Peak Performance: Flying the Fire Boss

Join AOPA’s Air Safety Institute Senior Vice President Richard McSpadden in this first installment as he visits Dauntless Air at their annual training exercise in Cleburne, Texas, to explore their firefighting mission in the amazing Air Tractor Fire Boss aircraft. Ride along to see what it takes to safely scoop 800 gallons of water out of a lake in 15 seconds and then release the roughly 6,600-pound load to douse simulated fires. Peak Performance videos explore high-risk, high-performing flight operations where pilots and crews push themselves and their aircraft to the edge of performance, doing so safely. Apply credit to your ASI transcript for watching this video: The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) is the largest community of pilots in the world, providing aviation advocacy, education & inspiration. AOPA has represented the freedom to fly for all pilots since 1939. To learn more about becoming a member visit