In the June/July issue of Vertical, we debut three exciting features in the back of the magazine. On page 116, we launch Vertical Rewind, a new series about the history of the industry, beginning with a look back at the first use of helicopters in wildland fire fighting.  On page 119, we debut a helicopter-themed crossword puzzle, and on page 110, we launch Heli-Trader, our helicopter buy, sell and lease section (also available online).

Although 2009 has shaped up to be a relatively moderate fire season in many parts of North America, California and British Columbia have been, well, on fire. In our special photo feature, “Firebirds” (p.30), we round up some of the most spectacular photographs from the season’s biggest wildfires, and look at what the 2009 fire season has meant for operators hard-hit by the economic downturn.