The Editor's Letter

This time of year, in the northern hemisphere, is fire season for the wildlands and forests. Unfortunately, this year has seen the most devastating helicopter accident in the history of fire fighting, with nine people killed in an accident in a Sikorksy S61. The accident puts into perspective the incredible strain that fire fighters and all their helpers, including the pilots, are under, the heavy workload they endure, and the pressure of the hours that they work. I was surprised to hear that pilots work a fourteen-hour day, and even though they may only fly for eight of those fourteen hours, that is still exhausting work in heat that may often exceed 100˚F (45˚C).....