19 year old co-pilot of this Sikorsky Sky Crane simply knew what she wanted to do after high school, and took the classes to get the certifications, now, she's helping to put out wildfires

Ann Hansen was in Mariposa, California, battling the Ferguson Fire in this CH 45 while working for Helicopter Transport Services and has the opportunity to work on fires as well as other special projects.

It might seem shocking, but, have you considered how many 18 and 19 year olds in the military are flying this, that, or driving a tank, submarine, or ship?

Probably not, as 18 and 19 year olds only seem to get publicity if they are driving in the oval tracks and winning trophys in Nascar.

So, this is a refreshing break from sticker maniacs who have sponsor patches all over their fire suit.

Hansen is from Philipsburg, Mont. It was there that she developed an interest in flying. Her father worked as a ranch manager. Every year, Hansen would be inspired by watching crop dusters fly overhead.

Adding to her interest in flying was the fact that her father also wanted to be a helicopter pilot. Only he never took the opportunity.

“I always had that in my head growing up,” she says of wanting to fly a helicopter.

Ten days after she graduated high school, she started in flight school at Rocky Mountain Rotors, in Belgrade, Mont. Shortly thereafter, she transferred to Jerry Trimble Helicopters flight school in Oregon.

The huge helicopter can drop about 2,600 gallons of water or retardant.

https://fireaviation.com/2018/08/15/19-year-old-uses-skycrane-to-fight-wildfires/