73-year-old experienced pilot Jim Maxwell, critical to US aerial firefighting, dies in Oregon plane crash.

73-year-old experienced pilot Jim Maxwell, with 25,000 flight hours, tragically lost his life in a plane crash while battling a wildfire in Oregon. Aged pilots, like Maxwell, are crucial to the US aerial firefighting fleet due to their extensive experience navigating hazardous terrain and difficult conditions. The US spent over $700 million on aerial firefighting contracts in 2023, highlighting the significance of these pilots.

August 09, 2024
3 Articles