Rolla, MO National Airport Hosts U.S. Forest Service Beaver for Fire Patrol Mission

By Carmelo Turdo

A U.S. Forest Service DeHavilland Beaver aircraft is temporarily based at Rolla National Airport in central Missouri as part of the regular rotation of assets around the Midwest. The aircraft is currently sporting the winter ski landing gear, though it will later be converted to floats for fire spotting and suppression duties throughout the summer fire season. The 1959 Beaver is one of three owned and operated by the Department of Agriculture, and they remain active due to their impressive utility and load carrying capabilities. The current patrol area is the Mark Twain National Forest. 

The Aero Experience visited the airport Monday and captured these views of the aircraft kept in the airport's vintage hangar.