19-year-old Montana pilot faces danger to fight California fires

[Ptah]

MARIPOSA, Calif. — Ann Hansen is young, but she isn’t letting that stop her from living her dream, even if it is a dream fraught with danger.

Hansen, 19, was in Mariposa, California, over the last few weeks battling the Ferguson Fire — just not as a firefighter on the ground.

She is a co-pilot of a Sikorsky CH-54A Skycrane helicopter. Along with her captain, Gregg Deacon, she has been flying into dangerous areas near the fire and dropping water and retardant to douse the flames.

“At most times out here, people ask if I’m with my dad or grandpa,” said Hansen in an interview while stationed at the Mariposa Yosemite Airport recently. “I look young for my age, like I’m still in high school.”

https://helenair.com/news/state-and-regional/year-old-montana-pilot-faces-danger-to-fight-california-fires/article_c8215600-a69f-593e-8cbb-0eb4f908f9b3.html

[leanforward]

1. Way to go!

Pilots are out there. It takes all kinds. Her daily routine, whether in California or back home in Montana, is an adventure for the rest of us armchair "get'er done"s.

Ms Ann, might I get you a cup of coffee or your drink of preference?

[MontanaMama]

2. This is a brave young woman.

We hold the folks who fight wildfires near and dear to our hearts up here in Big Sky Country. Universe, keep her and all those who do this work safe. Fires are getting exponentially worse as our climate heats up.

[ROB-ROX]

3. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

This is GREAT that she gets to do her dream job. All employment comes with an interesting work environment. I think she is a SUPER HERO ..........CHEERS