Welcome Michelle Friess, Flight Operations Coordinator at Bridger Aerospace, one of the leading companies in aerial wildfire suppression. Michelle schedules scooper pilots, coordinates operations across a growing national fleet, and helps ensure fire aircraft and crews are where they’re needed—fast.
🎯 Topics Covered:
-What it’s like managing aircraft and crews during fire season
-Why wildfires are now a year-round threat
-The growing role of super scoopers and aerial firefighting
-Bridger’s plans to expand its fleet (from 16+ aircraft and beyond)
-Challenges with pilot scheduling, maintenance, and federal contracts
-The emotional side of the job and the respect for ground crews
-Mentorship, women in fire aviation, and why wildfire feels like family
🌎 Michelle also shares how her path—from garbage site support in Oregon to wildfire aviation—proves that anyone with grit and purpose can have impact.
