By Bryan Combs, Air Tactical Pilot and AAF webmaster
The AAP Board of Directors and active members have made a decision to change the name to the Associated Aerial Firefighters. This decision was made to encompass other members of the aerial fire community who are not tanker pilots. We encourage air tactical pilots, helicopter and helitanker pilots, reconnaissance pilots, air tactical group supervisors, firefighters, interested members of the general public, etc. to join in order to cooperatively unite with a strong voice. Our hope is to increase our membership and political support by opening the association to all of the pilots and supporters who help us to do our job more safely and effectively.
The Associated Airtanker Pilots was initially formed by a core group of four pilots concerned about safety and other factors directly affecting the aerial firefighting industry, specifically fixed wing air tankers. At the AAP meeting onboard the USS Hornet in Alameda, active board members and members voted to officially change the name to the Associated Aerial Firefighters and to allot money for a revamped web site. All of the design and content has been completed by volunteer labor, mostly from air tactical and air tanker pilots working under contract with CalFire. The technical services were provided by WebSight Design in Sausalito, Ca.
As all of the content of the websight is being accomplished by volunteers we ask for your patience while different sections of the sight are completed such as History, Safety, etc. Also, a special thanks to Hart Drobish and Mark Zaller of Courtney Aviation and Colin Rogers, air tanker pilot with Dyncorp Int'l/Cal Fire Aviation Support for your technical assistance, hard work and encouragement with completing the new website.
We look forward to our current members spreading the word to our fellow pilots in all aircraft, agencies and support positions.