agairupdate.com SUMMER 2017
Apocalypse on the plains
keep turning… in this issue VOLUME 35 NUMBER 5 | SUMMER 2017
A special section devoted to aerial firefighting and forestry
&
A E R I A L
F I R E F I G H T I N G ’ S
N E W S P A P E R
3 Tankers return after Australian fire season 5 From the Seat 6 Apocalypse on the plains 8 Fire Bosses control Skopje wildfire 10 Initial Attack 12 Vicente Huerta: Air Tractor AT-802,
my business success formula 17 Simplex Aerospace to Deliver SkyCannon® to Chinese Customer
P.O. Box 850 • Perry, GA 31069 USA 475 Myrtle Field Rd. • Perry, GA 31069 USA PHONE: 478-987-2250 FAX: 478-352-0025 aau@agairupdate.com • agairupdate.com Scan this QR Code with your smart phone.
PUBLISHER: Bill Lavender - bill@agairupdate.com EDITOR: Graham Lavender - editor@agairupdate.com ACCOUNTING: Sandy Lavender - accounting@agairupdate.com ADMINISTRATION: Casey L. Armstrong - casey@agairupdate.com ADVERTISING: Ernie Eggler - ernie@agairupdate.com Melanie Woodley - melanie@agairupdate.com CLASSIFIED ADS: classifieds@agairupdate.com Melanie Woodley - melanie@agairupdate.com PRODUCTION: Deborah Freeman - aau@agairupdate.com CIRCULATION: Mary Jane Virden - maryjane@agairupdate.com subs@agairupdate.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Carlin Lawrence - carlin@agairupdate.com Alan McCracken - mccrackenalan@yahoo.com Robert McCurdy - robert@agairupdate.com Tracy Thurman - thurmantracyt@yahoo.com LATIN AMERICAN REPS: Victoria Blanc Chalking - victoria@agairupdate.com Ernesto Franzen - ernesto@agairupdate.com Gina Hickmann - gina@agairupdate.com Pat Kornegay - pat@svatx.com © Copyright 2017 AgAir Update retains all rights for reproduction of any material submitted, to include but not limited to articles, photographs, emails and bulletin board posts. All material remain the copyright of AgAir Update. No part of this publication may be reproduced, in part or whole, without the written consent of the publisher. Editorial published do not necessary reflect the views of the publisher. Content within AgAir Update is believed to be true and accurate and the publisher does not assume responsibility for any errors or omissions. Unsolicited editorial manuscripts and photos are welcomed and encouraged. We cannot be responsible for return unless submissions are accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope. Advertising deadline is 12 noon, on the 1st of the month preceding the month of publication. AgAir Update (ISSN 1081-6496) Published monthly by Blue Sky Investments, Inc., 475 Myrtle Field Road, Perry, GA 31069 for $39 USD for one year in the U.S.; International rates are $39 USD for one year. Periodical postage paid at Springfield, MO and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to P.O. Box 850, Perry, GA 31069.
On the Cover: Neptune Aviation Services’ BAe-145, Tanker 02, parked in the pit while T-809 sits on standby at the Abilene Air Tanker Base.
AgAir Update, a multiple-award winning publication, is a tabloid newspaper 12.25” deep by 10” wide on a 2.25” 4 column format. Contract rates are available upon request.
AgAir Update is a proud member of:
AFF-2
& A E R I A L
F I R E F I G H T I N G ’ S
N E W S P A P E R
Tankers return after Australian fire season by John Gould Tanker 910, one of three DC-10s operated by 10 Tanker Air Carrier, began the long trip back from Australia this March to its home base in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The tanker and crew had just finished their second year on a contract with the Rural Fire Service of New South Wales and were heading back to North America to prepare for the fire season there.
Australia. Single Engine Airtankers (SEATS) have been a staple there for many years, as have small, medium and large helicopters. Only within the last few years have the states of Victoria and New South Wales begun to evaluate the effectiveness of Large Airtankers, and indications from agency Facebook posts are that the effectiveness of LATs are being noticed.
The DC-10 is the latest in a growing arsenal of aviation resources employed by firefighting organizations in
During the 2016/2017 fire season Tanker 910 flew over 50 missions in New South Wales. Those numbers are up slightly from the 2015/2016 fire season, where 910 flew 43 missions in three different Australian states; New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania.
Hatton also stated that the rebuild of a new DC-10 airtanker, numbered Tanker 914, will be completed in 2017 and ready to for work this fire season.
Rick Hatton, President and CEO of 10 Tanker Air Carrier, says “We look forward to working again in Australia where, because of the size of the country, the speed and capacity of the DC-10 make it a particularly effective tool.�
Summer 2017
AFF-3
This is my everything There’s a lot riding with this Air Tractor. My livelihood, my reputation—my life is in this airplane. When lives and property are at stake, I want the total package. Safety. Airframe. Engine. 24/7 support. A champion for my way of life and a supporter of this industry. The stakes couldn’t be higher. So I need everything. With Air Tractor, I get everything. JESSE WEAVER CHIEF PILOT, 802F FIRE BOSS AERO SPRAY, INC.
AFF-4
FIND YOUR DE ALER AT W W W.AIR T R AC TOR.C OM/DE ALERS
& A E R I A L
F I R E F I G H T I N G ’ S
N E W S P A P E R
From the SEAT
Marc Mullis marc@agairupdate.com
from the SEAT
Preparing for the Season After a very convoluted bidding process which took many months and cost vendors hundreds of thousands of dollars, it appears there will be no Exclusive Use SEAT contracts for the upcoming fire season. The Bureau of Land Management had hoped to issue around thirty-five of the one hundred-day contracts, but protests by two vendors over the process led to the cancellation of all contracts. This means all SEATs on fire duty this summer will operate under the On Call Contract at a much higher cost to the government. I had written previously about how complicated the bidding process had become. Maybe this will lead to simplification of the system in the future. The BAe 146/Avro RJ-85 series have become very popular as heavy air tankers that now dominate the fleet of those size fire bombers. It appears there will be about twenty of them in service by year’s end. A surplus of airframes and spare parts means they will probably be around for a long time to come. The RJ-85 aircrews really appreciate the performance, flight characteristics and drop pattern on fires looks to be first class. Noticeably absent from fires last summer were the Erickson
MD-87s. It is my understanding that when McDonnell-Douglas certified the aircraft, they chose not to examine the stall characteristics with the flaps extended and the landing gear retracted as they did not foresee the aircraft being operated in that configuration. With no data from the manufacturer, it is impossible to calculate proper air speeds while serving as an air tanker. At this time, it is unclear what the future holds for these ex-airliners. The United States Forest Service has begun taking delivery of the Lockheed C-130s that are being transferred from the United States Air Force. The first one has completed the inspections and air tanker conversion by the USAF and is in possession of the USFS where it is being used for crew training in Sacramento, California. Recently, an issue arose when the USFS announced they would be operating air tankers as public use aircraft. This means they would not be subject to Federal Aviation Administration regulations as are contracted tankers, which they are in direct competition with. This does not seem fair and I am sure protests will be filed and lawsuits served. The USFS also announced the C-130s will be restricted to fires within 500 miles of Sacramento where their support equipment is
located. Conversely, contracted aircraft can be dispatched anywhere in the nation and the vendor must follow them with support equipment. Florida and southern Georgia have had an unusually active spring fire season. One day in late April, Florida had 90 fires burning with 32 greater than 100 acres. Crews from around the nation are there helping, along with numerous firefighting aircraft. The dense vegetation in this part of the country will carry these fires until Mother Nature delivers a soaking rain. In parting, heavy winter precipitation out West means lots of fuel for the upcoming fire season and a forecast for above normal fire activity. I hope you all have a very safe and prosperous season and maybe one day I will meet you in the mountains.
Marc
Summer 2017
AFF-5
Apocalypse on the plains by Marc Mullis The Great Plains of the central United States have seen fire play a role in its history for thousands of years. The vast grasslands emerge from winter with the blanket of fuel cured of moisture by the months of freezing and thawing. Before the country was settled, the only sources of ignition were lightning from a stray thunderstorm or perhaps an intentional set by local Native Americans. Tribes would often burn off areas with the knowledge that spring rains would bring a flush of new grass to the burn scar which would in turn attract and hold the huge herds of buffalo. With a deep understanding of topography and weather, the Indians could semi-control the burned area. As settlers swelled westward, the landscape began to change. The herds of buffalo disappeared as railroads snaked across the plains to be replaced by millions of cattle. Native Americans were forced into the reservation system. Homesteads were established and with them came fences and corrals. Wagon trails became roads and soon the high plains were wild no more.
As the Southern Plains emerged from winter in 2017 wildfire managers in several states were faced with a feeling of dread. Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas had all experienced below normal winter precipitation and the previous summer storm showers had created lots of fuel on the ground, which was now very dry. Conditions were ripe and when combined with the ever present spring winds, the outlook was for extreme fire weather. Several states took proactive measures and started pre-positioning firefighting assets. Colorado activated two of its state contracted Single Engine Air Tankers (SEATs) in January and moved much of its engine crews from the mountains onto the eastern plains. The Kansas Forest Service only has five personnel and one engine assigned to full time fire duty. That state depends on rural volunteer fire departments for wildland fire control. Oklahoma requested four SEATs from the federal On Call contract in addition to two Super Scooper CL415s and numerous helicopters. In mid-February, the Texas Forest Service added four SEATs from the national On
Neptune Aviation’s (Missoula, Montana) BAe-145, Tanker 02 and SEAT 866 await a dispatch in Abilene, TX.
AFF-6
& A E R I A L
F I R E F I G H T I N G ’ S
N E W S P A P E R
Call program. Two were positioned in Amarillo and two, of which I was one, reported to Abilene. Numerous agency personnel from east and south Texas were moved into the Panhandle region. Two weeks later, Texas added a heavy air tanker to Abilene, Tanker 02, a BAe146 from Neptune Aviation. On our first day of duty at Abilene, we were dispatched to a fire sixty miles to the east. When we arrived at the fire with our second load of retardant, I was number one for the drop while SEAT Tanker-866 was about one-half mile behind me. I identified the target and T-866’s instructions were to tag and extend my line. After making my drop and turning out, I suddenly heard the Air Attack command over the radio, “Tanker 866 abort abort.” Crews on the ground had spotted a drone that had actually flown between T-866 and me. If one of these highly popular units were to strike an air tanker there would definitely be metal bent and could possibly lead to a serious accident. Before the BAe-146 heavy air tanker T-02 arrived, life was pretty laid back at the Abilene SEAT base. It was just us two pilots, our support truck drivers and a SEAT manager, or an SEMG as it is known. A SEMG serves as a liaison between the contractor and the government agency we are assigned to. They keep track of our paperwork and record our times when we are flying. Before T-02 arrived things started to ramp up. With a heavy air tanker present, we became Abilene Tanker Base and required an Air Base Manager, Mixmaster and a Ramp Manager. The Texas Forest Service also
supplied a couple of people for logistical duties. With T-02 came an Aerial Supervision Module (ASM). This is a Beechcraft King Air that has both a lead plane pilot and an Air Attack on board. Our little laid back base had become a crowded beehive of activity. We received dispatches on a regular basis during this period but they were usually either called in too late for us to launch go to the fire and return to Abilene, or it would be too windy. SEATs are grounded when sustained winds reach thirty knots or if there is a gust spread of more than fifteen knots. On a lot of days both of these standards were met. With winds this strong retardant becomes ineffective and it is almost impossible to place it where you want it. Our morning briefing on March 1 was rather ominous in that the weather forecast showed an approaching strong cold front that would bring pre-passage record high temperatures, gusty winds and extremely low relative humidity. Red flag warnings were issued for the entire week and the event was to culminate on March 6 with the passage of the front that produced a 90° wind shift and no moisture. We watched anxiously all week as several small fires were reported to dispatch, but were caught by ground crews before there was a need for aircraft assistance. By the time we arrived for work on the morning of March 6, the winds had already exceeded our limitations. Sustained winds over forty knots with gusts over fifty knots were common in the Abilene area, while farther north and nearer the front wind speeds were
even higher. By early afternoon dispatch was reporting multiple new fire starts in the northern Panhandle. The acreage estimates for each fire grew at an alarming rate. Barriers, such as highways and railroads, were no defense against the 70 mph wind gusts. All firefighters could do was position in front of the fire and warn people to get out of the way. Multiple evacuation orders were issued and many communities looked like ghost towns as the flame front approached. The same conditions were occurring in Oklahoma and Kansas with the largest fire starting in western Oklahoma and crossing the state line into its neighbor to the north. A couple hours after darkness fell, blazes were still raging but a new element was inserted into the battle. The frontal passage with its associated wind shift passed through and the fire monsters were now headed southeast instead of northeast. New evacuations orders had to be issued. By late the next afternoon, winds had subsided and firefighters began to get a handle on the fires. Acreage estimates had become wild guesses and no one would really know until the fire perimeter could be mapped by aircraft. Containment would be weeks away as hundreds of miles of fire lines had to be patrolled; much of it being in very remote areas. Hot spots where heavier fuels had been had to be located and cooled off. As soon as it was safe, the survey of the devastation began. People were missing, homes were destroyed and untold ranching infrastructure, such as fencing and corrals, had been leveled. Overall, over one million acres burned in a two-
day period with 585,000 of those acres in Texas. Most had been pasture that was now reduced to worthless black ashes. The missing people were found, four in Texas and two in Oklahoma, all perished by overwhelming flames while trying to herd livestock out of harm’s way. Thousands of livestock were killed in the blaze with many having to be put down days later due to severe burns or smoke inhalation. It was a nationwide community of ranchers that reacted to the disaster. Millions of tons of hay for surviving livestock was donated with convoys of trucks hauling it in from hundreds and even more than a thousand miles away. Truckloads of fencing materials arrived daily. Fencing costs between $5,000-$10,000 per acre. Thousands of miles of it had been destroyed. The land would repair itself after the spring rains arrive and herds would be rebuilt from survivors. The governor declared a state of disaster making Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) funds available to ranchers affected by the fire. Federal funds would also pay for firefighting efforts as long as dangerous conditions existed. Investigators determined most fires started that fateful day were ignited by power lines that were downed by high winds. Back at the tanker base, all we could do was sit back watching report after report wishing there was something we could do. We remained in Abilene for another month responding to the occasional dispatch until spring rains and the resulting green up signaled an end to the spring fire season on the Southern High Plains.
The Portable Airtanker Base or PAB set up in Abilene. The entire setup can be loaded on a truck and trailer and be moved to another location in one day. The Texas Forest Service now has three of these units.
Summer 2017
AFF-7
Fire Bosses control Skopje wildfire by Igor Bozinovski A small forest fire that started on the plateaus of Skopje overlooking Skopska Crna Gora mountain (the Black Mountain of Skopje) on 1 April 2017 developed into a serious wildfire over the following 24 hours and caused a state of emergency requiring aerial firefighting assistance to 120-strong ground forces that were unsuccessfully fighting the wind-supported blaze that destroyed over 500 hectares a forest. The much needed assistance has been finally provided on 3 April 2017 by two Air Tractor AT-802A Fire Boss water-bombers from the Macedonia Protection and Rescue Directorate, a government subordinated institution specialized and equipped for disaster relief operations. Placed into action before noon on 3 April 2017, the two Fire Bosses operated from the Skopje Alexander the Great International airport and jointly executed 26 firefighting flights during which each aircraft dropped 3,100-liter
(800-gallon) loads of water over the mountainous wildfire that was 17 km away from the airport. By doing so, the two planes dispersed a total of 80,600 liters (21,300 gallons) of water over the Bulachani wildfire scene that was effectively extinguished in less than four hours at an expense of a little over 6,500 liters (1,700 gallons) of Jet-A fuel consumed by the Fire Bosses’ PT6A-67AG engines. Despite the fact that the Air Tractor AT-802A Fire Boss is a floats-equipped amphibious aircraft capable for scooping water from water surfaces like rivers, lakes and open seas, in this particular case and due to the lack of suitable water scooping areas around Skopje and also because of the vicinity of the wildfire to Skopje Alexander the Great International airport, a decision was made for the aircraft to be filled with water on the ground with 2,000 liters/minute (525 gallons) highcapacity water pumps. As a result the average time between
Turbine Installation, LLC
5017 Aviation Way Caldwell, ID 83605
Exclusive Air Tractor Dealer for California (559) 686-7401
208-455-9350
www.turbinesllc.com tim@turbinesllc.com
www.thevalleyaircrafts.com
Air Tractor AT-802 Powered by Honeywell TPE331-14GR 1650 SHP 4500 HSI/9000 CAM AFF-8
& A E R I A L
F I R E F I G H T I N G ’ S
N E W S P A P E R
Macedonia’s Protection and Rescue Directorate Aviation Unit ground loading one of its AT-802A Fire Bosses at the Skopje Alexander the Great International airport. (photo Igor Bozinovski)
take-offs was 15 minutes with the aircraft on the ground less than seven minutes taking 1:40 minutes as the average fill time maximum hopper capacity.
The AT-802A Fire Boss unit has relieved the Republic of Macedonia from a chronic dependence on international aid. The small 15-people strong Aviation Unit of the Protection and Rescue Directorate (Avio Oddelenie na Direkcijata za Zastita i Spasuvanje) is permanently based at Skopje Alexander the Great International airport from where it operates a fleet of three fully-operational AT-802A Fire Bosses that were procured in March 2009 and achieved full operational readiness status in late June 2010. The unit relies on five experienced and highly skilled pilots that are regularly passing proficiency checks in an EASA Approved Training Organization (ATO) that is part of Air Tractor Europe AT802-related sales, training and logistical systems established in Spain. The last training session was in late 2016 where checks were supplemented with flight hours in an FTD Level II flight simulator for simulating firefighting scenarios and various in-flight emergencies with a level of accuracy as described in JAR-STD-3A for flight training devices. The Aviation Unit has been operational for seven years and is indeed very famous and highly respected in the Macedonian society because of the human aspect of its operations and the fact that despite being the smallest government aviation unit, it is receiving high serviceability and operational readiness. Additionally, the AT-802A Fire Boss unit has relieved the Republic of Macedonia from a chronic dependence on international aid for its aerial firefighting needs when it comes to the nation’s capability to independently and efficiently handle wildfires that are quite regular for Macedonia in during the hot and dry May-September months.
Powered by a 1600 HP Pratt & Whitney Engine
Over 80 Operating Worldwide
Montenegro
Spain
Australia
Canada United States Macedonia Argentina
651.209.7191
www.firebossllc.com
1700 Henry Avenue — Fleming Field South, St. Paul, MN 55075
Summer 2017
AFF-9
ntroller is a solulication of granuith a unique flow accurately adjust erial, providing a rt, material types may be changed Gate jammed n screen.
Mark Bickham
Initial Attack
Oops! Be honest. We have all done some things we are either ashamed of or feel embarrassed about. Whether it is the time we poured our drink down the front of our shirt at a party when someone asked us the time and we looked at our watch on the wrist of the hand holding our drink… or, the time we pushed and pushed on the door marked “Pull” or…well, you get the idea. We’ve all been there sometime in our lives. In my own case, I can pretty much blame almost all my embarrassing moments on a lack of focus or vigilance. If you are reading this, congratulations, you have survived by not making the ultimate faux pas.
AGFLOW G1 GRANULAR FLOW CONTROL SYSTEM
As SEAT pilots, we must remain vigilant and focused while performing the missions as assigned. One of the ways that I have to remind myself to stay focused is to remember the mistakes of others. The following stories are sometimes hilarious, and sometimes tragic, but all are for learning from others mistakes. They are all true and rest easy my friends, I will not name names and I promise to protect the innocent! You know who you are and anyway, you guys know way too many stories about me to open that Pandora’s Box of embarrassment! So here we go. SEAT pilot sitting in the pit on his third re-load of the day. The hose is attached and filling the hopper with more of “the red stuff” when the Tanker Base manager calls him on the radio to give him a “heads-up” that he will be diverted to another fire on his next trip. He reaches for the transmit switch on the stick to reply and suddenly the aircraft grows light on its wheels. He notices the loading crew scrambling away from the side of the aircraft…OOPs!…that’s gonna cost him a lot of ice cream bars for the tanker base staff! He forgot to disarm his gate system when returning to the tanker base, hitting the trigger rather than the transmit switch. Focus!
The business of fighting fire with aircraft is very unforgiving and can be dangerous at times.
•Compact •Light Weight •Data Recording software •Touch Screen •Real-time data display •IP67 enclosure
•Standalone flow controller •Dual tank monitor •High accuracy •Data download •Gate jammed auto-stop •USB support
For more details, please contact AG-NAV or visit our website.
W W W. A G N A V. C O M
1 (800) 99-AGNAV GENERAL@AGNAV.COM 1 (705) 734-0909
AFF-10
& A E R I A L
F I R E F I G H T I N G ’ S
N E W S P A P E R
Another SEAT pilot is doing everything right while en route to the fire, which is still miles away. He decides to try to contact the aerial supervisor to request permission to enter the fire airspace. Radios on the right frequencies, flying at the correct altitude and the aircraft is on the appropriate heading. Whoah! The aircraft suddenly pitches up as he hit what he assumed was the transmit switch. He has just released 750 gallons of retardant 12 miles short of the target and over a lake. OOPs! A new nickname for the pilot and a costly clean-up of the lake. Focus! Then, there were two large air tanker pilots who had been stationed at a certain tanker base in the Rocky Mountain west. This base hired local young people to fill temporary positions at the base during the summer fire season and was well known for having attractive young ladies working as dispatchers. They were always well trained and very good at their jobs. This also helped the tanker base manager find pilots whenever he needed them… they were always in the dispatch office keeping up on the
local and national fire situation. Yeah, right! Well, as luck would have it our two intrepid aviators were dispatched to another tanker base several states to the west. Upon departing the base, they decided to call dispatch and say their fond farewells to the ladies. What could possibly go wrong with that? After saying their good-byes and see ya soon, they neglected to make sure the transmit switch was in the off position. Unfortunately, they were talking on a secure intercom system while going into great and somewhat graphic detail extolling the feminine attributes of the base dispatchers. OOPs! Inappropriate and embarrassing to say the least! Focus! There was the poor rookie helicopter pilot who, during a prescribed fire mission, found himself in the unenviable position of having a helitorch stuck in the on position. Rather than pulling the fuse to shut off the electricity to the mechanism that would turn off the heli-torch spewing liquid fire, he decide to return to the helibase. OOPs! Several miles of new fire line for the boys in yellow shirts to play with! Focus!
industry. But, if we ever meet up in some smoky dive bar, I will tell you about the time I was flying with a helicopter pilot who, against my astute council, had the double chili and jalapeño shredded pork burrito for lunch and an urgent nature’s call while out on a mission. Or, the SEAT pilot who was caught singing and talking to himself while flying to a fire assignment, or the Air Tactical Group Supervisor who called in a bunch of large air tankers to extinguish a prescribed burn; well, you get the picture. Stay safe out there and let’s all learn from our mistakes so we can laugh about them afterwards. Bickham, Out!
call us for your next S.E.A.T. aircraft
Some mistakes are tragic. A SEAT pilot who forgot to arm his gate system prior to making a run on the target hit the trigger and nothing happened. He immediately started looking inside the cockpit for the cause of the failure. At 60 feet above terrain and at 125 mph, that was not the time to divert your full attention on flying the airplane; a tragic OOPs! Focus! The business of fighting fire with aircraft is very unforgiving and can be dangerous at times. All will agree that if we can learn from other’s mistakes we can make our industry a much safer place to work and a more effective and efficient means of protecting life, property and resources. Space being limited, I am unable to tell all the tales of embarrassment and chagrin that have occurred during my short time in this
Lane Aviation, Inc. “Specializing in Turbine and Piston Air Tractors”
888-995-5263 281-342-5451 TEL • 281-232-5401 FAX glane@laneav.com • www.laneav.com
Summer 2017
AFF-11
Vicente Huerta: Air Tractor AT-802, my business success formula Vicente Huerta Dominguez, Jr., the owner and CEO of the Spanish company Air Tractor Europe celebrates the acquisition by his company of Air Tractor AT-802 s/n 700 and explains how that simple agricultural aircraft became the formula for his continuous business success. by Igor Bozinovski On March 20th, 2017, Air Tractor Inc., the world’s leading manufacturer of agricultural aircraft completed the production and rolled out at its Olney, Texas-based factory, the 700th version of its famous aircraft, the Air Tractor AT-802. This significant milestone has been reached 25 years after the Type Certificate A19SW was granted to Air Tractor Inc. by the Federal Aviation Administration with the AT-802 accumulating an average annual delivery of 28 units since 1992. The newest AT-802, serial number 802A-0700, is a single-seat AT-802A configuration. After flight tests and granted all necessary documents, the aircraft will be flown across the Atlantic Ocean to its owner, Air Tractor’s longtime dealer for Europe, Africa and Middle East - the Spanish, Valenciabased company Air Tractor Europe. “We are proud to be partner with Air Tractor Inc. and honored to receive its 700th AT-802,” said Vicente Huerta Dominguez, Jr., owner and CEO of Air Tractor Europe. “The delivery of this aircraft is all the more significant, as it reminds me of the time when in late 1994 I was in Olney and negotiated the procurement of the initial two 802s that I needed for my firefighting operations in Spain. That specific event sparked the magnificent ever-growing partnership
AFF-12
& A E R I A L
F I R E F I G H T I N G ’ S
N E W S P A P E R
with Air Tractor that expanded in October 1996 when Air Tractor Europe was appointed exclusive distributor of Air Tractor aircraft for Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. Today, two decades later, I am excited to see the 700th AT-802 built, partially due to
Vicente Huerta Dominguez, Jr., owner and CEO of Air Tractor Europe through years - with his first AT-802 delivered in 1995 and with the latest Air Tractor design, the AT-502XP. Not much has physically changed over the years for this young and successfully entrepreneur with one thing remaining the same - his strong connection to Air Tractor aircraft.
Air Tractor Europe’s enormous success in promoting the Air Tractor brand and supplying over 150 new and preowned Air Tractor aircraft to different customers in 13 countries worldwide. On top of this, I am very proud that we have managed to build in Spain the world’s sole, one-stop AT-802 system of excellence.” Having inherited the agricultural aviation business that his father established in 1965, the young and visionary entrepreneur Vicente Huerta early in his business career recognized the newly-
Summer 2017
AFF-13
Shining-new Hartzell five-blade propeller and PW&C PT6A-67F engine installed and ready for their first engine start on AT-802A s/n 802A-0700.
Final preparation on AT-802A s/n 802A-0700 before it departs Olney, Texas for Air Tractor Europe in Valencia, Spain.
AFF-14
& A E R I A L
F I R E F I G H T I N G ’ S
N E W S P A P E R
Air Tractor Inc. identification plate installed on the newest AT-802A showing aircraft serial number 802A-0700 and related Type Certificate No. A19SW. developed AT-802 agricultural aircraft would be indeed an excellent and costeffective water-bomber. This has lead him to the decision to invest in two AT802s (serial numbers 802-0018 and 8020019) that he used in 1995 to promote his very own “Initial Fire Attack” program to Spanish authorities. The program, whose primary goal was early detection of wildfires and immediate action, was based on the proven capabilities of the newly acquired aircraft, wildfire statistical data for the preceding 10 years, use of specialized software and his company existing experience in aerial firefighting operations. The program was a resounding success - despite a dramatic 20% increase in the number of wildfires that year, the burned area was reduced by an incredible 60%. The two
Air Tractor aircraft accumulated almost 1,300 flying hours in four months with an amazing over 99% dispatch reliability rate. As a result, Huerta decided to start phasing out the PZL M-18 Dromader aircraft and invest in building a completely new AT-802 fleet. Over the years, Huerta’s business bloomed and his companies now have 150 employees and strive for continuous growth and expansion, united around one key factor - the continued success of Air Tractor AT-802 aircraft. Being the center of Huerta’s AT-802 business, Air Tractor Europe is indeed a company with a large structure ready to provide integral services for the procurement, maintenance, consulting, training and aerial operations. Assets supporting the company’s capabilities are multidimensional and include the world’s largest AT-802 fleet with 25 firefighting aircraft and related personnel regularly, commercially leased by different government entities worldwide. It is also an EASA Part 145 maintenance, repair and overhaul facility that is specialized for line and heavy maintenance of AT-
Hugo Arceo, the long-time successful Sales Manager of Air Tractor Europe is seen in this photo with Jim Hirsch (left) president of Air Tractor Inc. during the process of Hugo’s inspection of AT-802A s/n 802A-0700 in Olney, Texas in March 2017. 802 aircraft and is heavily involved in securing continuous maintenance and logistical support for AT-802 fleets of different European governments. Finally, it has access to a Continuous Airworthiness and Maintenance
Organization (CAMO) and the world’s sole system for training of AT-802 pilots and technical personnel. “With AT-802 sales booming and the aircraft becoming recognized as
*MENTION THIS AD AND SAVE 10% ON YOUR NEXT PURCHASE.
*MENTION THIS *FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY AD AND SAVE 10% ON YOUR NEXT PURCHASE. *FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY
The Aviation Innovation Specialists
28 STCs and counting! Single Point Fueling SystemTM for all ag aircraft AKA Hatfield Bottom Loading Fuel System
THRUSH - Reinforced Wing Leading Edge
Lockable Full Swivel Tail Wheel for Ag Cat & Thrush For over 30 years, ISOLAIR has been manufacturing industry leading helicopter systems for the firefighting, forestry and aerial application industries. With a broad line of certified and custom For over 30 years, ISOLAIR has been manufacturing industry leading helicopter systems for the helicopter equipment, ISOLAIR has the system to fit your company’s needs. From agricultural spray firefighting, forestry and aerial application industries. With a broad line of certified and custom systems andequipment, bucket spreaders firefighting grapples torches, ISOLAIR can helicopter ISOLAIRtohas the systemsystems, to fit yourforestry company’s needs.and From agricultural spray and will do it forestry all! systems and bucket spreaders to firefighting systems, grapples and torches, ISOLAIR can With competitive pricing, quality assurance, easy to install products, and an ongoing commitment and will do it all! to customer service, we welcome you to contact us.toOur friendly and and knowledgeable staff is ready to With competitive pricing, quality assurance, easy install products, an ongoing commitment answer your questions help you the ISOLAIR best meet your to customer service, weand welcome youfind to contact us. Oursystem friendlythat and will knowledgeable staff isoperational ready to answer your questions and help you find requirements. the ISOLAIR system that will best meet your operational
ISOLAIR HELICOPTER ISOLAIR HELICOPTER SYSTEMS SYSTEMS 2410 NW BURNSIDE CT.
requirements.
www.isolairinc.com
www.isolairinc.com
27600 SE HIGHWAY 212
GRESHAM, OR 97030 U.S.A. BORING, OR 97009 U.S.A. PHONE: +1 (503) 492-2105 PHONE: +1 (503) 492-2105 FAX:FAX: +1 (503) 492-2756 +1 (503) 492-2756 EMAIL: sales@isolairinc.com EMAIL: sales@isolairinc.com
SCAN THIS CODE WITH YOUR
SCAN THIS CODE WITH YOUR SMARTPHONE FOR MORE SMARTPHONE FOR MORE INFO INFO
Variable Rate Rotary Gate M-18 Parts & Tool Rental Hatfield Hydraulic Fire Gates
The Turbo Cat TM Pratt &Whitney Ag Cat Conversion Air Conditioners for
Turbine powered Ag Cats
Looking for a new P&W Engine? Give Bill Hatfield a call 616-837-9428
TurbineConversions.com 616-837-9428 est Summer 2017
AFF-15
a successful aerial firefighting platform in Spain, we realized the need of establishing of an appropriate and well organized system for education and training of AT-802 pilots and technical personnel. Acting towards that goal and through a multi-year, step-by-step investment, we built from scratch a very unique and serious AT-802 education system. We first established an EASA Part 147 Training Center specialized in training AT-802 engineers and mechanics. That was followed by developing from scratch a new twin-seat floats-equipped AT802 Fire Boss aircraft for realistic SET(SEA) training of AT-802 pilots. That aircraft was then based for establishing our EASA Approved Training Organization (ATO) specialized for land and amphibious training of AT-802 flight crews. “Finally, we are very proud to have developed from scratch the world’s sole FTD Level II flight simulator with the ability to simulate flight characteristics of both land and amphibious versions of the AT-802. The simulator has been operational since March 2015 and has already experienced extensive use not only by our Spanish AT-802 pilots, but also by their colleagues from South Africa, Croatia, Macedonia, Montenegro, Israel, Australia, USA, Canada and other countries. It is an excellent and unique training and safety tool that can simulate firefighting scenarios and various in-flight emergencies with a level of confidence and accuracy as described in the JAR-STD-3A for flight training devices,” explains Huerta. Being asked about his most recent business investments
AFF-16
& A E R I A L
F I R E F I G H T I N G ’ S
N E W S P A P E R
and the vision for the future, Vicente Huerta said, “When our long-existing facilities at Valencia international airport exhausted their potential for expansion, the company invested in construction of new premises in Paterna and Viver, both near Valencia, Spain. The newly constructed facility in Paterna is now a reality and apart from been headquarters for all our businesses, it also houses Operations and Research & Development Departments, spare parts warehouse of nearly 600 m2 and also the specialized 300 m2 propeller workshop that separates us in Europe from our competitors. The facility in Viver, however, is still under construction, as it is much larger. Viver is indeed our private airfield located 85 km northwest of Valencia. The construction is expected to be finished by the end of 2019 with an area of 600,000 m2 and a 1,500 x 80m runway. It will become the main hub for all our existing and future activities and firefighting operations in Spain and in the Western Mediterranean area.” For the ultimate design and the business success of the late Leland Snow from which the AT-802 made its first flight on October 30th, 1990, the AT-802 remains the backbone for the success of Vicente Huerta’s businesses. At the same time, the PT6-powered plane remains the largest single-engine turbine aircraft in the world and the most prominent Air Tractor Inc. product that was initially developed as an agricultural aircraft, has grown and matured into a truly versatile turboprop utilized worldwide in firefighting, law-enforcement and counterinsurgency (COIN) roles.
In its standard agricultural or firefighting configuration, the AT-802 uses a tricycle-type tail-wheel landing gear and is available in both AT-802A single-seat and AT-802 dual cockpit configurations. When the airframe standard landing gear is removed and amphibious floats are installed, the aircraft is designated the name “Fire Boss”. This is a recognizable trademark for a truly capable, specialized firefighting bomber that can land on traditional runways but can also retain its ability to scoop water from rivers, lakes and open seas, as well as land there. The heavily-armed, sensors-equipped and armored COIN version comes only in a dual cockpit and standard tailwheel landing gear configuration and is designated the AT-802U.
Simplex Aerospace to Deliver SkyCannon® to Chinese Customer Simplex® Aerospace announced it has received a new order for a high rise firefighting system (Simplex SkyCannon®) and fire attack system for the AVICOPTER (AVIC) AC313 helicopter. The new SkyCannon® for the AC 313 is called the Simplex Model 580. The Model 580 SkyCannon® uses the 1000-gallon Simplex Model 380A Fire Attack® (FAS) system as a water source. The Model 380 FAS for the AC313 has been delivered to several locations in China over the last few years. Currently installed Simplex fire attack systems on the AC313 can be retrofitted to accommodate the SkyCannon® The Simplex Aerospace SkyCannon® was first delivered to Tokyo Fire in late 2015. The Model 516 SkyCannon® at Tokyo Fire Department uses the Simplex 316 FAS as a water source. Simplex Aerospace is also in the process of adapting the SkyCannon® to other helicopter platforms that use Simplex® Aerospace Fire Attack® systems. The new systems will also feature several of Simplex® Aerospace’s patented wild land firefighting features. Mark Zimmerman, Simplex® Aerospace President and CEO, stated, “The SkyCannon® systems in both Tokyo and Beijing will help local fire fighters to better manage high rise building fires. By being able to fight the fire quickly and at its source, a new level of safety will be available to residents of Beijing and Tokyo. It is Simplex® Aerospace’s intention to supply our SkyCannon® system on all Simplex systems that meet equipment size requirements for effective use.” Founded in 1946, Simplex® (www.simplex.aero) has built a reputation as the leader in design, manufacturing, and certification of aerial application systems and mission equipment for helicopters. Simplex maintains its industry leadership by incorporating the latest technology in designing and manufacturing systems from high-strength, low-weight composite materials to produce reliable and cost-effective systems for firefighting, agriculture, utilities maintenance and other aerial applications.
Summer 2017
AFF-17
Frost Flying inc. Your
STRIKEDealer! Delivering Firefighting Aircraft Worldwide! compro AGRINAUTICS WeathAero
Jack Frost 3393 Hwy 121 West Marianna, AR 72360 AFF-18
870-295-6213 &
A E R I A L
corrosion X Breckenridge
F I R E F I G H T I N G ’ S
N E W S P A P E R
Parts 870-295-6218 Tel 870-295-6213 Fax 870-295-6674 frostparts@hotmail.com
Summer 2017
AFF-19