Photos from Abilene Aero's post

The McDonnell-Douglas MD-80 first took to the skies on October 18,1979. 1,191 were built in the production run. In June 2019, American Airlines announced that the remainder of its fleet of 26 MD-80s will be retired by September 4, 2019. This one visited Abilene Regional Airport today during diversion operations as storms moved through DFW. A great aircraft that served well....

Air Tankers stationed in Abilene help fight fires throughout Lone Star State

A great story about our aerial firefighters! Thanks to KTAB/KRBC for highlighting them!

Firehawk RTB

Firehawk returning to base yesterday from a fire in west Taylor County

Firehawk Operations at Abilene Aero

Footage of the Firehawk operating out of Abilene Regional Airport supported by Abilene Aero.

Photos from Abilene Aero's post

Here is a photo sequence illustrating "The Turn" on the fire base at Abilene Regional Airport. As the tanker arrives, the plane is marshaled into the base by a ground crewman. When the aircraft is stopped in position, TFS ground crew hook up the retardant hose on the left side of the aircraft. Abilene Aero personnel hook up the fuel hose from a fuel truck underwing on the right side. Once a new load of retardant and jet fuel has been loaded on the aircraft, the engines start, and the plane departs. Then it starts all over again. In this case, Tanker 03 departed just ahead of Tanker 16's arrival. Things move fast, but deliberate, as "The Turn" is completed in 20 minutes. This is a great example of what happens when we all work together. This partnership consists of the City of Abilene, Abilene Regional Airport, Abilene Aero, the and the Texas Forest Service. These aircraft were fighting the #VivianFire in Foard County near Crowell, Texas. At the last update, that fire was at 5,500 acres and 5% containment and burning near the City of Crowell. Due to KABI's excellent location, these assets can be on scene from Abilene in 25 minutes.

Photos from Abilene Aero's post

Sunrise at the Abilene Regional Airport Fire Base. The base has now been converted to a heavy tanker base. The BAE 146-200 arrived last night along with an upgraded command trailer over the weekend. The 146-200 can carry 3,000 gallons of retardant. The Texas Forest Service now has 3 AT-802s (SEATS) and the 146 as fire bombers along with two command and control aircraft (Air Attack), a King Air and a Cessna 340. The combined drop capacity of these aircraft is approximately 5,400 gallons, providing critical support to our firefighters on the ground, who are protecting the lives and property of our fellow Texans.

Photos from Abilene Aero's post

Did You Know? Abilene Regional Airport serves as a primary fire tanker base for the Texas Forest Service? Our airport is geographically located in such a manner that air tankers can quickly reach any part of this state and surrounding states, make their drops, and return to base. The turns are accomplished in 15 minutes. During that time, the tankers take on a new load of fire retardant, refuel, and then return to the fire. Beginning this week, the Texas Forest Service positioned two SEATs (Single Engine Air Tanker) and support equipment at KABI. We expect heavier tankers in the coming days. Abilene Aero is proud to support the critical mission of the Texas Forest Service and our aerial firefighters by providing fuel, storage, maintenance, and avionics support during fire season.

This is Leonardo "Leo" Robb. A man who immigrated to the United States from Guatemala in 2001. Since arriving in America, he found his wife, learned how to become an Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic, and raised his children along the way. Leo was hired by Abilene Aero as a Line Service Technician in June of 2018. In one short year, he has developed into one of our most popular and dependable employees. Sometime in the next two months, Leo will leave line service and become an A&P Mechanic at Abilene Aero. His work ethic and his accomplishments are a credit to him, his family, and Abilene Aero. We are so proud of him and we are honored to name him as the Employee of the Quarter for 2Q 2019! Most importantly, In November of 2018, Leonardo Robb became a Citizen of these United States of America. Way to go Leo!

Photos from Abilene Aero's post

#usafflighttraining

Photos from Abilene Aero's post

Some more of our visitors today.... The mighty Gulfstream G-IV and lots of King Airs. Happy Friday!

Air-Tractors are manufactured right up the road in Olney, Texas. The Air-Tractor series of aircraft are the best selling purpose built agricultural and fire fighting aircraft in history. This particular aircraft, the AT-802, is one of many Air-Tractors configured as a wildland firefighter. During fire season, many of these aircraft are based at Abilene Regional Airport with Abilene Aero. KABI serves as a designated heavy tanker base for the Texas Forest Service. This AT-802 is at Abilene Aero getting some much needed avionics upgrades. We do that too!

Did You Know: In 2016, the Cirrus Aircraft Corporation introduced the world's first single engine personal jet, the SF50 Vision Jet. There are nearly 100 of these aircraft in service around the world today. It is the only jet manufactured with a full air frame parachute system. At Abilene Aero, we are proud to be a factory designated Cirrus Service Center! Our partnership with Cirrus grows stronger every year, as we maintain all types of Cirrus Aircraft, including the Vision Jet.