ALL OF AERIAL FIREFIGHTING
AERIALFIRE AT AIRVENTURE Aerial Firefighting Takes Center Stage in Oshkosh
FALL 2019
More Fight For Firefighters. The arsenal of aerial attack weapons for firefighters just got larger – and better. The Thrush 510G Switchback is FAA Certified – and soon it will be joined by the new 710P Fire Bird – the newest, most advanced firefighting aircraft in the industry. The Fire Bird features an electronically controlled, hydraulically actuated fire gate and—unlike other SEAT aircraft, a separate, mechanically actuated jettison system for added pilot safety. Best of all, it’s a Thrush. Which means it’s designed to climb faster, handle better, work harder and get you home safely each night. Because we believe whether you’re spraying row crops or battling wildfires, you deserve an aircraft that fights as hard as you do. For more information of the new 710P Fire Bird, or the new 510G Switchback, and how they can help you join the fire fight, visit us online, or call Eric Rojek at 229.789.0437.
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In This Issue of AERIALFIRE... Volume 17 Number 3 | Fall 2019 06 Aerial Firefighting Takes Center Stage in Oshkosh 12 Los Angeles County Fire to Increase Firehawk Numbers 14 Pratt & Whitney to Open New Overhaul Centre 15 Global Supertanker Arrives in Bolivia for Aerial Firefighting 16 New South Wales Coulson Fireliner - Operating on Day One 16 Simplex Unveils Internal Fire Tank for UH-60 Blackhawk 18 UH-60 and Tactical Command Center Assist to Battle Fires 20 Wipaire Partners with SPA for Lifetime Membership Benefits 20 LMS chosen by Viking Air Limited for Fuel Gauging & Indication on Renowned Canadair Aerial Firefighters 22 Aero Applicators and Aero Seat Demo Aerial Firefighting 22 HAI Begins Search for New President 24 Consumer Drone Use Continues to Ground Aircraft
EDITOR: Ryan Mason - ryan@aerialfiremag.com ACCOUNTING/ADMINISTRATION: Casey Armstrong - casey@aerialfiremag.com DISPLAY ADVERTISING: Ernie Eggler - ernie@aerialfiremag.com Melanie Woodley - melanie@aerialfiremag.com PRODUCTION: Deborah Freeman - deb@aerialfiremag.com CIRCULATION: Mary Jane Virden - maryjane@aerialfiremag.com
© Copyright 2019 AerialFire 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 AerialFire. 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 AerialFire 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. AerialFire (ISSN 1081-6496) Published quarterly by Blue Sky Investments, Inc., 475 Myrtle Field Road, Perry, GA 31069 for $19 USD for one year in the U.S.; International rates are $29 USD for one year.
30 Brazilian Agricultural Aviation Rises to Assist in Amazon Wildfires
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05 The Drop | Ryan Mason
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34 From the FAA | Jennifer Caron 38 From the FAA | Dr. Leo M. Hattrup. M.D.
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Cover Image: 2019’s aerial firefighting demonstration involved participation from this Viking Aircraft CL-215 that conducted several water drops during the two days of performances to demonstrate the capabilities of aerial firefighting to the crowds at the EAA Oshkosh show.
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THE DROP
Ryan Mason ryan@aerialfire.com
Moving the Safety Needle
Thoughtful conversation between professionals about potential risk factors, procedures, training, and how you do your job safely should never be taboo.
As I read the latest press release from the United States Helicopter Safety Team (USHST), I was saddened to see that if the accident rate for 2019 continues, this year will be on track to become one of the worst on record for helicopter accidents. This year, in particular, hit me the hardest, as 2019 was the first year I lost a friend in a fatal accident. While I still have many questions relating to the crash that will likely remain unanswered until the NTSB is complete with their investigation, one thing is for sure. The industry is worse off for the loss of a great pilot and even better human when it lost Geoff Painter. His accident, and the loss of a French firefighting S2F near GÊnÊrac, France got me thinking. While only a single crash, the bigger loss to the industry to me is the loss of knowledge and experience that occurs when we lose an aerial firefighting pilot. In this highly skilled industry where often times experience is measured in decades not years, it creates a void that is difficult to fill. The years I have been in the aviation field, I have tried to read as many accident reports as possible. I don’t read them out of a macabre fascination, but as an educational tool. I try to learn from them in the hopes that I can share information one day that may prevent someone else from making a potentially fatal mistake. I see many people on social media when an accident is being discussed try to shut down a conversation by referencing the need for a full investigation to take place, respect for the deceased etc. I agree with that, however, thoughtful conversation between professionals about potential
risk factors, procedures, training, and how you do your job safely should never be taboo. This was the case when many groups on the Internet simply shutdown conversation about a recent near controlled flight into terrain event while fighting fires. Fortunately, the crew recovered the aircraft and was able to submit a report that detailed the near-catastrophic event. I am sure we all learned from reading the first-hand account from the pilot. We can all agree that flying an aircraft involves skill and flying safely requires good decision making. Those decisions can be as simple as calculating correct weight and balance. Yet, too often it becomes evident in NTSB accident investigation reports that there was an entirely avoidable error chain that snowballed into an accident. Whichever way you look at it, the aviation community has a great history of self-regulating and making improvements that continue to raise the bar in safety. While accidents are in many cases a gut check for many, I hope that we continue to talk about accidents and what we learned in the hope that we can move the safety needle in the right direction. Fly safe, Until the next issue,
aerialfiremag.com | AF 5
AERIALFIRE AT AIRVENTURE Aerial Firefighting Takes Center Stage in Oshkosh by Ryan Mason
This Air Tractor AT-802 formed a central part of the aerial firefighting show at EAA Airventure 2019, the abilities of SEAT aircraft on the fire ground. Photo by Ryan Mason/AerialFire AF 6 | showcasing aerialfiremag.com
aerialfiremag.com | AF 7
The annual AirVenture show rolled into Oshkosh, Wisconsin again in 2019, celebrating its 50th year in the Midwest. This year brought with it record crowds and a yearly pilgrimage of thousands of pilots ready to soak in everything that aviation had to offer for the 2019 show. This year’s show brought a total of over 642,000 aviation enthusiasts to AirVenture. The number broke last year’s attendance record for EAA with a 6.8% increase from 2018’s record high attendance. Over 10,000 planes that consisted of 2,758 show planes, 1,057 homebuilt aircraft, 939 vintage airplanes, 400 warbirds (a 6 percent increase from 2018), 188 ultralights and light-sport aircraft, 105 seaplanes, 62 aerobatic aircraft, and 7 in other categories. All aircraft arrived at Wittman Regional Airport, who’s controllers handled over 16,000 aircraft operations throughout the show, equating to 127 take-off’s and landings an hour and making Whittman the busiest airspace in the world for the week of the show as it does every year. AirVenture this year, like many others, faced its share of trials. Severe storms in the lead up to the show caused headaches for staff and volunteers as constant rain, and thunderstorms caused the temporary closure of the “North 40” camping and aircraft parking area due to the wet ground. In previous years, multiple aircraft had become stuck in the north 40 after bad weather. It fell on EAA’s army of volunteers, not wanting a repeat, to relocate many hundreds of aircraft until conditions improved. Fortunately, perfect conditions reigned in the days following, which allowed for the full cadre of aircraft scheduled to arrive and find a place to park their aircraft. EAA’s CEO, Jack Pelton remarked on the show “What I’m most proud of this year is how our volunteers, staff, and the community joined to overcome the challenges resulting from the massive storms that hit the airport and campground just prior to opening day. It took a true team effort to meet the additional demands on time and resources to provide services to our members and visitors.” Aerial firefighting was represented in multiple locations on the EAA grounds this year. The AT802 was situated in a prime location left of show center for the majority of this year’s show where it became the focus of many curious aviators wanting to learn more about the Air Tractor that AF 8 | aerialfiremag.com
Left: Pilot Michael Hutchins in the AT-802 during the aerial firefighting demonstration, pictured here in a bank over the military aircraft staging section of Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Photo by Ryan Mason/ AerialFire. Above: The Air National Guard participated in this year’s aerial firefighting demonstration with their AC-130 firebomber fitted with MAFFS system. Photo by Ryan Mason/AerialFire.
would take part in this year’s air show festivities. Always on the lookout for unique flight displays - the team at the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) arranged for dozens of new air show performances. Each adding to the already packed schedule of crowd favorites like Patty Wagstaff, Sean Tucker and the Red Bull AirForce returning to AirVenture in Wisconsin. The 2019 show featured for the first time, a show performance unlike any other – the first coordinated aerial firefighting demonstration performed at AirVenture. The first demonstration took place during the airshow on Tuesday, July 23rd, followed by a more extensive demonstration flight that involved four aircraft demonstrating a full aerial firefighting operation on Wednesday, July 24th of this year’s event. Air Tractor’s AT-802, a Canadair CL-215, and an Air National Guard AC-130 wowed thousands of onlookers during Tuesday’s performance. All aircraft performing a mock fire drop over show center, making multiple passes to extinguish a pallet fire set between the runways to simulate a wildfire line placed directly between Wittman’s
main runways to the delight of fans gathered in their thousands. Reserve Citizen Airmen from the 302nd Airlift Wing staffed the AC-130 that formed the military portion of the aerial fire display. A sixmember aircrew, supported by two maintenance technicians, using the Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System (MAFFS) to deploy water over the mock fireground. Lt. Col. Bradley Ross, the 302nd AW’s MAFFS operations chief, says the air show provides an opportunity for communities outside the local area to see what a MAFFS drop looks like firsthand and get a better understanding of what the mission is. The MAFFS mission is a joint effort between the U.S. Forest Service and the Department of Defense to suppress wildland fires. The 302nd AW is the only Air Force Reserve unit tasked with this special mission. There are also three Air National Guard wings that share the aerial firefighting mission in the United States, Nevada’s 152nd Airlift Wing, California’s 146th Airlift Wing and Wyoming’s 153rd Airlift Wing. The MAFFS is a self-contained aerial firefighting
aerialfiremag.com | AF 9
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Left: The Viking Aircraft CL-215 returns to the runway after a successful salvo at the 2019 EAA Airventure in Oshkosh Wisconsin. Photo by Ryan Mason/ Aerial Fire Below: The Air Tractor AT-802 begins a water drop at the 2019 AirVenture aerial firefighting demonstration. Photo by Ryan Mason/ AerialFire
system, owned by the U.S. Forest Service, which can discharge up to 3,000 gallons of fire retardant in less than 10 seconds, covering an area onequarter of a mile long and 100 feet wide. The system can then be reloaded in less than 12 minutes on the ground. Wednesday’s show added the participation of a Shrike Commander that performed an overwatch role for the fire salvo as it would in a wildland environment to coordinate fire drops into a targeted location. Wednesday’s performance was closer to a full-scale aerial firefighting simulation, featuring the addition of full scenario audio communications. Communications for the operation were then broadcast to the thousands viewing the demonstration on the ground as the aircraft dropped thousands of gallons of water on show central with passes from the Canadair, AT-802 and the MAFFS equipped C-130 all in quick succession. All in all, the 2019 show was a big success for both EAA and the aerial firefighting industry in its first year of demonstrating to the broader aviation community gathered at AirVenture. The aerial firefighting demonstration providing an example of the complexity and coordination required to execute aerial firefighting operations safely. If crowd reaction is anything to go by, hopefully, aerial firefighting will return to EAA’s Oshkosh show on an annual basis, giving the public a more comprehensive understanding of the value proposition that aerial firefighting operations provide.
aerialfiremag.com | AF 11
Los Angeles County Fire to Increase Firehawk Numbers Adding to Los Angeles County’s already large fleet of Bell 412 and S-70 Firehawk firefighting helicopter fleet, Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, announced this week during a town hall event specifically addressing the county’s wildfire preparation for the 2019 fire season that the county intends to purchase two additional Sikorsky S-70 Firehawk helicopters. The town hall event was scheduled to address residents’ concerns after 2018’s devastating firestorms claimed dozens of lives throughout California. The purchase of two additional S-70 helicopters will upon delivery, bring the number of S-70 Firehawks from five to seven within the agency, eventually bringing the total number of helicopters to thirteen once the arrival of two already ordered S-70s arrive in late 2020 and the AF 12 | aerialfiremag.com
two new purchases announced also begin fire service in an as yet unannounced timeframe. Barger stated during the event “I’m going to break some news here, but we’re looking to buy two more,” which drew masses of applause from residents in attendance at the event. “We’re eager to negotiate the potential addition of two new Firehawks to our arsenal to further our efforts to keep our community safe and our fires under control,” Barger added.
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aerialfiremag.com | AF 13
PRESS RELEASE
Pratt & Whitney to Open New PT6A and PW200 Engine Overhaul Centre in Belo Horizonte, Brazil
Pratt & Whitney has operated in Brazil for more than 75 years and remains the country’s leading supplier of General Aviation engines.
SÃO PAULO, BRAZIL – Pratt & Whitney, a division of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX), is pleased to announce that it is collaborating with Indústria de Aviação e Serviços (IAS) to open a new overhaul facility in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, for PT6A and PW200 engines. “With the opening of the new facility in Belo Horizonte, our customers can benefit from faster and more cost-effective engine overhaul services,” said Satheeshkumar Kumarasingham, vice president of Customer Service at Pratt & Whitney. “With a large population of Pratt & Whitney powered aircraft in Brazil, we are continuing to invest in the country to best meet our customers’ needs.”
This new facility builds on an existing service network in the country including Sorocaba, a hot section inspection and parts distribution center. More recently, three sites joined the Pratt & Whitney designated maintenance facilities network in Brazil. Pratt & Whitney has operated in Brazil for more than 75 years and remains the country’s leading supplier of General Aviation engines. The company also powers a large number of the nation’s aircraft for government, commercial and business use.
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This experience gives Pratt & Whitney’s local team the unique insight and ability to personalize services and solutions to meet customers’ needs. “We’re excited to be working with Pratt & Whitney on this new overhaul shop,” said Ronaldo Aldrin, chief executive officer at IAS. “The PT6A and PW200 engine families power more than 1,300 aircraft in Brazil. We’re looking forward to collaborating with Pratt & Whitney to serve customers even better.” This new facility builds on an existing service network in the country including Sorocaba, a hot section inspection and parts distribution center. More recently, three sites joined the Pratt & Whitney designated maintenance facilities network in Brazil – more than in any other country – for the line maintenance and mobile repair of PT6A and helicopter engines. ABA Manutenção de Aeronaves in Barreiras serves the needs of agricultural operators, Rico Táxi Aéreo in Manaus serves PT6A general aviation operators and Helipark Manutenção in São Paulo services several Pratt & Whitney helicopter engines. The company expects the Belo Horizonte facility to be operational by the end of 2019. Come meet the local Pratt & Whitney team during LABACE, at booth 3001.
About Pratt & Whitney Pratt & Whitney is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft and helicopter engines, and auxiliary power units. United Technologies Corp., based in Farmington, Connecticut, provides high-technology systems and services to the building and aerospace industries. To learn more about UTC, visit its website at www.utc.com, or follow the company on Twitter: @UTC.
Global Supertanker Arrives in Bolivia for Aerial Firefighting The Colorado Springs, CO based Boeing 747 VLAT Global Supertanker arrived at Viru Viru International Airport in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia at 10:37pm EST Thursday evening, on a direct flight from Sacramento, California and has since been conducting multiple salvo’s a day in the area. In a widely shared image on social media, crews used seven pools located airside to fill the massive tanks on the Global Super Tanker until hydrant access could be secured for the aircraft that has since been able to conduct a fill within 20 minutes of arriving back from each salvo. Firefighters on the ground in Bolivia have been fighting a losing battle to contain fires that continue to spread near Bolivia’s border with Paraguay and Brazil that have already burned over 1.6 million acres. Ground and aerial firefighting efforts that include helicopters, ground wildland firefighting crews and even five hundred members of the country’s armed forces who have been assigned to the firefighting effort have struggled to keep up with the rapidly spreading blaze which eventually lead to the commissioning of the VLAT asset in the hopes of quelling the spread and extinguishing what is still burning.
The Global Supertanker is capable of delivering up to 19,200 gallons in a single salvo, or can also deploy segmented drops as needed. The VLAT SuperTanker also has the ability to drop water, retardant, or suppressant as needed. The Global Supertanker has since its commencement assisted in major fires in Australia, Alaska, California, Chile, Israel, Mexico and Spain.
aerialfiremag.com | AF 15
PRESS RELEASE
New South Wales Coulson Fireliner Operating on Day One Only days after its trans-continental delivery flight and a formal acceptance on August 4, 2019, the newly named “Marie Bashir” Fireliner, named in honor of the former New South Wales (NSW) Governor, Dame Marie Bashir took to the skies to fight its first bushfire just four days later on August 8. The NSW Rural Fire Service (NSWRFS) welcomed the Coulson 737 Fireliner as a permanent part of their fleet as the first Large Air Tanker (LAT) to be permanently based in Australia after Coulson Group and the NSWRFS signed an annual contract for $26.3 million in May of this year for the company to provide the 737 Fireliner, support aircraft, crew, and ongoing maintenance. The 737 Fireliner will take over from existing
firefighting aircraft that were already servicing the NSWRFS contract requirements, including several C-130 aircraft. The new 737 LAT completed its maiden drop over the Lindfield Park Road Fire in the coastal city of Port Macquarie in New South Wales on Australia’s East coast. The Fireliner’s initial drop was directed to contain burning peat across a large area of wetland that has proved hard for ground crews to access after the fire flared for a second time due to increasing wind in the area. The fire has already been burning for two weeks and the flare up was not unexpected according to the NSWRFS. The LAT drop was requested to continue to keep the fire behind existing containment lines.
Simplex Unveils Internal Fire Tank for UH-60 Blackhawk Simplex announced this week that its 370i Fire Attack System (FAS) had successfully gained FAA type certification. The 370i system, unveiled at the Aerial Firefighting show in Sacramento, California in March of 2018 is an 850-gallon internal Fire Attack system for the Blackhawk (S-70i, S-70A, UH-60A, & UH-60L) The Model 370i Fire Attack is the first and only internal Fire Attack system for the Blackhawk helicopter developed principally for the restricted category civil aerial firefighting market. The US government divested approximately 800 Blackhawk helicopters over the last several years, many of which are being purchased and placed in service by civil operators with restricted category FAA type certificates to use in aerial firefighting and other high-value missions. Mark Zimmerman, Simplex’s CEO commented that “Simplex’s internal Fire Attack systems eliminate the need for the Blackhawk gear extensions required for belly mounted tanks, making the internal tanks ideally suited for civil Blackhawk operators.” The 850-gallon internal tank utilizes a single dispersal door that drops water through the cargo hook well with minimal modifications to the aircraft. Installing the tank in the aft cabin increases the depth of the water, compared to belly mounted AF 16 | aerialfiremag.com
tanks, provides a powerful gravity fed water drop. Simplex also offer a 1,000 gallon internal Fire Attack system with three dispersal doors requiring minimal modifications to the aircraft skin. Both internal tanks systems are made from lightweight composites providing superior corrosion and fatigue resistance compared to historic metal tanks providing decades of maintenance-free operational service. Both 850 and 1000 gallon models utilize a 1000 gallon per minute hover refill system capable of being mounted on either side of the tank. Each model has dual ground fill ports, so the tank can be easily refilled when circumstances required ground fill and during night operations. The entire Fire Attack system can be installed/removed in less than 15 minutes allowing rapid change is facilitating rapid mission application. The Simplex internal tanks offer USFS & NAFC Type 1 helitanker retardant discharge capability allowing pilots to select the number of retardant drops, flow rate, and percentage of fire foam to engage all fire and fuel conditions. An automatic emergency water drop feature is included on all Simplex Fire Attack systems in the event of an aircraft power outage or other emergency condition.
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UH-60 and Tactical Command Center Assist to Battle Summer Fires
Caroline Winn, SDG&E’s chief operating officer speaks during an August 7th press conference to celebrate the arrival of the UH-60A Blackhawk to assist in firefighting operations.
AF 18 | aerialfiremag.com
San Diego Gas and Electric (SDG&E) added another asset to their already powerful firefighting operations that will work in unison with San Diego County’s Fire Department assets to protect the community from fire risk. The company hosted a press event Tuesday August 7th, 2019 to announce the arrival of a UH-60 Blackhawk Helicopter, a new Tactical Command Vehicle, Evacuation Planning Map Books, and Information for Community Resource Centers to Provide Protection to Customers. The San Diego County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously earlier in the month to share the cost of the refitted UH-60. The new lease will add capability to the county’s firefighting efforts that include an existing UH-60 firefighting helicopter and an EC-145 owned by SDG&E used for powerline patrol and spotting duties as needed. This will also supplement the lease of an Erickson Air Crane, also used each firefighting season. The terms of the public/private agreement that is becoming more prevalent in Southern California in recent times, details that San Diego Gas and Electric will incur operational costs for the initial two hours of any operational flight time, then the County will cover the second two hours, should the flight take extended time. San Diego County can also call on a myriad of mutual assistance during firefighting efforts that include mutual aid from CalFire fixed wing and rotary assets, Sheriff and Police Aircraft equipped with bambi buckets, along with assistance from over 20 military airborne assets that can be
configured for firefighting when needed. “Safety is our highest priority. The new wildfire prevention assets will complement SDG&E’s decade-long fire risk preparedness program, which is aimed at identifying and better managing the effects of extreme weather and making our region more resilient,” said Caroline Winn, SDG&E’s chief operating officer. “We are committed to continuing our work with the best and the brightest in our region so that together, we can make every day safer than the last for the communities we are privileged to serve.” Other than maintenance downtime, SDG&E aims to have their UH-60 Blackhawk Helicopter available 365 days a year. The internal tank fitted to the company’s UH-60 holds 850 gallons of water. SDG&E is no stranger to a private/ public partnership, this aircraft being the second aerial asset the company has invested in for fire suppression efforts. SDG&E also used the press event to showcase its new tactical command center. The vehicle is 4x4 capable tactical command vehicle capable of being deployed into challenging environments affected by wildfires. The company stated that the vehicle is vital to SDG&E’s safety efforts as it allows teams to deploy faster and quickly establish full Internet and satellite phone communications at temporary locations for fire operations. Mobile connectivity also includes a touch screen tabletop that rapidly allows responders to bring up maps of the region and of critical energy infrastructure.
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PRESS RELEASE
Wipaire Partners with SPA for Lifetime Membership Benefits Wipaire announced a partnership on June 22nd, 2019 with the Seaplane Pilots Association [SPA] to increase support of pro-seaplane initiatives through lifetime membership. “Beginning July 22, 2019, all new owners of Wipline floats will receive complimentary lifetime membership with Seaplane Pilots Association. This increases awareness and participation for our customers on the many benefits of joining SPA” said Chuck Wiplinger, third generation President of family owned Wipaire, Inc. “SPA serves as the resource for seaplane pilot education which is helpful for new float owners. Through lifetime membership, they’ll receive
discounts on insurance, access to safety seminars and be able to enjoy our events and splash-ins” said Steven McCaughey, Executive Director of SPA. “Our lifetime members provide support critical to our advocacy. This includes our efforts to maintain open waterways and work with government entities to create pro-seaplane legislation. Partnering with Wipaire for lifetime membership supports the mission of SPA: Protecting and Promoting Water Flying. We truly appreciate this exclusive benefit being included with the purchase of new Wipline floats.”
LMS chosen by Viking Air Limited for Fuel Gauging & Indication on Renowned Canadair Aerial Firefighters Liquid Measurement Systems, Inc. (LMS) announced August 5th that it has begun work on an improved fuel measurement and indication system for Viking Air Limited’s Canadair CL-215T and CL415 Aerial Firefighter Fleet. The CL-215T and CL-415 are amphibious turboprop planes specifically designed to provide aerial support for firefighting missions. Viking’s total upgrade will deliver a new, harmonized cockpit to meet the global market’s demand for high versatility amphibious firefighters, as well as anticipate operational and technical requirements for the next 25 years or more. LMS’ improved fuel quantity indication system will transmit continuous fuel quantity measurement from the fuel tanks to an aircraft data concentrator, as well as to the cockpit. LMS’ system will also include a Refuel Preselect Panel with a targeted fill quantity selector and a separate automatic refueling initiator. The Panel will independently control the refuel shut-off valves as well, to ensure that automatic refueling AF 20 | aerialfiremag.com
conforms to the targeted fill quantity, while keeping the tanks balanced. LMS will design, certify, acquire TSOAs, and manufacture the new system components. The components include lightweight and strong carbon composite in-tank capacitance fuel probes and compensators, signal conditioners operating with DO-178 DAL B software, and the full refuel preselect panel, operating with DO-178 DAL C software. If launched, says Viking, the state-of-the-art CL515 aerial firefighter will also use the LMS system. “We are pleased to have been selected by Viking for this project,” said LMS President Scott Fewell. He continued, “30-plus years in service has earned these aircraft a reputation as the most efficient means to protect lives, property and nature from uncontrolled fires, the world over. LMS welcomes the opportunity to become part of that tradition, with safe, accurate and reliable fuel measurement, indication and refueling – all of which are missioncritical.”
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PRESS RELEASE
Aero Applicators and Aero Seat Demo Aerial Firefighting to Colorado Senator Cory Gardner by Jessica Freeman, Executive Director CoAAA
Annually, Senator Cory Gardner conducts farm tours visiting varied agricultural operations all around the state of Colorado. The purpose of those varied tours is to learn about current issues affecting rural populations and agricultural producers and look for future solutions. On August 21, 2019, the tour brought Senator Gardner to Sterling Colorado to visit Aero Applicators and Aero Seat businesses. The morning kicked off with a demonstration flight of agricultural aviation and aerial firefighting in the Air Tractor AT-802 S.E.A.T. Aircraft with Senator Gardner riding along in the back seat. After the demo-flight, the pilot demonstrated an aerial
firefighting drop of the new blue-colored fire retardant from Fire and Ice. After all of the important demonstrations, a town hall-style meeting was conducted over lunch in the Aero Applicators and Aero Seat hangar. The meetings were very important, but we think it is safe to say that this stop will be one of Senator Gardner’s favorites. When asked if he would like to ride along again, the Senator responded “absolutely”! The day was a great example of education for our state and national leaders on the importance of aerial application and aerial firefighting.
Helicopter Association International Begins Search for New President After announcing the retirement of CEO Matt Zuccaro in July 2019, the Helicopter Association International (HAI) announced that it would begin the search for a replacement for the role today in a press release. HAI stated that the organization is seeking highly qualified individuals to apply for the position of president and CEO of the memberbased organization. Zuccaro’s announced retirement is set to be effective in June 2020, giving the organization just under a year to bring on a successor. HAI has retained the executive search firm Heidrick and Struggles to assist with the international search and stated that initial screening of applicants has already begun, although the firm will continue to accept applications until the HAI Board of Directors makes a final selection to fill the position. AF 22 | aerialfiremag.com
The job description for the role states in part: “The president and CEO of HAI directs the organization’s mission and vision, leads the staff, represents and speaks for the organization and its work, and is responsible for implementing the decisions and recommendations of the HAI Executive Committee and Board of Directors.” HAI is the helicopter industry’s professional trade association that acts on behalf of its nearly 3,000 aviation businesses and individuals for an industry that operates an estimated 4,500 helicopters that fly approximately 2.3 million hours each year in more than 73 nations around the world. HAI states that the organization is dedicated to the promotion of the helicopter as a safe, effective method of commerce and to the advancement of the international helicopter community.
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Consumer Drone Use Continues to Ground Aircraft With No Sign of Slowing by Ryan Mason
Last year, consumer drone sales hit a record high of thirteen million units in the United States.
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As consumer drone sales numbers continue to increase annually, so too does the risk posed to the aerial firefighting industry by the casual use of this rapidly expanding technology. The potential for collisions between aerial firefighting aircraft and civilian operated drones is an obvious concern, and one already given a lot of media coverage. One that many in the general public are yet to identify as a burgeoning issue is an increase in drones spotted flying in an area aerial firefighting operations are taking place. Obtaining a consumer drone is as simple as placing an online order or buying one off the shelf at Walmart. With the ease in which the public can now consume this technology, it appears there will be no end in sight for the aerial firefighting industry having to combat this issue. A quick news headline search over the last sixty days shows illegal consumer drone operation during fires has caused suspension of aerial firefighting efforts across the country on multiple occasions. Aerial firefighting efforts were hampered on the Alaska Fire in Provo, Utah on August 2nd, the Museum Fire Flagstaff, Arizona on July 25th, the Swan Lake Fire in Alaska July 12th, the Bocco Fire in Colorado on July 14th, and the Coldwater Fire also in Arizona on June 9th. Despite national education and informational efforts nationwide by the FAA to educate drone users, these incidents continue to not only occur but appear to be increasing in their frequency. Informational social media posts, YouTube videos, and information broadcast on local and national news outlets have for months been providing information to the public that details possible criminal prosecution for flying drones during aerial firefighting efforts. Sadly, the FAA’s education effort seems to have fallen on deaf ears of recreational drone operators. TFR restrictions being willfully ignored daily by many flying consumer drones. Sales that now
number in the millions throughout the United States. Drone sightings have resulted in aerial firefighting mission suspensions that continue to increase in frequency despite the efforts of both federal and state authorities. Last year, consumer drone sales hit a record high of thirteen million units in the United States. Sales showing no signs of abating as industry projections for drone sales are predicted to hit twenty-nine million units shipped annually by 2020. With this many drones in circulation, it stands to reason that unless drastic measures are undertaken at the consumer level by companies such as industry leader in sales DJI, and at the regulatory level, the problem will only worsen over the next several years.
Multiple drone sightings at altitudes far in excess of the legally allowed altitude of 400 feet AGL are reported weekly in commercial aviation. There is also real difficulty in policing these infringements at the local level to apprehend those responsible. Law enforcement charged with apprehending suspects involved in illegal drone operations during fires are frequently stretched to their limits before any drone activity reports. Officers are often already engaged in protecting residents or assisting in evacuation efforts. Thus, locating a suspect who is often easily mobile and close by a vehicle, proves often fruitless. The aerial firefighting industry is not the only industry affected with unauthorized flights by
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aerialfiremag.com | AF 25
Practicing water drops in preparation for California’s wildfire season is a Fire Boss from Air Spray in Chico, CA. Photo by Michael Piper.
The inside of the 10 Tanker Air Carrier DC-10 VLAT. Photo by Rick Barbosa AF 26 | aerialfiremag.com
AERIALFIRE PICS
One of the many Viking CL-215’s operating in Italy during fire seson for the Securite Civile. Photo by Gerard Joyon.
A PJ Helicopters UH-60A conducts a training flight near Chico, California. Photo by Cole Euken
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A BAE146 takes off furing firefighting operations in 2015. Photo by Todd McKinley.
AF frews 28 | aerialfiremag.com CFire perform rapel training from a helicopter at John Dat Airport in Colorado. Photo by Todd McKinley.
AERIALFIRE PICS
A CH-47D from Columbia Helicopters during training in California Photo by Michael Piper
aerialfiremag.com | AF 29 A Siller Helicopters S-64 Skycrane fills up from a Reservoir in 2009 during the Station Fire. Photo by Damon Duran.
Brazilian Agricultural Aviation Rises to Assist in Amazon Wildfires by Lucas Zanoni
Private sector companies help with public sector problems.
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Left: Serrana, a large aerial agricultural company with over 20 Air Tractors, delegates some of its fleet to
As an unseasonably severe dry season hits Brazil and the fires raging in the Amazon receive International attention, agricultural aviation begins to showcase its ability to work in a dualrole capacity, fighting to save one of the largest rain forest on earth. The participation of agricultural aircraft in aerial firefighting has continued to gain strength over recent years in Brazil. Coordination between private industry and the public sector in aerial firefighting efforts is shaping up to become a large portion of companies’ work each year.
fighting Amazon fires.
Switching Gears Above: A SEAT Air Tractor makes a circles to make a drop in the Amazon brush.
Tangará Aeroagrícola, an agricultural aviation operator, began operations in Brazil in 1969. The company progressing into aerial firefighting operations in 1991, carrying out its first mission in the Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park. Tangará Aeroagrícola realized the need for mission-specific aircraft for aerial firefighting, beginning to use firefighting specific aircraft in 2010. “When we acquired the first AT-502, we
sought knowledge in Chile and hired a Chilean instructor to train our company pilots. Since 2012, we have been helping the state of São Paulo as part of the contingent of aircraft utilized by the Fire and Civil Defense departments. Also providing free training to various groups of the state’s Fire Department. Currently, we are also encouraging the use of firefighting specific aircraft by the private sector”. In addition to investments in training and larger aircraft, Tangará Aeroagrícola recognized the need to install specific equipment for aerial firefighting missions. The development of firespecific gate boxes, that are attached to the bottom of the aircraft in lieu of the agricultural gate, has allowed for continual evolution of the dual purpose aircraft, for agricultural aviation and aerial firefighting. “Keeping up with new technology and coming up with solutions is a prime factor for any industry, and aerial firefighting is no different. The idea came up in 2006 when we manufactured the first manual fire gate box at the request of aerialfiremag.com | AF 31
Tucano Aviação Agrícola, in Primavera do Leste (state of Mato Grosso). Since then, we have been listening to the demands of our partners and seeking new technologies that could meet the needs of the Brazilian aerial firefighting fleet and improve their equipment. We emphasize that international cooperation is also a key factor for the development of new technologies,” Brazilian manufacturer of fire gate products Zanoni Equipamentos stated.
success of the operations to work hand in hand with private companies to protect their communities from wildfire risk. Brazilian companies Pachu and Imagem also recently formed a partnership to serve their areas of operation under a fixed price on demand contract with the government. “Our company assigns an aircraft, a pilot and a support team for each of the regions we serve,” stated Jorge Humberto Morato de Toledo from Imagem.
Coordinating with the public sector
In addition, the company coordinates openly with other teams in Brazil. Using the Whatsapp app, the company coordinates with firefighters using a dedicated group chat where information is exchanged to allow better planning of firefighting operations.
Firefighting has a complicated relationship with the public sector in Brazil. Not only in regulatory and supervisory matters (as happens in agricultural aviation as well) but also operational and financial hurdles must be overcome to solidify the dual purpose of private sector aviation helping government. Currently, at the federal level, the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity (ICMBio), is responsible for the Brazilian National Parks. Maintaining multiple operational bases across the country, the ICMBio is also the responsible party that signs agreements with aviation companies along with using its own aircraft to combat wildfires in Brazil. The states of Minas Gerais, Bahia, São Paulo, and Piauí recently established their own hiring models, which now complement the federal aerial firefighting effort. The effort to regulate and allocate funds at the state level has been led by SINDAG (Brazil’s National Union of Agricultural Aviation Companies) and other local companies. This has, in turn, lead to more job opportunities for agricultural pilots to provide aerial firefighting support in addition to agricultural missions. All parties with a stake in aerial firefighting, such as local fire brigades and the Brazilian Army, have learned since the inception of a public/private initiative that it is essential for the
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Coordination is key Private companies providing aerial firefighting realized the need for coordination is not just essential between companies and public entities. Coordinating firefighting efforts needs to involve everyone that plays a role in fighting fires. As new players enter the arena, like state government agencies in Brazil, different forms of dialogue and cooperation between them must be established. In 2013, fires that hit Taim Ecological Station in the state of Rio Grande do Sul helped solidify those information-sharing efforts after realizing performance could be improved. “The requirement that only the aircraft hired by ICMBio (including the need for the biggest aircraft) disrupted the operation, which could have been more efficient with the use of local airplanes at the beginning of the fire threat.” according to Alan Poulsen from Taim Aeragrícola. Due to the vastness of Brazil, sometimes state agencies are not enough or are too slow-moving to establish a robust aerial firefighting operation. In one such case, Brazilian agricultural
operation Aerotex, led by Rui Alberto Textor, formed a “private air brigade” of sorts to serve farmers in the southwest of Goiás. This philanthropic effort was paid for by farmers to protect their crops from wildfire. Proceeds were donated to the Cancer Hospital, a shelter for the elderly, schools, and other charities chosen by the company and by the farmers as beneficiaries.
Opportunity to shine 2019 has focused a great deal of media attention on the fires in the Amazon, yet little attention has been paid thus far to work carried out in the region by local ag pilots working as aerial firefighting pilots; except for media coverage provided via SINDAG and AgAir Update, an agricultural aviation specific publication, on their websites. “What changes in the Amazon is that the terrain is flat. Elsewhere, for example, in Minas state, the terrain is more rugged. Where there are a lot of mountains, the risk to the pilot is higher. There in the Amazon, in the state of Rondônia, where we have been working in the cities of Porto Velho
and Machadinho do Oeste, it is practically flat, so it offers a safer operation, but the visibility is the most critical factor,” said pilot Gustavo Borges. Borges works as part of a partnership between Americasul and Serrana who work under contract for ICMBio. Initially, four aircraft were dispatched to Chapada dos Guimarães in the state of Mato Grosso where they fought fires that were brought under control within two days. Shortly after, the crew was then dispatched to Rondônia in Porto Velho, where the crew worked in conjunction with a C-130 and multiple helicopters with aerial firefighting efforts in various locations. This includes teams at Machadinho do Oeste, where coordinated efforts continue to fight the raging fires with assistance from the Rondônia Fire Department, Government Air Operations Group and the Brazilian Army. As public awareness of SEAT aircraft in aerial firefighting application continues to grow, so too does the work of Brazil’s agricultural aviation community in adapting to the industry, training and better coordinating their efforts to combat wildfire in the region effectively.
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FROM THE FAA Jennifer Caron
Why Should I File a Service Difficulty Report? Because It’s the Right Thing to Do Speak up about what’s going on with a part or component. Tell us about that fractured bolt or corroded stringer. We’re all in the National Airspace System together, and we have to have each other’s backs.
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If I see upcoming road hazards, such as an accident or a disabled vehicle, I flash the headlights. Where I live, it is a goodwill gesture to let fellow drivers know to be vigilant. That same mentality is what drives us to step forward, speak out, and let other people know when something’s not right. If you, or other mechanics in your shop, see either brand new issues or “that same old problem” with a propeller, an appliance, or any aircraft part for that matter, please say something — and not just to those in your shop. Report it online to the aviation community.
We Need Your Input As a maintenance professional, you are on the front lines of the industry. If a system component or a part has malfunctioned, report it. If there’s a flaw or an imperfection, report that too. It’s confidential — you can remain anonymous if you choose — and there’s no punishment for reporting. To file a Malfunction/Defect Report (MDR), go online to the FAA’s Service Difficulty Report (SDR) system at av-info.faa.gov/sdrx. Under the Public Functions tab, select Create a Malfunction/Defect Report. “Please include the part number, what was broken, and what you did to fix it,” says Pennie Thompson, SDR Program Manager in the FAA’s Flight Standards Service. “You don’t have to include the step-by-step process, but a brief narrative is helpful.” Please also include time-inservice or cycles for the part and/or airplane, if
known. That’s valuable information safety analysts need to determine risk. Thompson encourages including a phone number or an email address.
To file a Malfunction/Defect Report (MDR), go online to the FAA’s Service Difficulty Report (SDR) system at av-info.faa.gov/sdrx. Under the Public Functions tab, select Create a Malfunction/Defect Report. “The report is anonymous, and non-punitive,” she says, “but we may need to contact you for additional details.” If you have repeated problems on the same type of aircraft, or part, you should file a report after each occurrence so that the FAA can detect a possible trend. Thompson understands the frustration if you don’t see your report reflected in the system. “Our system is in the process of a much-needed upgrade,” says Thompson. “The search engine has its quirks, but your report is in the queue and will be reviewed by our safety analysts. It just takes time to get it in the database, so please do keep
reporting.” You can follow up on your report by email to 9-AMC-SDR-ProgMgr@faa.gov.
Why Should I File a Report? For part 91 operators, pilots, and mechanics who work their own shops, SDR reports are voluntary, not mandatory. But you will have the satisfaction of helping others. “There are just so many GA planes out there, and we have so few reports coming in from the shops,” explains Thompson, “We need that data to spot trends in defects or malfunctions.” Thompson stresses that SDR data is taken very seriously. “We read every single record, identify the safety issue, and remove details like name and A&P license numbers for upload into SDR,” says Thompson. The FAA’s Monitor Safety/Analyze Data (MSAD) process automatically uploads data from SDR, and it’s used to identify and manage risk in aviation products. “SDR and MSAD are valuable tools in our safety culture toolbox,” says Keith Lardie, Aviation Safety Analyst in the FAA’s Continued Operational Safety Policy section. “These programs let us collect and look at data, understand trends, and get proactive with mitigations before anything bad happens.”
“We had a compressor brush report in MSAD,” says Christy Eckerman, Continued Airworthiness Specialist in the FAA’s Wichita Airworthiness Certification Office. “SDR identified it as a frequently defective part, and we were seeing aircraft tail fires as a result. Thanks to the multiple reports in SDR from GA mechanics, we were able to issue an airworthiness directive to address the problem.” Bottom line? Speak up about what’s going on with a part or component. Tell us about that fractured bolt or corroded stringer. We’re all in the National Airspace System together, and we have to have each other’s backs. Jennifer Caron is FAA Safety Briefing’s copy editor and quality assurance lead. She is a certified technical writer-editor in aviation safety and flight standards.
aerialfiremag.com | AF 35
PRESS RELEASE
Putting the Power of the PT6 Engine in the Palm of Your Hand Pratt & Whitney also announced during the 2019 AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin the launch of “Know My PT6” – a data-rich mobile app to help its customers around the world optimize the performance and availability of their PT6-powered aircraft. “We design high-performing, reliable engines because our customers expect to be able to fly their aircraft whenever and wherever the mission demands,” said Nicholas Kanellias, vice president, General Aviation at Pratt & Whitney. “To complement the dependability of our engines, we also offer many services that help operators best manage their engines, wherever they are. We are very excited to be adding our new Know My PT6 app to our range of customer-centric services.” Know My PT6, available for Apple and Google Android platforms, builds on the popular and widely used Know Your PT6 booklet that guides PT6A engine customers. The app is a digital gateway to maintenance recommendations and to the services and facilities that P&W offers through its global customer service network for engine maintainers, owners, operators and pilots. Customers can receive news alerts, watch videos on a range of topics, explore the extensive library of helpful insights found on Pratt & Whitney’s customer blog Airtime, view models of the various PT6 engines with descriptions and schematics of design features, engine controls and operational and maintenance recommendations. “We continue to invest and develop a highly diversified engine and services portfolio based on our in-depth knowledge of our customers’ needs,” said Kanellias. “We believe it is imperative that customers be able to access the information they need, when they want it. The Know My PT6 app allows just that.”
AF 36 | aerialfiremag.com
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C O N F E R E N C E • E X H I B I T I O N • AWA R D S • L I V E D E M O S • S TAT I C D I S P L AY
FROM THE FAA
Dr. Leo M. Hattrup. M.D.
Melanoma Skin cancer is a very common form of cancer in the United States, according to the National Cancer Institute. Caused by damaged DNA, skin cancer usually results from ultraviolet (UV) radiation, typically due to sun exposure, but it can also be caused from tanning booths. The most dangerous type of skin cancer is melanoma. The Skin Cancer Foundation estimates that more than 190,000 new cases of melanoma will be diagnosed this year.
The ABCs of Melanoma Most non-melanoma skin cancers, with early diagnosis and proper treatment, are not life-threatening and are typically curable with excision. However, melanoma has only a 50/50 chance of being “in situ” (non-invasive) at the time of diagnosis and “curable” with simple excisional surgery. Pilots with melanoma in situ can be returned to flight duties relatively quickly. On the other hand, if the melanoma has already broken into the skin’s deeper layer at the time of diagnosis, there is an increased risk of recurrence and metastatic (distant) disease, including metastases to the brain. The latter has significant aeromedical and health implications. Both the treatment and evaluation are more involved for the deeper melanomas, resulting in increased downtime for the pilot before he or she can be safely returned to flight duties. The take-away here — do not delay diagnosis and treatment. The best strategy to prevent melanoma is to avoid UV exposure as much as possible, especially the midday sun. Block UV exposure by wearing hats, long-sleeved shirts and pants, combined with sunscreen. In addition, routine screening (either self-screening or by your primary care provider) is essential for early detection if melanoma does develop. While those with lighter skin are at the highest risk, we do see melanoma in all skin tones. AF 38 | aerialfiremag.com
Some will develop melanoma despite proper preventive measures, and it can even appear in parts of the body typically not exposed to the sun, such as the soles of the feet. Melanoma often appears as a mole or freckle that is dark, uneven, or has changed in size or shape. The National Cancer Institute recommends using the ABCDE model for inspection. Asymmetry — the shape of one half of the mole or freckle does not match the other half Border — the edges are ragged, blurred, or irregular Color — the color is uneven and may include shades of black, brown, and tan Diameter— there is a change in size, usually an increase Evolving — the mole or freckle has changed over the past few weeks or months For most airmen, the diagnosis of melanoma will not cause a significant, long-term disruption to flying. If you have been diagnosed with a melanoma, the most important thing is to get good treatment and follow up. As noted above, initial treatment for all stages of melanoma is typically surgery, which may be curative if the melanoma is caught early. The more advanced the melanoma, the more involved the surgery. The FAA will require the treatment notes, as well as any imaging and pathology reports from the excision. An excised melanoma in situ is not an aeromedical concern if the reports show no melanoma outside the excision margins. Your AME should be able to issue your medical certificate once the wound from the excision has healed. For more advanced melanoma, the AME must defer the decision to the FAA. For deeper or more complicated (invasive) lesions, additional treatment may be required such as chemotherapy, radiation, and immunologic therapies. Recent advances in the past few years are almost
miraculous and individuals are now surviving advanced stages that were almost universally fatal prior to immunotherapy. At these advanced stages, once the condition is stable, a Special Issuance is required and is considered on a case-by-case basis. While the FAA does not allow individuals to fly while in active treatment, most are returned to flight status after successful completion of treatment and after any side effects from the treatment have resolved. Bottom line: minimize exposure to UV radiation, do self-inspections, and have suspicious lesions evaluated early, rather than late. Leo M. Hattrup, M.D., received a bachelor’s degree from Wichita State University, a master’s in public health from Harvard University, and a doctorate from Vanderbilt University. He is retired from the U.S. Air Force in which he spent the majority of his career in aerospace medicine. He is board certified in aerospace and occupational medicine. He is a certificated flight instructor and enjoys flying airplanes, helicopters, and gliders
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281-342-5451 888-995-5263 TEL • 281-232-5401 FAX aerialfiremag.com | AF 39 logan@laneav.com • www.laneav.com
MICHAEL YOUNG Chief SEAT Pilot
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Chico, CA
FIRE FLYER. Mike flies to save lives. He flew the A-10 protecting soldiers in Iraq. Today Mike Young safeguards the crews on the fire line. He works with military precision and the best equipment he can get. Mike knows what’s at stake. And so do we. See what we mean: AF 40 | aerialfiremag.com
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