
56-66

noted 5.66 at Willows County Airport


Thomas E. Herrod, Geraldine, Montana, later Billings Montana  *
Thomas E.Herrod, Box 45, Geraldine MT  to Box 617 Billings MT by 1962
Originally traded as Aerial Agricultural Service of Montana at Geraldine, traded under his own name at Billings.
His Billings base was a hangar at Billings-Logan Airport, where he also operated a small flying school using Piper Cherokees
Other aircraft:
PA-28 Cherokee 140s: N6789W, N6991W
Cessna 182 N8672T
Boeing Stearman
N55164
c/n 75-4235
by63-1.66
 
sprayer
sold 27.1.66 to Lewis Roberts, Huntley MT
Boeing Stearman
N66305
c/n 75-5166
by63-64

sprayer
sold c64 to Skyways Inc, Cody WA
Beech C-45F
N8039H
44-87175
4.57-12.70

Registered 29.4.57 Aerial Ag Service of Montana ex USAF disposals, tanked for spraying
Reg cancelled 13.12.70
sold .70 to J.W. Duff Aircraft Parts, Denver CO
Beech C-45F
N8040H
44-87196
.57-c68

Registered 29.4.57 Aerial Ag Service of Montana ex USAF disposals, tanked for spraying
sold c68 to Bill Dempsay/D&D Aerial Spraying KS
Grumman F7F Tigercat
-

c1960

Purchased in u/s condition Great Falls MT
repaired, sold to Hank Moore/TBM Inc, Tulare CA,
Herrod ferried it to California on delivery
Lockheed PV-2 Harpoon
N6853C
Bu37159
8.62-12.67

Purchased 21.8.62 ex Ben Whitney Trading Co, Calexico CA
sprayer conv.4.3.63, mainly grasshopper spraying
sold 12.67 to Bill Dempsay/D&D Aerial Spraying
Lockheed PV-2
-



Used for grasshopper spraying


Hillcrest Aircraft Co Inc, La Grande Oregon, later Lewiston Idaho
- Hillcrest Aircraft Co Inc, P.O.Box 504, Lewiston ID
- Hillcrest Aircraft Co Inc, P.O.Box 12, La Grande OR
- Hillcrest Aviation Industries Inc, P.O.Box 504, Lewiston ID
- Wilson Aviation Industries Inc, P.O.Box 166, Orofino ID
- Wilson Aviation Industries Inc, P.O.Box 504, Lewiston ID
- La Grande Air Inc, P.O.Box 12, La Grande OR

   Oregon aerial agricultural operator Gerald D. "Jerry"Wilson founded Wilson Aviation Industries Inc at Orofino Oregon in 1956. He established Hillcrest Aircraft Co in 1962 when he took over Blue Mountain Air Service Inc, P.O.Box 12, La Grande OR. Wilson had been in the application business since at least May 1955 when he purchased Ford 5-AT-B Trimotor N1124N from Northwest Agricultural Aviation,
   Blue Mountain Air Service (see Part 2 of this series)was a La Grande OR aerial agricultural operation which in the late 1950s branched into fire bombing with B-25 Mitchells. The 1962 USFS ban on B-25 tankers because of structural failures during retardant drops no doubt influenced the merger of Blue Mountain Air Service into Jerry Wilson's new Hillcrest Aircraft Co, which would expand both agricultural and fire bombing operations. The 1963 USFS fire tanker allocations show Hillcrest Aircraft Co contracted for A-26s N5457V, N9161Z, N9159Z plus Privateer N9681C all based at La Grande Oregon.
   An associated company was La Grand Air Inc , P.O.Box 12 La Grande OR to which several aircraft were registered in the 1960s. After Hillcrest Aircraft Co moved its main operating base to Lewiston Oregon, La Grande Air reformed as La Grande Air Service as a FBO at La Grande Airport and in 1976 began fire bombing operations with a Dougas DC-7.

   Hillcrest Aircraft Co was an active USFS fire bombing operator across the US western states. A separate maintenance facility was maintained at Clarkston WA.  By 1971 Gerald Wilson decided to withdraw from the fixed-wing tanker business, one of the last operations being TBM N9586Z contracted to the 1971-72 Canadian spruce bud worm spraying season.  Hillcrest Aircraft continued in helicopter aerial agriculture and USFS support work, introducing modern turbine heavy helicopters.
  Wilson commenced an associated busienss in military surplus aircraft sales, Hillcrest Aircraft Co purchasing large numbers of U-6A Beavers, Douglas C-54s and Convair T-29s. After ten years of ferrying, civil certification and reselling these aircraft, Jerry Wilson retired.
   Today Hillcrest Aircraft Co continues at Lewiston Oregon as a FBO and specialised rotary wing operator using the latest Bell helicopters.

The following aircraft from the Hillcrest Aircraft Co fleet have been identified:
Agricultural aircraft:
Boeing Stearman:   N1181N, N3955B, N3960B, N49700, N49255, N56236, N58712, N62775, N5685N, N58956, N58957, N58973, N57291, N5329N, N5332N, N69614, N75258
Beech AT-11:        N6947C
Beech C18S:          N8036H
Grumman AgCat:   N8604H
Cessna 188:            N8085V
PA-18 Super Cub: N5784D, N3380Z

Other aircraft:
P-51D Mustang:    N182X
Cessna 310N:        N5046Q
Cessna 206:           N124WH,
Cessna 180:           N5329D, N3335D, N9635B
Cessna 185:           N4005Y, N9862X, N2513Z
Cessna 182:           N3304F, N3200U, N3589Y, N71069
Cessna 172:           N2193Y, N3792F, N46449
Cessna 150:           N8480G, N50632
Aeronca 7AC:       N3005E
Forney Aircoupe   N3003H
PA-22 TriPacer     N8876C
Fairchild M62        N49417

Helicopters:
Bell 47G:                  N3097G, N73221, N8469D, N73269, N73942, N2876B, N8455E
Bell 206 Jet Ranger: N1073N, N1080J, N1087G, N1087N, N2753E, N39102, N5013E, N2061J, N767H, N863H, N868H, N27637
Bell 205:                   N669H, N689H, N932CH
Hughes 269:             N9332F
SA-315B Lama        N9006

Air Tanker resales:
Spruce budworm spraying of Canadian forests had been carried out by combined Canadian and US operators for many years. Given the aircraft loss rate on this low-level formation grid-spraying, Gerald Wilson recognised the demand for additional TBMs. He sold two Hillcrest TBMs to Miramichi Air Services, New Brunswick in 1971, but having disposed of the remaining Hillcrest TBMs, purchased additional TBMs from US operators for resale:

Grumman TBM-3 Avengers:
N6827C (Bu91110) purchased c74 ex TBM Inc #E58, sold to Paramount Leasing, Bakersfield CA as a sprayer
N8397H (Bu69459) purchased c74 ex Aerial Applicators, Salt Lake City #D15, sold to Paramount Leasing, Bakersfield CA as a sprayer
N7833C (Bu91289) purchased c4.75    ex Hemet Valley Flying Service #E74,  sold 3.76 to Forest Protection Ltd NB as C-GFPN
N7161C (Bu86064) purchased 12.4.75 ex Hemet Valley Flying Service #E97, sold 2.76 to Forest Protection Ltd NB as C-GFPO
N9434Z (Bu86090) purchased 12.4.75 ex Hemet Valley Flying Service #E52, sold 2.76 to Forest Protection Ltd NB as C-GFPP
N5168V (Bu53592) purchased 18.3.75 ex Hemet Valley Flying Service #E68, sold 2.76 to Forest Protection Ltd NB as C-GFPQ
N3357G (Bu53858) purchased 17.4.75 ex Hemet Valley Flying Service #E72, sold 3.76 to Forest Protection Ltd NB as C-GFPR
N7032C (Bu85460) purchased c75 ex Richardson Aviation,Yakima WA #112, sold 3.76 to Forest Protection Ltd NB as C-GFPS

Airliner aircraft resales:
Convair CV440s purchased 11.73 ex Yugoslav Airlines: N94478 (ex YU-ADD), N94479 (ex YU-ADK), N94480 (ex YU-ADP)

Military surplus aircraft resales: :
DHC-2 U-6A Beavers: all collected  at Davis Mothan AFB AZ 6.2.76: many resold to Kenmore Air Harbor, Seattle WA:
N67665, N67667, N67668, N67669, N67670, N67671, N67672, N67673, N67675. N67676, N67678, N67679, N67680, N67681, N67682, N67683, N67684, N67686, N67687, N67688, N67689, N9301Z

Convair VT-29B: collected at Davis Monthan AFB April 1977-May 1977:
N3749V, N8060Q, N87952, N87957, N87962, N9046N, N9048N, N9662A, 51-5159, 51-5170, 51-5161

Douglas C-54s: ex US Navy surplus at Davis Monthan AFB AZ various auctions 1972-1975:
N67220, N67221, N87591, N96358, N96359, N96448, N96449, N96450, N96451, N96454

Hillcrest Aircraft Co fire tanker fleet: most were also equipped for spraying
North American
TB-25N Mitchell
N3521G
44-86853
.62-5.67
 
Tfd .62 ex Blue Mountain Air Service as fire tanker
conv. 5.63 to sprayer with wing leading edge spraybars, retardant tank reintalled 7.63 for State agency fire work,
Destroyed by fire on ground 6.5.67 after emergency landing, Red Bluff CA
TB-25N Mitchell
N8194H
44-86749
.62-2.63

Tfd .62 ex Blue Mountain Air Service as fire tanker
sold 2.63 to H. M.  Trussel, Houston TX
Douglas A-26 Invader
N5457V
44-34313
by63-65
  F20
purchased c62 ex Aero Atlas Inc CA tanker #27
sold .65 to Butler Aircraft Co, OR as #A20
Douglas A-26
N9161Z
43-22621
.62-9.65
  F23
Tfd .62 ex Blue Mountain Air Service as fire tanker
sold 14.9.65 to Butler Aircraft Co, OR as #F23
Douglas A-26
N9159Z
43-22673
.62-9.65
  F24
Tfd .62 ex Blue Mountain Air Service as fire tanker
sold 14.9.65 to Butler Aircraft Co, OR as #F18
Consolidated PB4Y-2
Privateer
N9681C
Bu59810
4.63-7.64
  F21
Reg 4.4.63 Hillcrest Aircraft Co
wrecked 17.7.64 Challis ID in forced landing while forest spraying
Grumman TBM-3 Avenger
N4173A
Bu85904
6.61-10.71
  D8
Reg 26.6.61 Hilklcrest Aircraft Co, Lewiston ID
Dam forced landing 25.8.67 while spraying near Elk City ID, repaired
Sold 10.71 to Miramichi Air Services as CF-ZTR, ferried Lewiston to New Brunswick Canada 10.71
Grumman TBM-3N6824C
Bu85733
by63-8.66

Wilson Avtn Industries, tfd .63 to Hillcrest
Sold 5.8.66 to Johnson Flying Service MT as #A12
Grumman TBM-3N7000C

Bu85787
1.62-6.70

cancelled from USCR 6.70;
stripped hulk stored at Twin Falls ID 92
Grumman TBM-3N7028C
Bu53775
12.61-10.71
  D7
purchased 12.61 ex Chris D.Stoltzfus, PA
Sold 10.71 to Miramichi Air Services as CF-ZTS, ferried Lewiston to New Brunswick Canada 10.71
Grumman TBM-3N9010C
Bu53200
by63-4.67
  D6
Sold 6.4.67 to Johnson Flying Service MT as #A13
Grumman TBM-3N9586Z
Bu85886
c67-8.71
  A9
purchased ex Loening Air, Boise ID
sold 2.8.71 to G&M Investments, Lewiston ID,
resold to Craig Aero Service CA as sprayer
Grumman TBM-3N68683
Bu53078
c68-8.71
  A25
purchased ex Ivan Gustin, Lewiston ID
sold 2.8.71 to G&M Investments, Lewiston ID,
resold to Craig Aero Service CA as sprayer
Grumman TBM-3
N6827C
Bu91110
c75-c79

purchased ex TBM Inc, Sequoia CA as tanker #E58
sold c79 to Paramount Leasing for operation by

Stewart Aviation, Moses Lake WA as tanker #C27



Hillcrest Aircraft Co Grumman TBM N9586Z #A9 in Canada 1971 on a forest spraying contract.
Photo: https://nbavengers.com

Hill's Flying Service, Sacramento California
Hill's Flying Service, Municiple Airport, Sacramento CA
USFS fire tanker allocations for 1963 included these three Navy N3N biplanes owned by Hills Flying Service, based at the attack bases at Placerville CA and Chester CA.

Naval Aircraft Factory N3N-3N7752C
c/n 4353
61-64
   2
  E10
CofA (Forest fire control) issued 28.6.61
noted at Concord CA in 7.62 as tanker #2
USFS contract 63 as tanker #E10
sold .64 to Alaska Air Transportation Co
Navy N3N-3
N7753C
c/n 4405
61-63
  E12
CofA (Forest fire control) issued 29.6.61
Navy N3N-3
N45188
c/n 2815
61-65
  8
E27
purchased 23.3.61, CofA (Forest fire control) issued .61
cancelled from USCR 5.6.65



Hill's Flying Service Navy N3N N45188 tanker #8 with a group of other N3Ns, at Concord CA on 15 July 1961.
"Hill's" is painted at the top of the rudder.                                   Photo by William T. Larkins

Hirth Air Tankers, Dothan Alabama, later Buffalo Wyoming
    Husband and wife team John W. Hirth and Costance C. "Connie" Hirth formed this business in the autumn of 1987, to operate Lockheed PV-2 Harpoons. John was an experienced aircraft engineer and pilot, who had purchased two PV-2s from Dothan Aviation in 1979 and flown them as sprayers after sold to Louis Minkoff trading as Michigan Aerial Applicators. Connie had worked for Dothan Aviation when they had agricultural PV-2 and they both believed the type was suited for their new company. Fire bombing contracts were negotiated with South Carolina Forestry Ciommission and Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry, as well as spraying work from Dothan AL. Pilots included Gene Akers, Hardy Brekhas, David Bradley, Rich Kissinger, Bill Hyler. John Hirth flew as captain and was in charge of fleet maintenance.

    PV-2s were purchased and additional aircraft leased from PV-2 tanker specialist Ralph Johnson of RALCO. During June 1991 Hirth Air Tankers moved its scattered operations to Buffalo WY. Tragedy struck on 20 April 1997 when John Hirth and his copilot were killed in N6856C tanker #38 during a fire bombing mission at Blandberg PA. The NTSB accident summary:
"The pilot/owner of the air tanker was dispatched to drop a load of retardant on a fire burning up a valley wall. The pilot made radio contact with the firefighters on the ground, who requested that the pilot deliver the entire load on the first drop. A helicopter pilot who was dropping water on the fire positioned himself about a mile away to allow the air tanker to make its drop. The winds were from the northwest at 15 knots and gusting to 20 knots, and the helicopter pilot reported turbulence in the area. The helicopter pilot watched as the air tanker came from the northeast, overflew the fire, and made a descending counterclockwise turn. he airplane flew towards the fire parallel to the valley ridge, and the helicopter pilot observed the air tanker drop its retardant. During the drop, the airplane flew through smoke, and its right wing impacted trees on the upslope side of the valley. The airplane then rolled 90 degrees and descended into the steeply inclined wooded terrain and was destroyed."

Connie Hirth kept the business going for a time before operations wound down. After advertising the remaining PV-2s for sale for some years, a closing-down auction of aircraft, spares and assets was held at Buffalo WY in May 2005.  Hirth Air Tankers was the last commercial operator of the Lockheed PV-2 Harpoon.
Lockheed PV-2
Harpoon
N7670C
Bu37372
.87-5.05
    
Purchased .87 ex Arbor Air, Columbus NE: sprayer
Retired Buffalo WY .89, open storage 89-05
sold at Hirth closing auction 5.05 to Aero Trader Inc, Chino,
resold .06 Dave Hensen, Heber City UT
ferried ex Buffalo .07 to UT, restored as warbird Attu Warrior
Lockheed PV-2D
N6657D
Bu84062
88-90
  101     
Leased ex Ralph S. Johnson/RALCO/Quarry Products #101
retired Hazelton PA 90-94
ferried 7.94 Hazelton PA to Ralph Johnson's ranch in CA, flown by John Hirth and Gene Akers.
Lockheed PV-2
N7257C
Bu37270
88          
    
Leased ex Ralph S. Johnson/RALCO/Quarry Products: sprayer/spreader
Lockheed PV-2
N7458C
Bu37234
5.88-5.05

Purchased 5.88 ex Arrow Air, Toledo OH: sprayer
retired Buffalo WY by 91, partial conversion to fire tanker not completed, oopen storage 91-05,
sold at Hirth closing auction 5.05 to J. W. Duff, Denver CO
resold .07 Gary Hilton MO, trucked out of Buffalo .08
painted yellow & red, displayed at adventure park, Branson MO
Lockheed PV-2
N7272C
Bu37276
5.88-5.05

Purchased 5.88 ex Arbor Air, Columbus NE: sprayer
retired Buffalo WY by 91, open storage 91-05
sold at Hirth closing auction 5.05 to Aubie Pearman, Tupelo MS
Lockheed PV-2
N7459C
Bu37230         
(8.89-99)        
    -
purchased 8.89 ex Arbor Air, Columbus NE: sprayer
not collected, stored at Columbus NE 89-99,
to US Navy Aviation Museum, NAS Pensacola FL,
arrived on delivery 10.2.00 as blue “Navy 37230/Z291"
Lockheed PV-2
N6856C
Bu37190
6.89-4.97
  38   
Purchased 2.6.89 ex Teske's Aviation, Twin Falls ID: #38
crashed 20.4.97 fire bombing Blandburg PA (John Hirth k)
Lockheed PV-2N7080C
Bu37499
11.89-5.05
  39
Purchased 11.89 ex Russell Comstock, Danville CA #39
retired Buffalo WY .98, open storage 98-05
sold at Hirth closing auction 5.05 to Aubie Pearman, Tupelo MS
Lockheed PV-2N3247G
Bu37265
(6.93-5.05)

Purchased 6.93 for parts, fuselage and parts on farm Dothan AL,
trucked to Columbus NE to assist rebuild of N7459C,
remainder of parts stored Buffalo WY


Connie and John Hirth with PV-2D N6657D at Hazelton PA July 1994.                     Photo by Bill Hyler


PV-2 N6856C in which John Hirth was killed while fire bombing in Pennsylvania in April 1997.
It is shown with previous owner RALCO at Chandler AZ in July 1981.     Photo by John Chapman


N7080C tanker #39 at Buffalo WY in 2006, waiting to be flown out after the Hirth closing-down auction.
Photo by Ralph M. Petersen


N7670C was one of three Hirth Air Tankers Harpoon sprayers stored at Buffalo WY in October 1992
Photo by Geoff Goodall


Here's the same Harpoon N7670C at Oshkosh July 2015 after restoration to US Navy wartime configuration,
painted to represent the Aleutians campaign as Attu Warrior.                                  Photo by Gordon Reid


Derelict PV-2 N3247G left in a far corner the airfield at Dothan AL in 1981. John Hirth acquired it for parts
after wing sections had been used for a warbird restoration.                           Photo by Geoff Goodall

Hills Flying Service, Sacramento California
Hills Flying Service, Municiple Airport, Sacramento CA
USFS fire tanker allocations for 1963 included these three Navy N3N biplanes owned by Hills Flying Service, based at the attack bases at Placerville CA and Chester CA.
Naval Aircraft Factory N3N-3N7752C
c/n 4353
61-64
   2
  E10
CofA (Forest fire control) issued 28.6.61
noted at Concord CA in 7.62 as tanker #2
USFS contract 63 as tanker #E10
sold .64 to Alaska Air Transportation Co
Navy N3N-3
N7753C
c/n 4405
61-63
  E12
CofA (Forest fire control) issued 29.6.61
Navy N3N-3
N45188
c/n 2815
61-65
  E27
purchased 23.3.61, CofA (Forest fire control) issued .61
cancelled from USCR 5.6.65


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