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In 1970 Don invested in Air Spray (1967) Ltd.. At the Air Spray contracts with government fire protection agencies
time the company owned one Douglas B26 and had a to provide critical air tanker and air attack aircraft to aid in the
leased Cessna 310. Over the years the business grew control of wildfires affecting communities and surrounding
rapidly. Don not only developed one of the largest forests.
fleets of Airtankers in the world, but he played an Our aircraft are on call throughout each fire season to quickly
important role in advancing the industry. The respond when fires break out. Through our efforts, small fires
technology and expertise he developed in association are contained before they get out of control saving millions of
with his Airtankers made Air Spray a leader in air trees and ensuring that fires do not reach communities and
tanker operation and design. Above all, however, Air the people living there.
Spray is a success as a result of Don’s commitment to While our aircraft are often seen in the air battling wildfires,
providing outstanding service to his customers while there is a large amount of our operation that takes place
leading the aviation industry to develop more efficient behind the scenes. During the off season our aircraft are at
methods of forest fire control. one of our maintenance facilities in Alberta, Canada or
California, USA for inspection and overhaul to ensure the
safety of both our pilots and people on the ground.
After a much deserved rest at the end of the fire season, they
are soon back training to maintain their skills for flying in the
With the investment in Air Spray, Don further extreme situations that comes with fighting wildfires. A key
established his roots at the Edmonton Municipal element of Air Spray's training program is the use of flight
Airport. His office occupied several of the old RCAF simulators to mimic situations typically found in fire control
hangars over the years. However he eventually missions.
replaced Hangar 8 with a new General Aviation Centre Air Spray also works throughout the year to continually
and the Esso Avitat Hangar providing the City of upgrade its equipment to improve fire control operations.
Edmonton with a modern corporate aircraft terminal This includes development of new types of Airtankers and fire
and cargo facility as well as office space for not only Air retardant tank systems that better meet our customer’s
Spray, but several other businesses at the airport. needs.
As well as Don's devotion to his business and family,
Don gave countless hours of service to his community
and various aviation endeavours. In particular, Don
always had an open door policy when it came to
encouraging young people to fly. He welcomed the
opportunity to offer advice about an aviation career
including how to get started and who to talk to gain
experience in the business. He was always excited to
talk to young pilots about opportunities in aviation. Air Spray owns and operates a variety of aircraft for the fire
suppression role. Our aircraft need to fight fires in many types
Don Hamilton enjoyed a fascinating and adventurous
aviation career and aviation in Canada has benefited of conditions and terrain. From extreme mountain valleys in
British Columbia, Canada to windy, dry hills in California, USA,
from Don’s efforts, knowledge, ideas and dreams. In
recognition of this, Don was inducted into the our aircraft are ideal for operating in challenging wildfire
Canadian Aviation Hall of Fame in May, 2011, just two situations. Our customers recognize that each aircraft plays a
months prior to his passing in July, 2011 at age 86. key role in the fight to protect our environment from wildfires.
