CHP Pilot Jan Sears: Wildfire Rescues in Hurricane-Force Winds

In this episode of the Rotary Wing Show, Max Trescott replays a powerful conversation from Aviation News Talk Episode 37, featuring California Highway Patrol pilot Jan Sears. Jan recounts the dramatic night of October 8, 2017, when he and fellow CHP aircrews helped rescue dozens of people trapped by the Atlas Peak Fire, one of the catastrophic Northern California wildfires that claimed 41 lives and destroyed more than 5,700 structures.

Sears, based at Napa County Airport, was on a routine patrol in CHP’s GippsAero GA8 Airvan when he first noticed a strange flicker of light on a hillside north of the airport. Within minutes, that faint glow exploded into a fast-moving inferno. Realizing that winds of 50 to 70 knots were driving the flames toward populated areas, Jan radioed Napa County Fire, providing the exact coordinates using the aircraft’s high-resolution infrared camera.

As CHP helicopters H-32 and H-16 joined the scene, crews began an unprecedented series of nighttime rescues. Flying through hurricane-force winds, violent turbulence, and smoke thick enough to make Napa Airport IFR, they pulled roughly 50 people and several pets from danger. Jan remained high above in fixed-wing orbit, relaying coordinates, road conditions, and fire boundaries while watching the chaos unfold below. At times, his own aircraft endured near-severe turbulence as he tried to refuel and return to the area.

After landing, Jan and his partner spent hours on the ground knocking on doors, evacuating families, and even extinguishing small fires by hand. He describes the scene as one of the worst conditions he has ever flown in — comparable only to his previous deployment to Hurricane Katrina.

In the days that followed, CHP Air Operations continued aerial patrols and damage assessments, flew Cal Fire behaviorists and government officials over burn zones, and monitored for flare-ups. The experience deepened Jan’s appreciation for the teamwork among law enforcement, firefighters, and rescue pilots, all operating beyond normal limits to protect lives.

Jan also shares insight into his path to aviation — from paramedic to CHP officer to fixed-wing pilot — and explains what it takes to join CHP’s aviation unit. Applicants must complete the full CHP Academy and law-enforcement service before qualifying for flight training, blending police work with advanced aviation operations under Part 91 standards but Part 135-level discipline.

Beyond emergency response, CHP aircraft conduct search-an