Train Like You Fight, Fight Like You Train

There is a sense of peace on the quiet tarmac at sunrise in Chico, California, waiting to meet the crews of Aero-Flite’s fleet to learn more about their March aerial firefighting training program. Its a stark difference from the day in January when I photographed the company’s aircraft engaged in a pitched battle with the flames during the Palisades Fire, with seemingly relentless high winds fanning the inferno. The fire was eventually defeated from reaching its intended target, the heavily populated San Fernando Valley. Photographer Mark Edward Harris visits Aero-Flite’s Chico, California spring training, where all 65+ of the company’s pilots receive flight training practice specific to aerial firefighting tactics ahead of the main fire season.  Read more…