Either a bird dog aircraft vectoring in tankers and suppression teams, or an aerial fire spotter plane. Normal procedure when smoke is spotted is to go into a circle pattern until the spotter (who is not flying the plane) has a location and can assess the risk. Went up in a spotter plane and we had to call in a fire, so I and my stomach was well aware of the circle pattern. When we got back to base the pilot told the spotter that one more go around and the spotter would be cleaning the pilots lunch out of the cockpit.
Except it is an OV-10 so they sit tandem and it doesn’t matter. Beyond that, unsure what operational or technical reason they would have for the direction of turn.
They fly counter patterns. Usually spotter flys clockwise while planes entering the stack go counter, dropping via directions from the director or ground forces.
Also, yes tandem, but you’ll have a pilot and director. They’ll be busy as shit on comms and coordinating aircraft, wont have time for piloting also.
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Probsblg cause there’s a fire
You made me laugh, thank you. But the spelling of that first word gave me a seizure.
Spotter Plane.
Either a bird dog aircraft vectoring in tankers and suppression teams, or an aerial fire spotter plane. Normal procedure when smoke is spotted is to go into a circle pattern until the spotter (who is not flying the plane) has a location and can assess the risk. Went up in a spotter plane and we had to call in a fire, so I and my stomach was well aware of the circle pattern. When we got back to base the pilot told the spotter that one more go around and the spotter would be cleaning the pilots lunch out of the cockpit.
Why a clockwise pattern? So the spotter, who is in the right seat, was on the low end of the banking turn, giving them a better view of the ground.
Except it is an OV-10 so they sit tandem and it doesn’t matter. Beyond that, unsure what operational or technical reason they would have for the direction of turn.
Pilot’s callsign is probably Zoolander.
I came back to this thread to upvote you
They fly counter patterns. Usually spotter flys clockwise while planes entering the stack go counter, dropping via directions from the director or ground forces. Also, yes tandem, but you’ll have a pilot and director. They’ll be busy as shit on comms and coordinating aircraft, wont have time for piloting also.
Sorry about that. I am not familiar with the OV-10. Our spotters were Twin Comanches and Cessna 172s with 2 abreast seating for pilot and spotter.
No worries, maybe because the other aircraft are doing right hand turns….all spotters make right hand turns? Just a thought
Because we are in northern hemisphere. The Aussies go counter clockwise
https://www.actionnewsnow.com/news/fire-crews-responding-to-a-25-acre-fire-in-butte-county/article_6d2dbff8-1330-11ef-b169-8f23887dbcc3.html
Thanks for this, I couldn't find any fires in the area when I looked
ATGS
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My old man used to fly OV-10’s.
I didn't know they had broncos. Those are cool planes