CAL FIRE
MAY / JUNE 2020
PREPARING FOR WILDFIRES IN THE ERA OF CORONAVIRUS
PROTECTING THROUGH DATA ANALYSIS
AERIAL FIREFIGHTING 2020 SACRAMENTO SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
AIR TRACTOR’S BATTLE AUSTRALIAN BUSHFIRES
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In This Issue of AERIALFIRE... Volume 18 Number 3 | May / June 2020 10 CAL FIRE Prepares for Wildfires in the Era of Coronavirus 18 Ramirez Aviación Acquires AT-802 for Fighting Fires in Chile
P.O. Box 850 • Perry, GA 31069 USA 475 Myrtle Field Rd. • Perry, GA 31069 USA PHONE: 478-987-2250 FAX: 478-352-0025 info@aerialfiremag.com • aerialfiremag.com AerialFire is published by
20 Protecting Through Data Analysis 22 Coulson Announces 2020 Fire Season Contract Award 24 Australian Bushfire Royal Commission Begins Despite COVID-19 Delay 26 Aerial Firefighting Water Source to Remain After Successful Protest 28 Billings Flying Service Switches Gears to Assist During COVID-19 Crisis 30 Longview Delivers First Production Viking CL-415EAF “Enhanced Aerial Firefighter” to Launch Customer Bridger Aerospace Group 32 AeroBrigham integrates Garmin GI 275 Technology 36 Images Show Aftermath of Massive Fire as Aerial Firefighters Fought to Save 3500 Cars 38 As Global Fire Season Winds Down, Aircraft Head to Maintenance, Next Assignments 40 In Memoriam...Chip Paige 44 AIR TRACTOR AT-802F’s Help Battle Australian Bushfires
In Every Issue of AERIALFIRE... Monthly Columns and Sections 06 The Drop | Ryan Mason
MANAGING EDITOR: Graham Lavender - graham@aerialfiremag.com 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
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Cover image: A CAL FIRE S-2 Tracker drops a line of retardant during the Holy Fire. Image by Jeremy Ulloa.
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THE DROP
Ryan Mason ryan@aerialfire.com
Our ‘New Normal’ In early March of this year, the AerialFire team headed to Sacramento for the Aerial Firefighting North America show. Little did we know that the trip we took would be our last for a while, as shortly after, the
COVID-19 crisis went from slight concern to a fullblown pandemic. As I left Australia at the end of January, people wearing surgical masks in the street were unheard of, although as I left the airport in Melbourne, many workers in airport stores were wearing them, which at the time I deemed quite comical in my head. Fast forward eight weeks and it couldn’t be less comical. Having been a police officer previously, I am not prone to panic, but as is the case when wide-reaching incidents such as COVID-19 hit, many unfortunately are. That has led to many wide-ranging global economic consequences. Once bustling cities that never sleep, such as Las Vegas or New York City, now lie empty, devoid of thousands of tourists as everyone hunkers down and governments place more and more restrictions on movement in the effort to contain the spread of COVID-19. That, in turn, has put many thousands instantly on the unemployment line. We hope only temporarily, but some businesses may never recover from the economic impact this virus has caused in such a short time. Crises can bring out the best and the worst in people. We have seen empty shelves in stores around the world as greed and fear fuel panic buying of essential items. Yet as with the bad, stories like our industry’s very own Bridger Aerospace that I wrote about this week, restore your faith a
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little. The company has tasked its engineering staff with making masks for local first responders with their 3D printers as other companies like Brooks Brothers, GM, and many more switch gears to make equipment vital in the effort to stop the threat COVID-19 poses. One question I posed to myself this week was “what will this mean to the aerial firefighting industry?” While that may vary a great deal from business to business depending on what your focus within the industry is, I believe the short answer is minimal. Fires are, unfortunately, a certainty more than a possibility, as evidenced by the record fires in California and Australia, who each endured some of the worst wildfires on record in their previous seasons. Yet in our field, work goes on in preparation for the next season. Fire contracts are still being awarded, with two major contract awards happening just a few days ago. The aerial firefighting industry is fortunate in that it remains somewhat insulated from the global economic impact that the COVID-19 pandemic is having on businesses around the world that now face uncertain futures.
As people, our ‘new normal’ means we stay indoors, unable to visit friends, extended family, or even go to a restaurant for a meal. Take out is the new normal to going out. Skype calls and FaceTime have replaced visiting friends and family, business meetings, and even job interviews – at least for now. Necessity being the mother of invention, however, sees us inventing new ways to keep in touch with one another, how to do business without physical interaction and how to keep on keeping on with our new normal. We will get through this. Fly Safe,
As many begin their training periods ahead of the upcoming fire season, companies are facing challenges in how they can conduct their training hours safely, while taking adequate precautions to protect their staff.
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An Erickson Air Tanker 107
An Erickson Air Crane prepares to fill up during fire operations in 2019. Photo by Mike Murawski.
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A Neptune Aviation BAE-1 Photo by Mark Lassman
AERIALFIRE PICS
7 drops retardant on the Holy Day Fire. Photo by Jeremy Ulloa
146 drops retardant during fire operations in 2019. A 10 Tanker Air Carrier DC-10 drops a load of retardant. Photo by Todd McKinley aerialfiremag.com | AF 9
CAL FIRE’s newest asset, a Sikorsky S-70i drops a load of water during training operations near the Vina Helitack base in California last week. Image by Michael Piper.
CAL FIRE Prepares for Wildfires in the Era of Coronavirus AF 10 | aerialfiremag.com
By Michael Archer,
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, also known as CalFire, is the State of California’s agency responsible for fire protection in State Responsibility Areas of California totaling 31 million acres, as well as the administration of the state’s private and public forests. As in a typical year, CalFire is currently spinning up resources to fight wildfires across the Golden State. The agency possesses considerable resources for firefighting, with 6,100 permanent personnel, 2,600 seasonal firefighters, approximately 3,200 inmate firefighters, and 600 volunteers that focus on fire prevention. In addition, CalFire fields the largest state-owned wildland firefighting air assets that consist of 23 S-2 Tracker air-tankers, 15 OV-10 Bronco air attack aircraft, and a dozen helicopters that will this year include the Sikorsky S-70i Firehawk that will eventually be replacing the agencies aging Bell UH1H Huey fleet. More aircraft are being brought on over the next couple of years which will swell the ranks and capabilities that will exceed what any other stateowned firefighting agency possesses anywhere in the world. But this year, unlike years past, their world-class firefighting force is being challenged, not by wildfires, but by something that cannot be seen – the COVID-19 pandemic, also known as the Coronavirus.
Preparing for Fire Season As the department strives to prepare for wildfire season in the face of quarantines and social distancing, Deputy Chief Scott McLean, the Chief of Public Information for CalFire, took some
time to discuss how the Corona Virus is already impacting operations and how the department plans to fight fires this season while observing completely new rules of engagement.“We are an all-hazard department, so we’ve been dealing with the Coronavirus from Day One,” Chief McLean asserted. “When we get a 911 call the dispatch clerk has a few extra questions, which are relayed on dispatch if there is any sign of COVID-19 symptoms. When we arrive at the scene, one member of the engine crew will be in PPE, including the gown, the face mask, gloves, goggles if necessary and that individual will take a spare mask in with them to give to the patient as they stand 6’ away, then turn the patient over to the medics when they arrive. After that, the goggles and eyewear can be sanitized, gloves, gowns, and masks are discarded.” With the focus recently on carcinogens on PPE causing cancer in firefighters, many of the procedures instituted to deal with that threat crossover into the Coronavirus threat. One obstacle in limiting the spread of the Coronavirus has been a lack of test kits. Just as hospitals have reported a shortage of face masks, many fire agencies don’t have access to test kits as of yet. “CAL FIRE does not do their own testing of personnel, and I haven’t heard of any department in the state currently involved in that,” Chief McLean agreed. “Our safety folks in our department are working overtime, making sure we get the appropriate information and equipment to use and go from there.”
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TOP: CAL FIRE’s New Tanker 903 dips for water during training in California, image by Michael Piper. Below: CAL FIRE’s Older assets, the UH-1H and S-2 Tracker fighting fires in California. Photos by Mike Murawski.
And, of course, the safety folks are implementing social distancing throughout the agency. “All my staff of 15 are working from home right now,” Chief McLean reported. “I’m at home in Chico. As far as the troops on the front lines, preparations for the upcoming season are taking place. The seasonal firefighter application process took place last November and from that, we have a significant pool to draw from. We bring on an average of 2,600 or so seasonal firefighters, and that’s going to continue. I’ve heard that in some areas the seasonals have returned already. It will take a few months to bring everybody back. We don’t bring them all on at once. All told, we have over 9,000 positions, including seasonal personnel.” But the training has to be done before the troops are ready to deploy. “As far as physical distancing, we have the returning firefighter academies, which commonly hold 25-30, depending on which Unit you go to, so we can’t do that,” Chief McLean explained. “There will be smaller class sizes, just more of them, then follow up with continued training at the stations.” Will the instructors be stretched having that many classes simultaneously? “It’s going to be busy, all in house training of course – station captains, station engineers, etc. Some of these people coming back need to have their certifications updated for Hazmat, CPR/AED, those types of things. Making sure they’re up to date on current policies and procedures. Getting them outside to make sure they’ve got the skills to do the job.” Coronavirus considerations are changing some traditions, however. “We did cancel week-long classes for the permanent folks earlier this year, such as our PIO classes, as one example. A few classes are done online to provide for the Center for Disease and Control guidelines. There’s an impact across the whole state, but we continue to do what we do by bringing those resources into play. Our maintenance program is still up and running at McClellan for all our aircraft. Our dozer operators, our engine crews are ready.” And there are a few new aircraft being brought onboard as well. “A couple of years ago the U.S. Forest Service was going to get some C-130s of their own, but said they weren’t interested,” Chief McLean said. “Senator Feinstein heard about it and we ended up with seven C-130s. Five 4,000-gallon capacity tankers will be flying, one will be in reserve and one will be in maintenance.”
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Fire Camps A big concern for many agencies has been over the establishment of fire camps containing hundreds, even thousands of fire personnel. “We don’t know where the situation is going to be with the virus at the time that fire camps are being set up, but we’re evaluating the wildfire potential situation day by day,” Chief McLean admitted. “In the North State, February was a dry month and we had an uptick of a few hundred responses to wildfire calls during that month. We’ve had good weather in March and the first part of April in regards to snow and rain, so that’s helping. Next week temperatures are supposed to be in the 70’s and ’80s.” With last year’s moderate weather, California only had about 250,000 acres burn, compared to 1.9 million acres the year before, so only two fire camps had to be set up in 2019. “We are cognizant about the base camp situation. We need to logistically support the troops out in the field. The safety members of our teams will be working very hard making sure that everyone abides by the CDC guidelines as far as keeping hands clean, and where physical distancing is concerned. The vendors who supply equipment and trailers during major incidents such as shower trailers will need to take that extra step to make sure that those are sterilized as well, as one example. When you go to wash up at a sink trailer, there’s someone standing there with cloth in hand and a sterilization bottle who is constantly cleaning.” And, of course, the troops need to be fed. “We have our own kitchens that we bring to our incidents, and the cooks are inmates, so CDCR (California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation) has worked with the inmates to educate them as to best practices with respect to COVID-19.” What about the problem of prisons, with their high-density populations being a hotbed of the Coronavirus? Could that be a problem with inmate fire crews or cooks at fire camps? “We have our own conservation camps where there are no prison transfers currently and all visitation has been postponed for the last few weeks, so they’re pretty remote and we don’t have any cases of the Coronavirus within our conservation camps right now,” Chief McLean pointed out. “The inmates themselves are under CDCR rules in
A CAL FIRE S-2 Tracker drops retardant during the Holy Fire. Photo by Jeremy Ulloa. aerialfiremag.com | AF 15
the camps, but once out in the field, they are under the supervision of our captains. CAL FIRE facilities statewide are also closed to the public.”
Fuel Reduction Projects to Continue A big part of reducing wildfires is the removal of builtup vegetation choking forests in some areas, something which spawned a number of fuel-reduction projects at the direction of Governor Newsom last year. “Our fuel reduction projects are still going on throughout the state, whether it be prescribed fire or mechanical,” said Chief McLean. “U.S. Forest Service issued a press release that they are postponing their prescribed burns. We work closely with AQMD, the Air Quality Management Districts, up and down the state, and they tell us when we can and cannot do those low-intensity burns.” In an era when smoke could exacerbate the susceptibility of people to the Coronavirus, that AQMD input will be especially important. “Keep in mind that the mechanical fuel reduction projects are equal in size, if not larger, than the prescribed burns. So just because we’re not doing prescribed fires, it doesn’t mean we aren’t doing our fuel reduction projects. The inmate crews are available year-round, so if they’re not fighting fires they are working on fuel reduction projects or doing community work.” Goats can also be used for fuel reduction projects. “I used to see herds of those little guys along the road as I drove from Chico to Sacramento,” Chief McLean recalled. “I believe the Los Angeles County Fire Department received a grant recently for goats to be used in a certain area for vegetation management.”
The Growing Importance of Aircraft “We have the largest state-owned firefighting air fleet,” Chief McLean said proudly. “We have 12 Huey helicopters, which are still viable, the S-2 air-tankers, which have been coming out of maintenance over the last few weeks and have been conducting training flights and checkout flights over at McClellan, which has been a busy place. Same thing with OV-10s. We are in the
process of receiving our Sikorsky Firehawks, training and practicing on Copter 903, determining what we need to change on them. We might see one of them this coming season, and several the following year.”And what about the air-tanker contractors? “I can’t speak as to our vendors insofar as the 747, the DC-10, the P-3 Orions, etc. – that would be a question for the United States Forest Service.” So far, USFS has put 18 Large Air-Tankers (LATs) and Very Large Air-Tankers (VLATs) on Exclusive Use contracts, backed up by 17 more on Call When Needed Contracts. “Our rule-of-thumb is that 95% of all wildfires be kept at 10 acres or less within CAL FIRE jurisdiction,” Chief McLean explained. “We’ve upped the ante in regards to sending more resources in general, especially during recent years due to the drought-like conditions, to get a jump on those fires. Tankers don’t put out the fires, all components do ground crews, engine crews, and aircraft, with boots on the ground finishing the job.” Another important point about keeping wildfires small is the problem of smoke. If a campaign fire is belching thousands of tons of smoke into the atmosphere, the irritation caused by that smoke, especially to people with respiratory problems, complicates the fight against the Coronavirus by irritating people’s throats, making even healthy people more susceptible to the virus. The early initial attack of wildfires is being touted by many advocates as one way to keep wildfires small. CAL FIRE and agencies like them are going to be relying on a robust early response to keep the fires small, smoke to a minimum, and the need for large numbers of personnel manning the firelines to be minimized in order to reduce the opportunities for COVID-19 to blunt their effectiveness fighting wildfires. Yes, it will be a very different set of rules for dealing with wildland fires this year. And based on projections that the Coronavirus could reassert itself again next year, this may very well become the new normal for wildland agencies.
CAL FIRE S-2’s dropping retardant during fire operations in 2018 Photos by Mike Murawski.
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Ramirez Aviación Acquires AT-802 for Fighting Fires in Chile Representatives of strategic partners, Falconer/Argentina, Aeroglobo (L-R) Falconer’s Roberto Tomassomi based in Marco Juarez, Argentina, Raul Rameriz and wife Lucia
Aeronaves/Brazil and Lane Aviation/USA conducted a delivery to Ramirez Aviación of an AT-802 for fighting fires and treating crops in Temuco, Chile.
of Ramirez Aviacion based in Temuco, Chile and AeroGlobo’s Renato Pires based in Botucatu, Brazil celebrate the delivery of a new AT-802 to Raul and Lucia. The aircraft is powered by a PT6A67AG engine with a five-blade Hartzell
Representatives of strategic partners, Falconer/ Argentina, Aeroglobo Aeronaves/Brazil and Lane Aviation/USA conducted a delivery to Ramirez Aviación of an AT-802 for fighting fires and treating crops in Temuco, Chile. Among those present were Raul and Lucia Ramirez, Roberto Tomassoni (Falconer), Renato Pires (Lane Aviation / Aeroglobo Aeronaves) who together were able to enjoy a gratifying moment for the arrival of the long-awaited aircraft.
and Lucía Ramírez Nicolás (daughter), who are responsible for logistical and administrative issues at Ramirez Aviación.
Ramirez Aviación is a family business formed in 2014. It is directed by pilot Raúl Ramírez Prado, who works with Lucía Nicolás Donoso (wife)
Today, he flies both aerial applications and forest firefighting with currently over 30 years of experience.
Raúl Ramírez has been a pilot since 1985. In 1989, he started flying a G164B Ag-Cat over Chilean forest fires working for Aerozonal that is based in Mininco. From 1995 to 2005, he founded and operated Servicios Aéreos Santa Lucía, focusing on primarily aerial applications.
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YOUR NEXT AIRCRAFT IS HERE. Ramirez Aviación was formed to provide aerial application services with both fixed wing and helicopter aircraft. The company is strongly supported by its strategic USA partner, AeroTech that is owned by Ted Stallings. Continuing with its vision of growth and due to the demand for large SEAT aircraft for firefighting, Ramirez Aviación decided to buy its first Air Tractor AT-802. Raul contacted Falconer Aviation, an Air Tractor representative for AeroGlobo and Lane Aviation in Chile and Argentina, to make the purchase. Falconer, Aeroglobo Aeronaves and Lane Aviation congratulate Ramirez Aviación on its acquisition of the AT-802 and wishes for a promising success for Ramirez Aviación.
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Photo credit Jeremy Ulloa
Coulson Announces 2020 Fire Season Contract Award Lockheed C-130’s and Boeing 737 FIRELINER’s played keys roles in saving homes and lives in Australia.
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Coulson Aviation USA has been awarded a multiyear contract with the USDA Fire Service for Next Generation Large Air Tanker Services throughout the United States. The contract beginning in 2020 will see the first Boeing 737, Tanker 137 in operation. Coulson Aviation is the first in the world to modify Boeing 737’s into FIRELINER’s which utilize a new advanced delivery system specifically designed for this application, the RADS-XXL/2. To convert a 737 into a FIRELINER takes over 43,000-man hours and includes the RADS-XXL/2 installation, avionics upgrades, full strip and re-paint, new interior, and 72 refurbished passenger seats. Once complete, the FIRELINER is differentiated from all other Next Generation Large Airtankers by its ability to transport firefighters without re-configuration and to fly at maximum speeds and altitudes with a load of retardant and no restrictions.
“This firefighting re-purposed Boeing 737 was designed, manufactured and had the installation of the tanking system done in house which is a testament to the creativity of our teams led by Britt Coulson.” Wayne Coulson, CEO Coulson Group “I could not be prouder of our Company based on all the dedication, hard work and commitment of teams to design, manufacture, build, operate and maintain this superior air tanker. Both our Lockheed C-130’s and Boeing 737 FIRELINER’s played keys roles in saving homes and lives in Australia this past devastating fire season which we are all proud of.” “The FIRELINER is truly the Next Generation of Next Generation Large Airtankers” said Britt Coulson, President and COO Coulson Aviation. “The FIRELINER’s are a perfect complement to our C-130’s and having a diverse fleet assures our customers always have the right airtanker for the mission.”
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Australian Bushfire Royal Commission Begins Despite COVID-19 Delay
After a two week delay as the Australian government struggled with the logistics of holding a royal commission on a remote basis, the government’s investigation into Australia’s most devastating fire season began on April 16th, 2020.
Aerial firefighting will likely play a large part in the Royal Commission that is scheduled to speak on the aerial firefighting response starting next week.
Chaired by retired Chief Air Marshal Mark Binskin, the proceedings began with opening statements delivered by the former head of Australia’s Defence Forces touching on the loss of life and how the fires affected towns and cities around Australia like none before the 2019/2020 bushfire season. Due to the unique nature of this royal commission having to be conducted remotely, many of those that would traditionally appear in person has instead had to be scheduled for video evidence, or have been visited by commissioners Dr. Annabelle Bennett SC and Professor Andrew Macintosh who have visited 17 fire-affected communities over the past months leading up to the Royal Commission. Aerial firefighting will likely play a large part in the Royal Commission that is scheduled to speak
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on the aerial firefighting response starting midApril. Suggestions likely to be discussed include the creation of a national waterbombing fleet being made available to all states. During the previous fire season, LAT aircraft contracted to New South Wales were sent to Western Australia during their hardest hit time, and likewise, New South Wales aircraft were also sent to assist in Queensland among many interstate transfers of assets that were conducted during the bushfire season in Australia. Australia’s Royal Commission structure is used in many ways as an investigative body that looks at all evidence presented that can then make wide-ranging recommendations to change the way state and federal bodies operate in the hopes of correcting issues, system abuses, closing loopholes and streamlining government operations. Royal Commissions can be carried out at the state or federal level and in recent years have examined topics such as Police Corruption, Government Tarifs, Trade Unions and many other subjects. Australia has conducted 138 Royal Commissions since its inception in 1788.
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Aerial Firefighting Water Source to Remain After Successful Protest During the devastating 2019/2020 fire season that saw a great deal of damage to the Blue Mountains area.
Community residents in Lithgow, New South Wales celebrated this week after the Blue Mountains City Council rejected a development plan that would have seen a disused quarry near Bell in New South Wales filled in with building waste that has been accumulating after 15 years of construction in the greater Sydney area. The Blue Mountains City Council received 470 letters from residents in the area in opposition to the repurposing of the disused quarry that has served as a static water source for aerial firefighters, most recently during the devastating 2019/2020 fire season that saw a great deal of damage to the Blue Mountains area. The proposal for use from an unnamed developer stated that if successful, the disused quarry would
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be filled with thousands of tonnes of industrial waste, drying up the water source with as many as 74 truck movements through the area per day, further clogging the already busy small road network in the area. The Western Region Planning Council in rejecting the development of the area stated that the development would not have been in the best interest of the public due to an unacceptable risk impact on the world heritage listed Blue Mountains area. The quarry will now remain an aerial firefighting water source and nature reserve for local residents.
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aerialfiremag.com | AF 27
Billings Flying Service Switches Gears to Assist During COVID-19 Crisis Although 3D printing is not a fast process, the printers at billings can pump out at least 18 masks a day.
AF 28 | aerialfiremag.com
Montana based Billings Flying Service is usually gearing up for its aerial firefighting season this time of year with its fleet of CH-47’s Bell 212s and 206s, but with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, two of the company’s engineers found a way to contribute to aiding those in need, helping local first responders protect themselves from the virus.
produced on their equipment and got to work producing them.
Billings Flying Service’s engineers Peter Yegen and Mikale Lynch read a newspaper article featuring a local dentist who had developed a prototype of a 3D printed mask that, if enough were made, would eliminate any worry of a shortage that many other areas were currently experiencing during the COVID-19 crisis. The two got together to adjust the design of the mask so it could be more easily
The masks the Billings team are creating will be distributed to medical professionals in Billings, Montana once fitted with filters that are available locally. Due to the need for alternatives, Billings Flying Service has also been contacted by several other operations in the aviation sector to secure their updated design and plan to make it available for any that need it so they can print their own masks.
Although 3D printing is not a fast process, the printers at billings can pump out at least 18 masks a day. The masks are designed to be reusable, with a changeable filter section that can be replaced.
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PRESS RELEASE
Longview Delivers First Production Viking CL-415EAF “Enhanced Aerial Firefighter” to Launch Customer Bridger Aerospace Group
The very short scooping distance of the CL-415EAF aircraft is expected to outperform competitors
Longview Aviation Services (LAS) of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, in cooperation with Viking Air Limited of Victoria, British Columbia, announced April 15th that the first Viking CL-415EAF “Enhanced Aerial Firefighter” was delivered to launch customer Bridger Aerospace Group (Bridger Aerospace) of Bozeman, Montana, USA. Bridger Aerospace became the launch customer for the Viking CL-415EAF “Enhanced Aerial Firefighter” program after signing a multiple aircraft purchase agreement in May of 2018. The contract with all options exercised is valued at $204M and covers the sale of six CL-415EAF amphibious aerial firefighting aircraft. Manufacturer’s serial number (MSN) 1081, the first Canadair CL-215 to undergo the major modification to the EAF “Enhanced Aerial Firefighter” configuration, took its inaugural flight on March 9th, 2020 outside of programcollaborator Cascade Aerospace’s facility in Abbotsford, British Columbia.
AF 30 | aerialfiremag.com
After application of Bridger’s livery at International Aerospace Coatings’ facility in Spokane, Washington, MSN 1081 flew over the central Rocky Mountain range to Bozeman, Montana for delivery to Bridger Aerospace in advance of the 2020 North American wildfire season. Tim Sheehy, founder, and CEO of Bridger Aerospace Group, stated, “Aggressive Initial Attack and advanced technology in support of the wildland firefighter are the core of Bridger’s ethos. The Viking CL-415EAF is the most capable initial attack asset on the planet and we are proud to be the launch customer for this incredible capability.” Robert Mauracher, Executive Vice President Sales & Marketing for Viking, commented, “We are very excited and proud to be delivering our first Viking CL-415EAF Enhanced Aerial Firefighter to Bridger Aerospace in time for the 2020 North American wildfire season. The delivery of our first Enhanced Aerial Firefighter is the culmination of a multifaceted collaborative project originally launched
in 2018 and represents the solid partnership that has developed between Viking, LAS, and Bridger over the past 24 months. We are now looking forward to adding a second aircraft to their fleet in the coming months.” The CL-415EAF “Enhanced Aerial Firefighter” modification program, announced in 2018 as a collaboration between the two subsidiaries of Longview Aviation Capital, provides an economic boost throughout Western Canada derived from job creation, aerospace manufacturing innovation, supply chain development, academic partnerships, and global export opportunities. The Viking CL-415EAF modification program forms part of a staged approach to utilize the advancements made with the LAS converted aircraft as the basis for the proposed next- generation Viking CL-515 new-production aerial firefighting and multipurpose amphibious aircraft. The Viking CL-415EAF “Enhanced Aerial Firefighter” is a specially selected CL-215 airframe converted to turbine configuration using Viking-supplied conversion kits. It features a new Collins Pro Line Fusion® integrated digital avionics suite, Pratt & Whitney PW123AF turbine engines, increased fire-retardant capacity, and improvements to numerous aircraft systems. The Viking CL-415EAF represents the evolution of the type, providing best-in-class water drop performance utilizing the higher delivery 2-door water drop system combined with a zero-timed maintenance program and a “new aircraft” factorysupported warranty program. All obsolete components impacting the worldwide fleet of CL-215 & CL-415 aircraft are replaced in the CL- 415EAF, and the upgraded aircraft is designed to failsafe FAR 25 certification criteria with no preset life limit.
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AeroBrigham integrates Garmin GI 275 Technology North Texas based aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) provider, AeroBrigham has announced the recent installation of the newly released Garmin GI 275 electronic instrumentation into the Air Tractor Fire Boss AT802A/B amphibious scooper air tanker. The integration of the new technology will result in improved safety, reliability, and reduced pilot workload. Specifically, the new electronic ADI and HSI can remain fully functional during abrupt maneuvering or significant aircraft attitude changes that can uncage competitor equipment. This is a result of the air data, attitude, and heading reference system (ADAHRS) driven display that replaces the antiquated mechanical attitude indicator, with no instrument panel face modification required. An integrated one-hour battery backup is also standard.
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Additional benefits of this technology include multifunction display capability for traffic mapping, weather, terrain and more. Cockpit connectivity can also be accomplished through WiFiÂŽ and BluetoothÂŽ technology. AeroBrigham is scheduled to provide the Garmin GI 275 updates for several Air Tractor Fire Boss airframes this year at their facility in Decatur, Texas just north of the Dallas/Ft. Worth metroplex. AeroBrigham is also integrating a comprehensive heads up display (HUD) for the Fire Boss series amphibious scooper air tanker. This capability utilizes selectable flight data and information such as thermal imaging that can be presented on the HUD.
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FROM THE FAA
LEO M. HATTRUP, M.D.
Spatial Disorientation In this weather technology-themed issue, let’s look at a relevant topic all pilots must understand: spatial disorientation. Spatial disorientation, or “Spatial-D” occurs when a pilot cannot determine their position, location, and motion relative to their environment.
Nobody — but nobody — is immune to the impact of spatial disorientation.
The General Aviation Joint Steering Committee (GAJSC), a joint industry/ government organization, recently reviewed two weather related accidents. In each case, the pilot was instrument rated (but with uncertain proficiency) and the aircraft was equipped for instrument flight. The report does not identify any mechanical issues and neither pilot had a known medical deficiency. In both accidents, spatial disorientation was quite possible. All known circumstances also indicate that the pilots ignored basic tenets of ADM (aeronautical decision-making) and CRM (crew resource management). The first accident involved a pilot who flew his Bonanza into an area of low instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). He made multiple 360s (looking for better weather?) and chose to scud run at less than 600 feet AGL. There is no record of an official or unofficial weather brief, nor did he contact ATC for assistance. The final event was probably an accelerated stall near the ground (the flight path was 45 degrees pitch down through the trees). These maneuvers suggest that he possibly experienced spatial disorientation resulting in the leans or a graveyard spiral. The second accident involved a Cessna 340 pilot who actually had the aircraft towed to the takeoff runway. Why? He was concerned about hitting a parked aircraft or a hangar due to the reduced visibility. As the Cessna impacted the ground
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shortly after the departure end of the runway, the review team believes the pilot may have experienced the somatogravic illusion (a sensation of climbing due to acceleration).
It is easy to criticize and say “I would never do that.” But, is that accurate? The lack of CRM and ADM both clearly contributed to these accidents. It is easy to criticize and say “I would never do that.” But, is that accurate? For the most part, pilots are different from the general population. Many are so-called “Type A,” exhibiting both the determination and effort required to earn pilot certificates and ratings as well as the “I can handle it” confidence that can arise from successfully completing those important milestones (e.g., first solo, first instrument cross-country, etc.). Unfortunately, this same self-assurance can result in overconfidence and poor decision making. All of us are prone to continue a course of action once begun, even if the situation deteriorates from that expected. This tendency is termed “plan continuation bias.” Along with pressure to perform (e.g., if passengers are present), it can also impair the pilot’s ability to assess the actual risk of a situation and lead to disregarding important information such as
cues suggesting spatial disorientation. In fact, a 2004 study by NASA determined that “plan continuation bias” was causal in 9 of the 19 air carrier accidents reviewed. The solution, of course, is to establish and adhere to personal limitations, ideally beginning with the preflight planning and continuing throughout the flight.
Consider these resources: • • • •
Nobody — but nobody — is immune to the impact of spatial disorientation. So please take the time to reacquaint yourself with spatial disorientation and human factors on a regular basis. Maintain instrument proficiency. Debrief your flights looking for areas to improve. Finally, determine your go/ no-go points for all phases of flight early in the planning process.
• • •
Pilot Safety Brochures bit.ly/PilotSafety Spatial Disorientation – Visual Illusions go.usa.gov/xdrab Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM), Chapter 8 bit.ly/AIMChp8 Instrument Flying Handbook, Chapter 3 go.usa.gov/xdraQ Helicopter Flying Handbook, Chapters 12 and 13 go.usa.gov/xdraE and go.usa.gov/xdram FAA Glider Flying Handbook, Chapter 13 go.usa.gov/xdraV Spatial-D Fact Sheet bit.ly/SETopics
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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aerialfiremag.com | AF 35
Photos by Kirby Bradford.
Photos by CCSO.
Photos by Kirby Bradford.
Images Show Aftermath of Massive Fire as Aerial Firefighters Fought to Save 3500 Cars A Charlotte County Sheriff UH-1H fights the massive blaze that
A fire that began Friday at a rental car overflow lot at Fort Myers Airport has been blamed on a rental car left to idle by rental car staff that caused a catastrophic fire that resulted in the loss of over 3500 cars stored in a lot adjacent to the airport.
destroyed 3500 cars at Fort Myers Airport in Florida. Photo by Charlotte County Sheriff. The aftermath of burned out car wrecks that remain after the
Images posted anonymously to Facebook show the devastation as cars lay stacked on top of one another as ground and aerial firefighting crews fought to contain the massive blaze that initially only involved 20 vehicles, quickly spread to involve nearly 95% of the vehicles stored on the lot as dry conditions and mild winds spread the fire from vehicle to vehicle.
fire that took nearly 18 hours to extinguish.
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In videos posted to Facebook Friday evening by the Charlotte County Sheriffs Office, in-cockpit video from the department’s UH-1H helicopter shows the vast expanse of vehicles burning,
pushing black smoke into the air that could be seen for miles. CCSO’s UH-1H was reported to have completed more than 80 drops using its 300-gallon capacity Bambi Bucket, joined during the firefight by an additional UH-1H from the Florida Forestry Service in addition to ground units using aerial boom trucks and heavy machinery to push already burning vehicles together in an effort to control the spread of the fire which raged into the night. Images showing the devastation of the blaze were posted to Facebook yesterday showing the sheer volume of vehicles involved were all that remained of the vehicles were their burned-out shells, devoid of any moldings or tires that all likely burned during the massive blaze that took over 18 hours to extinguish.
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As Global Fire Season Winds Down, Aircraft Head to Maintenance, Next Assignments Coulson’s CH-47 is dismantled to be loaded on an Antonov AN-124 to return for scheduled maintenance before its next assignment. Photo from Coulson Aviation.
A Coulson Aviation CH-47 sits on the ramp of a Chilean airport, but unlike other days where it sat poised and ready to depart at a moments notice to fight fires around Chile, or in previous months in Bolivia, this time the giant dual rotor beast sits with its rotors off awaiting its loading into the giant Antonov 124 cargo ship to return to its base in Port Alberni, British Columbia to undergo heavy maintenance before being again ready to answer the call for fires around the world.
Inset: ‘Elsie’ and ‘Delilah’, two of Erickson’s Air Cranes are loaded aboard a ship bound for their next assignment in Greece Photo from Erickson
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Similarly, on a dock in Corio Bay, Victoria, Australia, five of the six Erickson Air Cranes sit in a similar pre-shipping appearance, each of its six massive rotor blades removed as each is prepared for its next mission, several returning to the Erickson Incorporated base for scheduled maintenance after their long stint fighting the record fires in Australia, others already packed
inside a ship that will soon be headed for the shores of Greece to begin fighting fires there. The helicopter fleet from the United States and Canada now joins its fixed-wing brethren who have departed over the past few weeks like the Erickson Aero Tankers and 10 Tanker Air Carrier Aircraft that have made their way back to their U.S. bases of operation after a long and arduous fire season in Australia that saw only one of two Coulson Aviation C-130’s make the return trip as Tanker 134, a Coulson C-130 was tragically lost in a crash outside of Canberra in January. Australia’s unprecedented fire season saw a response from aerial firefighting teams deploying hundreds of U.S. and Canadian pilots and support crews, that will now head home for some well-earned rest before again answering the call, wherever they are needed.
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In Memoriam...
Chip Paige
The aerial firefighting industry lost a much-loved pilot this week, after veteran pilot Chip Paige was lost in a helicopter accident outside of Mesa, Arizona while ferrying his aircraft. AF 40 | aerialfiremag.com
Photos supplied by John “Max” Jaques.
aerialfiremag.com | AF 41
Photos supplied by John “Max” Jaques.
The crash, that claimed Paige’s life was captured on several amateur videos, shows the aircraft appearing to lack any tail rotor control as it descended. Despite this, Paige managed to bring the aircraft down in a park in an upright position, saving the life of his passenger. Tributes to Paige, who leaves behind fiancée Britanie and 6-year-old son, Kyle, continue to pour in on social media pages detailing Paige’s generous nature and willingness to share his experience, knowledge, and wisdom with anyone in the aviation industry. Chip Paige was an accomplished aviator, having started in helicopters flying for Helinet Aviation as a pilot/reporter for NBC. He later transitioned into fixed-wing aircraft as the pilot of Gulfstream. Later returning to helicopter aviation, Paige then moved into the aerial firefighting world. Initially flying AS-350s before acquiring his own aircraft under his company name of Pacific Aviation Holdings, a UH-1H to use for aerial firefighting missions in 2014 that he named “Brutus.” “We met in Van Nuys in 2003. We worked together from 20112014 and again in 2015 on Gulfstreams. He was really becoming a well-known and respected Gulfstream Captain contract pilot. I had the pleasure of flying with him on multiple occasions, and he showed some of the safest and conservative decision making I’ve seen. He had a raw ability to fly, a natural talent. AF 42 | aerialfiremag.com
“Chip has been there for me through some pivotal moments in my life when others weren’t. He always ensured I had what I needed and that he knew how important our friendship was. I know that there will be no one to fill that void as I move forward.” John “Max” Jaques
Chip has been there for me through some pivotal moments in my life when others weren’t. He always ensured I had what I needed and that he knew how important our friendship was. I know that there will be no one to fill that void as I move forward. I won’t get the crazy Chip stories of working fires and slinging buckets. I won’t get him calling to ask about certain airports and performance questions. I will always miss him.” Said John “Max” Jaques, a close friend of Paige. Above all, Paige will be remembered as a loving family man. His son Kyle was the center of his universe. Paige and Kyle’s mother, Danielle DuBois, had a loving relationship that, even after their romantic involvement ended, persisted with the common goal of co-parenting so that Kyle would be raised in a caring and loving environment. Paige was always eager to see his son after travels, and it haunts the family that Kyle will no longer be able to run into Paige’s loving arms. “Chip provided Kyle emotional support, guidance, and love,” says DuBois. “Never take anything in your life for granted. Tomorrow is not promised.” As tributes to 55-year-old Paige continue to pour in, the aviation community continues to rally around Paige’s family. A fundraiser set up in his honor has raised over $22,000 in just three days since his passing.
Photos supplied by John “Max” Jaques.
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AIR TRACTOR
A Field Air AT-802A is reloaded by Victorian Country Fire Authority Firefighters during the 2019/2020 fire season in Victoria, Australia. AF 44 | aerialfiremag.com
R AT-802F’s Help Battle Australian Bushfires
At the Aerial Firefighting North America 2020 Conference in March of this year in Sacramento, California, international firefighting agency attendees assessed the damage, intensity, and scale of Australia’s January bushfires. More than 15.6 million acres (6.3 million hectares) burned, mainly in the southeast of the country. Entire towns were engulfed, residents across several states were evacuated, more than 2,100 lost their homes and at least 34 people lost their lives. aerialfiremag.com | AF 45
An air tanker and two helicopters crashed with 3 lives lost while fighting the fires in Australia during this year’s season. Thousands of hectares of wilderness areas, gum trees and commercial forests burned. Untold numbers of livestock and wildlife were lost. Agricultural land comprised 14% of the total area scorched. Thousands of firefighters battled the small and large blazes across Australia. The firefighting effort was a massive undertaking on the ground and in the air. While large airtankers (LATs) did much of the heavy lifting for the recent fires, it is estimated that 65 of the existing 81 Air Tractor AT-802 airplanes in Australia also saw action over the blazes.
“Over the past 20 years, and across Australasia, the Mediterranean region, South America and here in the United States and Canada, I have watched the AT-802F steadily take on a bigger role in wildfire emergency operations. ” — Jim Hirsch, President, Air Tractor. The Air Tractor AT-802 firefighting fleet in Australia consists of agricultural airplanes pressed into firefighting service as well as dedicated AT-802F firefighting air tankers. The majority are AT-802F land-based air tankers with the Gen II Fire Response Dispersal System (FRDS). One or two are equipped with Gen I fire gates. The Australian National Aerial Fire Council (NAFC), which oversees the contracting on behalf of the various states, reported they contracted 54 AT-802s. Four of seven Australiabased AT- 802F Fire Boss amphibious scooper air tankers were also under NAFC contracts. Additionally, some states engaged AT-802 firefighting airplanes on “as-needed” contracts. Sources estimated this accounted for as many as ten additional AT-802s put into service. Four AT-802F airtankers working the Australia bushfires were equipped with Air Tractor’s new Gen III FRDS fire gate. The all-electric, constant flow fire gate reduces the airplane’s overall weight and increases its power-to-weight capability. Pilots report they were very pleased with its performance. This AF 46 | aerialfiremag.com
latest FRDS upgrade is the result of an ongoing program of continuous product improvement at Air Tractor. The Gen III FRDS fire gate is integrated with the DataVault telemetry and data acquisition system. Designed specifically for the aerial firefighting community, the system meets or exceeds all NAFC and US Forest Service “proof of delivery” requirements. The DataVault sends near real-time location and operational data telemetry from the FRDS fire gate to emergency operations managers via the Iridium satellite constellation. Air Tractor AT-802F and the amphibious 802F Fire Boss airplanes often are used for initial attack, but they also provide extended attack and “close air support” with pinpoint accuracy for ground crews and for structure protection within a wildland/urban interface. Agile maneuvering, speedy climb rates, and their relatively compact size make these air tankers ideal for mountainous terrain, narrow flight corridors, and areas where other firefighting aircraft can’t go. Most of the contracted AT-802F aircraft are equipped with the Pratt & Whitney 1,600 SHP PT6A-67F turboprop engine. It powers the airplane at speeds approaching 200 m.p.h. (174 knots.) while ferrying between the fire and its airtanker base or mobile retardant base. The -67F engine is legendary for its reliability and power-to-weight performance, making these air tankers well suited for firefighting operations in mountainous terrain and takeoffs from short airstrips. In most cases, NAFC-contracted AT-802 air tankers operate in pairs. This tactic multiplies the amount of retardant or suppressant delivered to the incident and reduces the time between deliveries. Once over the fire, the AT-802F and Fire Boss deliver their retardant, gel or water with computercontrolled precision to knock down grass and brush fires or suppress fires in heavier canopies. Low operating cost, fuel efficiency, and extended operating range also make the AT-802F an ideal asset for aerial patrol and initial response on days when wildfire risk is high. Australia’s devastating fires kept Air Tractors and the Australian aerial firefighting community working hard this season. Many Air Tractor operators had a slow agricultural spray season as a consequence of the very dry conditions leading up to the fires. And now that heavy rains have quelled the wildfires, AT-802 airplanes may be put into service for habitat restoration. Their 800-gallon capacity hopper, speed, and maneuverability make quick work of hydro-mulch application or reseeding for erosion control. Air Tractor aircraft played a major role in fighting bushfires around Australia during their most severe fire season on record. Air Tractor image.
aerialfiremag.com | AF 47
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AF 48 | aerialfiremag.com
