So, some exciting news:
Ryan got his private pilot license!
Yay! Ryan has been working so hard on this for years. He plans to transition out of boots-on-the-ground firefighting — he’s working on an engine crew now, and spent his last six seasons working on Hotshot and rappel crews — and into single-engine aerial suppression. So, this is a big first step for him!
It’s also been really, really challenging for him. The best time to fly a fixed-wing single-engine plane around northern Arizona is the spring and summer… which also happens to be when ALL the wildfires break out.
Ryan spent last fire season out fighting fires for 14 days straight — 16 hour days — and then spent his three days between fire assignments flight planning, logging hours and studying for his check ride. He’s put so many hours into this. He finally completed all his requirements last month, and now, he’s fully licensed!
So, congrats to Ryan on obtaining his private pilot license!
…And congrats to me obtaining a private pilot!
