Rutledge Airborne

05/14/2026

Brainerd, MN detachment hard at work. Flight Lead Clif in T-821 accurately throwing some BLAZETAMER380 on a fire recently. Good camera work from the yellow shirts to catch the burning tree. Photo credit: Sandie Youngblom

04/23/2026

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources team at Brainerd tanker base is proving to be the most aggressive in wildland fire. They threw everything at the Bartlett and Eagle fires today. On the way to a dispatch, Flight Lead Clif and James caught the team effort of the Coastal Air Strike scoopers doing their thing in the lake below.

04/17/2026

If there’s a more efficient method to fight fire and provide what the ground firefighters need, we will find it. Wasabi Air Racing is a skilled firefighter, but when he dons his flight test persona problems get solved and technology advances. We’re fortunate to have him pushing the boundaries of what our team, and the industry can accomplish.

04/17/2026

Big day in Minnesota today. Our Brainerd crew dispatched twice, finishing the sunset up with the Jackson Road Fire. Oddly, the fire was near the town of “Rutledge”.😂

A significant event unfolded as James in T-881, one of our crewchiefs turned pilot got his first drops. Absolutely rewarding to see the culmination of all his years of training working toward his goal.

04/15/2026

The Leadership Team is in Reno tonight as a proud sponsor of the Will Hawkins Rookie Boots Fund. dinner. Wildland firefighting is a calling few will answer and purchasing the required boots shouldn’t be a barrier to the profession. The silent auction tonight features a Yeti rolling cooler full of our team only issued gear. Join the cause and help an aspiring yellow shirt get on the fire line! Www.rookieboots.org

04/07/2026

Simple firefighting aircraft doesn’t mean basic technology and one dimensional capabilities. Clear, real time communication between the yellow shirts on the ground and air assets is the greatest factor in placing drops where they have the most impact. We’re proud to pioneer FireVision in the US and to ensure our pilots have unprecedented situational awareness in the fight. Our customers deserve nothing less than the most aggressive techniques and accurate systems we can field. Those who dare, win.

Stay informed with the latest news from Air Attack. Discover updates on firefighting aviation, new technologies, and developments in aerial firefighting operations.

03/29/2026

The Brainerd, MN tanker base staff has set the standard for kicking off a fire season!

03/27/2026

And the the 2026 fire season begins! Flight Lead Clif and James head out for Minnesota in T-821 “Lola” and T-881 “Pedro”. After only a month break and 2 weeks of the best recurrent training in the nation, the team is ready to get back at it. Our Minnesota Department of Natural Resources partners are also the first agency in the nation to field our new distinct, fleet paint scheme.

03/22/2026

Tactics training finished on a high note. With the last complex scenario completed by 1400 on Friday it was time to prep for the final event…the annual Rutledge Airborne 500! First, dinner with friends followed by our CEO and Chief Pilot presenting numbered coins and patches to the rookie pilots and crewchiefs forever cementing their place on the team.

Every team member assembled at Andretti Karting for the annual rolling fist-fight on the track. After 6 heats, dozens of yellow flags and warnings, a 2026 champion was crowned. The reigning 2025 champion Alex Hardman was narrowly dethroned by Flight Lead Iain Wayman and a toast was consumed from the trophy by the winner. Nobody walked out as easily as they walked in.
The team is ready to meet the dragon for the 2026 fire season.