Aerial Firefighters! Air Spray CLASSIC Lockheed L-188 Electras in action in Red Deer (YQF/CYQF)

I have now seen the last 2 remaining L188 operators in the world. Luckily there is no plan yet for retirement however given their age and the increased difficulty to obtain parts, I would imagine they won't last unfortunately.
Who would have thought that Red Deer, Alberta would be the place that houses the most L188 in the world?!
Red Deer regional airport situated between Calgary and Edmonton is a hub
for both Air Spray and Buffalo Airways. Air Spray is aerial firefighting and suppression company based in Edmonton but with its main facilities at Red Deer airport. Air Spray has a large and diverse fleet they use to fight wildfires, this includes operating the world's largest Lockheed L-188 fleet; a turboprop built in the 1950's and 1960's!
Air Spray has 14 L-188 Electras listed on the Canadian register, and 9 of them are currently active making Air Spray the world's largest L-188 operator!
These aircraft can hold up to 3,000 gallons of fire retardant.
Both Air Spray and Buffalo Airways owns a large number of L-188's however a lot of them were purchases for parts to maintain their current fleet as finding parts for these old aircraft can prove to be challenging.
Air Spray and Buffalo Airways are the last 2 remaining L-188 operators in the world. C-FVFH is the oldest one being built in 1958 however its engines are missing so the future of this aircraft is bleak.
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ATC Included!
Airport: Red Deer Regional Airport - YQF / CYQF
Airline: Air Spray
Aircraft: Lockheed L-188A(F) Electra (L188) / Rockwell 690B Turbo Commander (AC90)
Flight: ASB498T / ASB485T / ASB058T
Callsign: Air Spray 498 Trainer / 485 Trainer / 058 Trainer
Registration: C-FDTH (498) 🇨🇦 / C-GZVM (485) 🇨🇦 / C-FMCX (058) 🇨🇦
Runways used: 17
Date: March 28 2024
Origin/ Destination: Red Deer - YQF
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This is not your video, please do not use, download or re-publish without my permission or consent.
© CYUL Plane Spotter / © Mark Brandon
All rights reserved Mark Brandon 2024

[@RickB-fc4hm]

My first airplane trip was Dec 1965 aboard Eastern L188 SoooCool... At night as we landed in MIA I would see the landing lights shine on the props....Great plane. Those Allison engines were incredible.

[@JoseHernandez-xn6tp]

I love the Lockheed Electra 188. Flown on them on Air Florida during the mid 1970’s inter Florida route. Sadly they soon no more 😢

[@w2gabriel222]

Electra was the only plane flying SDU and CGH in Brazil during decades, the famous Air-Bridge. Its an well loved plane there

[@binglamb2176]

Beautifully shot. I live in Red Deer and it is wonderful to see these old birds still working from time to time with the telltale Allison sound and familiar smoke trail.

[@miked202069]

Great seeing the 2 ex-Zantop planes

[@OHAREAVIATION]

Wonderfully shot! What a beautiful sight & sound these old birds are. 😎

[@Kramskybmw]

Awesome!!😊thanks for sharing

[@stephenwebber3076]

Great job Mark

[@guilhermesilveira479]

Great video✈️👍

[@daviddarrall9384]

Did I see 'Air Atlantic' in the background? (from Coventry, England) 😊 UK

[@haziedabnuuy]

very nice

[@idk-fd3vd]

❤

[@StillSpotting]

We’re you at Ottawa yesterday for the 350? I think I saw you

[@xenophondaskoutroubis5941]

What would you consider the Buissest hour of air traffic in YUL during the summer season

[@duaneadams9010]

Didn't one those Electra use to fly for Teal/Air New Zealand?

[@luismedina4373]

Nice.airplane.L.188
Central.amarica.70s.80s.taca.sahsa.copa.airlines.tan.and.sam.colombia