An Air Tractor 802 Fire Boss drops water from its holding tank as it flies over the Savannah River Monday during a demonstration of how the firefighting plane can scoop up and drop several hundred gallons of water.
The demonstration in front of spectators on River Street and Hutchinson Island was performed as part of the annual convention of the National Agricultural Aviation Association, which is being held at the Savannah International Trade and Convention Center this week.
When the agricultural fliers met in Savannah a year ago, they said they would return if the convention center built a hangar-style door to allow them to get planes inside the center. Center officials agreed and spent $134,000 to intall the door.
In return, the organization agreed to return this year and again in 2014. In addition, several other groups, including the U.S. Special Operations Command, have utilized the access.
When the group met in Savannah in December 2011, its members used 3,100 room nights and generated more than $1.5 million in visitor spending.