35 minute read
CRAYMERS CORNER
CRAYMER’S COUNSEL
Robert Craymer - robertc@covingtonaircraft.com
Cycle Tracking
In 2021, we celebrated the 100th year of agricultural aviation and I celebrated my 25th year with Covington Aircraft. Many achievements in life are marked by time. “Let every man be master of his time.” ? William Shakespeare.
Now many of you are wondering, Craymer how are you going to talk about engine maintenance with an opening paragraph about time. Engine maintenance time is tracked by hours, cycles, and life limited components. It used to be that everything was monitored off cycles, however, hours are starting to become as much a part of time tracking now as cycles.
Turbine blade maintenance is now being tracked using hours. For some models like the PT6A-65AG the compressor turbine blades have an inspection that must be done at 3000 hours. Pratt & Whitney Canada calls this inspection a “Creep” check. The “Creep” check is the removing of compressor turbine a.k.a. CT blades and checking their growth. This is an inspection that must be done at an engine shop. Your on-wing mechanic is not going to have all the tooling for blade removal, inspection, installation, and balance. Be advised that this also could possibly result in the replacement of the shroud segments.
Another blade maintenance item can be found on the PT6A67AG. The replacement of the 2nd stage power turbine blades is recommended by 5000 hours. Don’t be deceived by the word recommended, the replacement of the power turbine blades at 5000 hours is very important. We have seen several engines that were more than the 5000-hour time frame and the blades have liberated. Pratt & Whitney Canada has expressed that they can use the term required only in issuance of an AD, recommended is the strongest language that can be used without an AD.
Be advised there are some commercial support programs to help owner/operators of PT6A-67AG engine with the cost of the blade replacement. One is only able to take advantage of commercial support programs while the programs are still active and through Pratt & Whitney Canada family of approved shops, including Covington Aircraft. As more maintenance is being dictated by hours you can see the tracking of hours is becoming more and more important to engine maintenance. ➤
Cycle tracking on the other hand has always been important. To clarify, a cycle is defined as a start, a flight, a landing, and a shutdown. In agricultural aviation use, we don’t typically utilize the engine and airplane in this manner. One may start the engine once or twice a day and do as many flights as your customers applications call for. PWC understands this utilization and have provided us a means for determining cycle counts using starts and flights. A common question that has been asked, can one determine starts and flights based solely on hours? The answer is no. The owner/operator is responsible for tracking of starts and flights and providing those to your maintenance provider or engine shop. Thankfully tools are being introduced to make this an easier process. We have evolved from the days of clicker counters in the cockpit to things like the MVP-50T that has the capability of tracking starts and flights. There are also some flight tracking and job tracking software options that are becoming available.
I encourage operators to talk to their vendors and suppliers for value added tools and see if they already have or can add this tracking to their products. We know when a job is inputted you know how many loads that job will take therefore know how many flights that job is going to be. Once the hours, starts and flights are provided we will be able to use the formula found in the appropriate service bulletin. For example, the PT6A-34AG formula is found in service bulletin 1302.
Why is all this important? The engine contains several components that are life limited. They must be replaced when a specific cycle limit has been reached. These components are the compressor rotors, the impeller, and the turbine disks. When work is performed on your engine in the shop, the shop must be able to verify that these limits have not been reached. If during a hot section inspection and cycles cannot be determined for the CT disk, replacement is the only option. It cannot be assumed that cycles remain on the disk or any life limited component. If you must replace the CT disk on your engine it would cost thousands of dollars. I am not trying to scare you but want to show you time tracking has a direct effect on the operating cost of your engine.
As we mark time in our personal and professional lives make sure and consider that marking time on your engine is equally important. Track your hours. Track your starts. Track your flights. Tracking these will make the time you own/ operate your engine easier and cheaper. Be the master of your time.
DART Acquires Paravion, Announces Partnership Agreement with JAC/KHI
DART Aerospace announced on March 3rd, 2022, that it has acquired the aircraft equipment manufacturer Paravion Technology Inc. and Century Helicopters Inc., its maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO)/service center arm.
Based in Fort Collins, Colorado, Paravion launched in 1985 and today offers an extensive list of products including environmental control systems such as heating and air conditioning, camera mount systems, and its trademark Heliporter ground handling unit for helicopters. The company holds close to 70 FAA certifications and more than 200 foreign validations including EASA, TCCA, and PMA approvals for replacement parts. This includes environmental control systems certified under OEM type certificates.
“Paravion’s diverse quality product offering, when paired with DART’s powerful global marketing strength, open incredible opportunities to boost Paravion’s products and expand DART’s leadership as a one-stop mission equipment supplier” says Alain Madore, DART’s President and CEO.
DART’s acquisition of Paravion will allow the mission equipment and replacement parts manufacturer to broaden and diversify its product portfolio with over 1,500 STCs. It will enable DART to offer several exciting new product categories to its global network of OEMs and helicopter operators, including heating and air conditioning systems and the Heliporter® tug.
Century Helicopters has built a reputation of strong completion expertise in the intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) completion arena. Century’s facilities will remain focused on serving their existing customers and its ISR contracts, leveraging its completion expertise to expand and grow this business segment for DART.
“This is an exciting time for Paravion and our customers,” says Larry Hansen, President and CEO of Paravion/Century. “This blending of capabilities and products will provide increased support and opportunity to our current customers and, through DART’s extensive network, bring quality Paravion products to a larger share of the market.”
Paravion will transition into operating under the DART brand, which with the acquisition expands to nine locations worldwide, including four manufacturing centers of excellence. Also in March, Japan Aerospace Corporation (JAC) and Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) signed an agreement on the 23rd with DART to design and certify a fire attack® system for the new five-bladed H145.
The partnership came at the request of DART representative JAC to market a fire attack® system for the H145 helicopter in Japan. KHI, who will assemble the new five-bladed H145 in Japan, is partnering with JAC to help test, certify and install the tank with DART on H145.
“This agreement not only creates opportunities for new markets that operate this high performing aircraft, but it also expands DART’s portfolio of products to another popular aircraft model,” says Steve Ghaleb, VP of Sales at DART Aerospace. “This is another example of DART’s longstanding history of partnerships with our clients to collaboratively find solutions for their missions.”
“We are excited to work together with DART for a fire attack® system solution that serves our H145//BK117D-3 customers in Japan,” says Hiroshi Kuramae, President & CEO at JAC “DART systems are popular here and this new addition will help that popularity grow with a new set of customers.”
FAA certification for the H145 Fire Attack® System is expected by the end of 2022 with Japanese JCAB certification following afterward.
Larry Hansen (Left, Paravaion Technology Inc and Century Helicopters Inc) with Alain Madore (Right. President and CEO DART Aerospace).
Air Tractor Launches Aerial Firefighting Website
The Air Tractor AT-802F and amphibious 802F Fire Boss are proven tools in the fight against wildfires. Predominantly used for rapid and direct initial attack, these agile forward-attack single engine air tanker (SEAT) aircraft are among the most versatile and cost-effective tools in many firefighting agencies’ toolkit.
Now, Air Tractor has launched a new aerial firefighting website: AT802F.com. It features the AT- 802F, 802F Fire Boss, as well as the latest insights and information about rapid response and initial attack tactics.
“Demand for these aircraft continues to grow as hotter, increasingly destructive wildfires become the norm. More than 350 AT-802F airplanes have been delivered and are working with great success across the globe,” said Air Tractor President Jim Hirsch.
“As fire seasons have grown longer and more complex, more firefighting agencies are recognizing the value of the AT- 802F for quick, cost-effective response to fire starts.”
The new website provides in-depth information about the AT-802F and is a resource for those looking at the aircraft, SEAT operations, as well as utilizing them more effectively in wildfire prevention and initial response approaches.
“The new AT802f.com website is a knowledge center sharing new ideas in the application and use of the AT802F and 802F Fire Boss in a rapidly changing wildfire environment. We hope it can help firefighting agencies to evaluate if their current response is still the right response for these challenging times in the fight against wildfires,” Hirsch said.
Visit at802f.com for more.
United Rotorcraft Delivers FIRESYSTEM to Santa Barbara County
United Rotorcraft, a division of Air Methods Corporation, announced March 2, 2022 the delivery of a HH-60 aerial fire system to Santa Barbara County Fire Department’s Air Support Unit.
United Rotorcraft configured the aircraft with their FIRESYSTEM, including a 1,000-gallon water tank attached to the belly of the aircraft, extended landing gear to accommodate the tank, and a retractable snorkel than can refill the tank in 90 seconds. This equipment is designed to extinguish fires rapidly at their inception.
Santa Barbara County Fire Department’s Air Support Unit currently operates an assortment of Bell OH-58 Kiowas and Bell UH-1 Hueys to support the growing demand of Aerial Firefighting and Search and Rescue operations in their region. The addition of this HH-60 fire support helicopter will not only significantly increase the unit’s but will also provide a higher level of safety for the operators and occupants. Santa Barbara County Fire Department’s Division Chief, Anthony Stornetta, said, “With the addition of this state-of-the-art aircraft, we now have longer fuel cycles, shorter turn-around times, less time in the dip (filling the water tank), more water on the fires, and longer commitment to the command and control over the incident. Having the 1,000-gallon water capacity tank with the Blackhawk helicopter compared to the 260 gallons on the Huey aircraft, will provide the county better capability to extinguish fires. The modified HH-60 helicopter will also provide for safer trips to the islands for rescues and medical transport, while flying over the ocean. We would like to say thank you to the skilled workforce at United Rotorcraft, which was able to troubleshoot and correct deficiencies in the aircraft, all while providing seamless communication and a passion for detailed-oriented success."
United Rotorcraft has transformed the legacy HH-60 aircraft by converting the twin-engine aircraft to a best in class aerial firefighting configuration by installing a Macro Blue avionics system to give pilots control over the FIRESYSTEM. The aircraft retains its multi-mission capability, allowing aircrew to perform search and rescue missions, medical evacuation, and carry cargo either internally or as an external load, while becoming an amazing firefighting asset. These upgrades will significantly reduce pilot workload and increase mission effectiveness, while operating in a high-stakes environment.
“We thank the Santa Barbara County Fire Department’s Air Unit for its trust in United Rotorcraft to bring a life-saving, mission-critical asset to the Santa Barbara County Fire Department’s team.” said United Rotorcraft’s President, Larry Alexandre. “We are proud to provide them with a tool that will significantly increase their mission capabilities. Santa Barbara County firefighters and the citizens they protect now have a powerful and proven helicopter that can attack fires at night, maneuver with agility in every condition imaginable, and save their livelihood on a greater scale than ever before.”
Blackhawk Aerospace Announces Agreement To Acquire Controlling Ownership Of Recoil Aerospace
Blackhawk Aerospace announced on March 8th, 2022, that the company has signed a Letter of Intent to acquire controlling ownership of Recoil Aerospace, LLC, an innovative designer and manufacturer of lightweight, carbon fiber composite wildland fire suppression tanks, aircraft aerostructures, and ballistically tolerant auxiliary fuel tanks for helicopters. This agreement allows Blackhawk to diversify into a growing marketplace while lending its vast manufacturing experience and capabilities to expand the market for Recoil’s products.
“This is an exciting time for Recoil as we partner with Blackhawk to amplify our lightweight, cost-effective products around the world,” Joseph Rice, Managing Director of Recoil Aerospace. “We are looking forward to not only growing our market base, but also bringing a number of exciting indevelopment products to certification. Together, we will set the new standard in wildfire suppression, focused on safety and improving mission capabilities.”
Blackhawk, an industry leader in developing, certifying, and manufacturing performance product enhancements for aircraft, will grow and expand Recoil’s safe, cost-effective solutions in the aerospace marketplace. Blackhawk brings decades of extensive experience in production design and certification, its government and defense division’s government program expertise, and its composite division’s capabilities to expand Recoil’s product line in the rotorcraft marketplace.
“This exciting partnership will increase Blackhawk’s diversification into a growing global market,” says Matt Shieman, Chairman of Blackhawk Aerospace. “The fire suppression market is growing with global demand increasing for new technology to replace aging products and solutions, which are 15 to 20 years old. Recoil is an innovative company with fresh, unique capabilities and solutions. Our two companies will combine efforts to accelerate delivery of new technology into this high growing global market that needs new, diverse solutions immediately.”
Established in 2008, Recoil has evolved into a global leader in lightweight carbon fiber composite solutions.?The Recoil Aerospace family of companies’ experience, expertise, and skill in developing strong, lightweight helicopter Tsunami Wildfire Suppression Tanks, Zeus Ballistically Tolerant Auxiliary Fuel Tanks, and Aero-Structure modifications allows their customers to increase mission performance in austere, hostile environments, providing a distinct global advantage. The agreement is expected to close Q3 2022.
The DeHavilland DHC-515 continues on the legacy of the CL-215 and CL-415 aerial firefighting platforms.
De Havilland Launches the DHC-515 Firefighter
De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited (De Havilland Canada) announced on March 31st, 2022 that it has launched the De Havilland DHC-515 Firefighter (formerly known as the CL-515) program.
“After an extensive business and technical review, we are pleased to announce that we have launched the De Havilland DHC-515 Firefighter program, which will involve negotiating contracts with our European customers and ramping up for production,” said Brian Chafe, Chief Executive Officer of De Havilland Canada.
The DHC-515 Firefighter will build on the history of the iconic Canadair CL-215 and CL-415 aircraft which have been a critical part of European and North American aerial firefighting fleets for over 50 years. Important upgrades are being made that will increase the functionality and effectiveness of this legendarily rugged firefighting aircraft.
European customers have signed letters of intent to purchase the first 22 aircraft pending the positive outcome of government-to-government negotiations through the Government of Canada’s contracting agency, the Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC). De Havilland Canada expects first deliveries of the DHC-515 by the middle of the decade, with deliveries of aircraft 23 and beyond to begin at the end of the decade, providing other customers the opportunity to renew existing fleets or proceed with new acquisition opportunities at that time.
De Havilland Canada acquired the Canadair CL program in 2016 and has been contemplating a return to production since 2019. Canadian aerospace engineering quality. The final assembly of the aircraft will take place in Calgary, Alberta where work on the CL-215 and CL-415 aircraft currently takes place. It is anticipated that more than 500 people will need to be recruited over the coming years to successfully deliver this program.
“To bring the DHC-515 into production is important for not only our company, but countries around the world who rely on our aircraft to protect their people and forests,” said Chafe. “We understand the important role the previous aircraft have played in protecting people and property and as our climate continues to change and summers increase in both temperature and length, the DHC-515 will be an important tool for countries around the globe to use in putting out fires.”
“Today’s announcement is an example of the Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC) supporting Canadian innovators to scale up, reach new markets, and have a positive global impact. Not only is this great news for Canadian exports, but for all the countries that will benefit from its technology advancements and worldclass solutions.” said the honorable Mary Ng, Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development.
“As the effects of climate change continue to impact countries around the world, CCC and the Government of Canada are proud to stand with De Havilland Canada in providing this world class solution to our EU partners and allies. We look forward to supporting DHC as other governments wishing to procure these next generation aerial firefighting aircraft come forward.” said Bobby Kwon, President and CEO of the Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC).
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Columbia Helicopters & Brightwater UAG sign MOU.
Columbia Helicopters Enters MOU with Brightwater UAG to Support the GE CT58 Engine and Sikorsky S-61
““This MOU allows us to be well positioned with United
Aero Group to support the
— Santiago Crespo, Vice President of Growth and Strategy at Columbia Helicopters.
Columbia Helicopters and Brightwater United Aero Group (UAG) announced on March 21, 2022, that both companies have entered into a memorandum of understanding to work cooperatively on a Supply Chain Agreement supporting the GE CT58 engine and the Sikorsky S-61 platform in its entirety.
Columbia has operated and maintained the CT58 engine for more than six decades, developing a strong relationship with GE over the years including partnering to evolve the product. In March 2018, Columbia Helicopters became the Total Logistics Support provider for all operators and maintainers of GE T58 and CT58 engines. Under that agreement with GE, Columbia was licensed to produce all procurable spare parts under its FAA Production Certificate utilizing OEM drawings and specifications and provide maintenance for the global fleet. S-61 and CT58 communities with product/ logistics support and OEM components. We are excited to team with United Aero Group and leverage both of our talents,” says Santiago Crespo, Vice President of Growth and Strategy at Columbia Helicopters.
United Aero Group was granted the Sikorsky distributorship of total support of the S-61 platform in 2020. UAG offers a full offering of S-61 support for parts, GSE and rotables. UAG believes this opportunity to work with Columbia Helicopters in developing a more holistic solution for the future of this platform will support the Operators and the OEM at a new level.
Jamie Gelder, President and CEO of Brightwater UAG added: “Teaming legacy support leaders for logistics and front office customer support bolstered by the expertise needed in manufacturing and engineering supports the original OEM role by creating new revenue for the platform. We are very pleased in this opportunity to work with Columbia and the OEMs.”
FlightCell Introduces SmartHUB
Flightcell International’s latest innovation provides rotorcraft operators a solution for the increasing global requirement for mandatory cockpit recording. The new product is the Flightcell SmartHUB – a HD video, audio, flight data recorder and access point for USB/IP devices. “Our new SmartHUB is the perfect tool to meet increasing requirements we are observing globally for mandatory cockpit recording, especially for government and public sector rotorcraft operators,” says John Wyllie, Flightcell CEO.
The Flightcell SmartHUB can monitor a range of parameters including GPS position data; altitude and speed; pressure altitude; vertical rate; turn rate; pitch; roll; and g-force; it will detect impacts and can be configured to log specific flight exceedances. The SmartHUB is a flight optimization tool – it will enable operators, maintainers, and flight crews to review human and aircraft performance and allow operations to be monitored for both efficiency and safety. Flightcell has also developed their own app to complement the Flightcell SmartHUB, so all recordings can be viewed and analysed post flight.
In the past, the cost and complexity of installing recorders in light aircraft and helicopters were prohibitive. The Flightcell SmartHUB changes that completely. Installation of the compact SmartHUB is simple and cost effective – it can be installed under a local modification (minor change) and can be mounted in various positions in the smallest machines to provide virtually a “plug and play” recording capability. Furthermore the new Flightcell SmartHUB integrates with the Flightcell DZMx – the company’s flagship satcom product.
In addition to the SmartHUB, the Flightcell Camera has also been designed to integrate with the SmartHUB. The discrete Flightcell Camera is USB powered and is also easily installed.
Flightcell SmartHUB & Camera Features & Benefits
• Records HD video, audio, and flight data
• Access point for USB/IP powered devices
• Aviation compliant Wi-Fi access point • Effective tool for flight optimization and compliance
• Dedicated SmartHUB Flight Viewer software
• Hardened internal removable SD card slot
• Fast charging USB-A port
• Integrates with the Flightcell DZMx
• Ability to connect with the new compact and rugged Flightcell Camera (HD1080P)
• One or two Flightcell Cameras mountable in cockpit, aircraft cabin and/or winch (future capability to accommodate three cameras)
Expanding on the above-mentioned capabilities the SmartHUB also acts as a USB hub for connecting multiple USB devices. There is also charging facilities on the front facing USB-A connectors allowing for the charging of Smart Devices such as iPads. Furthermore, the SmartHUB also incorporates an ethernet switch for IP interconnection of up to five devices. An optional Wi-FI access point is included, when paired with any internet gateway device (e.g. Flightcell DZMx) which offers broadband connections.
“Learning about new and pending requirements for mandatory cockpit recorders has confirmed to Flightcell there will be strong demand for our new SmartHUB product. This is also reflective in our market research and initial feedback from several operators, whereby the SmartHUB’s capabilities have exceeded their expectations, so we are excited about releasing this product in May this year,” said John.
After a two-year hiatus from hosting the aerial firefighting show in the United States, Tangent Link’s Aerial Fire Fighting North America returned to San Diego, ready to follow on from the success of the 2021 show held in Tallinn, Estonia.
The convention was held on March 2223, 2022, just outside downtown San Diego at the Town and Country Resort. AerialFire hosted its opening reception “Mixer” the day before the floor opened, setting the tone for the event to be one of sharing of best practices, successes, failures, and new products to the market that would make the job of fighting fires from the air an easier one.
During the dozens of presentations throughout the two-day show, the underlying message repeated by city, state, and county fire leadership that spoke throughout, was that we can still do a better job of providing aerial firefighting services and fighting the fires themselves.
Several presentations focused on what county and state-level agencies are doing outside the norm—showcasing operations like Orange County’s Quick Reaction Force headed by fire chief Brian Fennessy. The QRF operation partners with Coulson aviation to provide County fire resources, combined with several Coulson resources that include the CU-47 Chinook and S-76 helicopters that can fight fires during both day and night operations, which provides around the clock firefighting that is still not a widely adopted practice despite its apparent benefits. ➤
Other industry challenges included discussions on pilot shortages and what the industry needs to do to address that inevitable shortfall that will likely negatively impact the industry if steps are not taken in due course.
The show floor was expectedly busy, with over 300 attendees moving between sessions and the show floor, where the best in products for the aerial firefighting industry were on display. The floor exhibits included everything from advanced life support helmet solutions provided by Paraclete, to firefighting bucket and tank solutions from Helitak, Recoil, SEI Industries, and Valfirest, to retardant delivery options from Perimeter Solutions, Fortress, and Blazetamer.
Also in attendance were many new companies looking to provide services to the aerial firefighting industry options, from UAS solutions to night vision capabilities and enhanced vision systems. Also in attendance were options for MRO services, airport services, fire gates, aircraft sales, and manufacture.
OEMs and fire service providers were a significant presence in the exhibit hall, including vendors that provide domestic and international firefighting services such as Coulson, Bridger Aerospace, Conair, Neptune, and many other businesses that spent their time exhibiting speaking to customers; both new and existing.
The large contingent of exhibitors and the quality session content continue the collaboration between agencies and the private sector that make up the industry, proving another successful Tangent Link run Aerial Firefighting North America. ➤
““This year’s AFFNA event had record attendance,
and for good reason - the mission continues to expand,
and with it, shared know how and experiences. CALFIRE
leadership, along with senior leaders from USFS,
Washington State, and US Armed Services, gave
incredibly important contributions”.
As with previous events, the show culminated in the Walt Darren Aerial Firefighting award presented to Mike Lynn of Conair for his decades of service and dedication to developing pilots within the industry. The award was presented by members of the Darren family, along with presenter and AerialFire contributor Dan Reese, at the gala dinner held at the Town and Country on Tuesday the 23rd of March.
As with previous years’ events, the sentiment from attendees was one of gratitude that the show had finally returned stateside once again to allow for another year of sharing of ideas, round table discussions that provide needed resources, and discussion amongst agencies that may not otherwise share experiences, best practices, and lessons learned in the field with each other.
Unlike other years where the show rotates between the United States and Europe, 2022 will see the addition of a combined aerial firefighting and search and rescue show held by Tangent Link May 18-20 in France, supported by the French Government to be held at the Sécurité Civile base in Nîmes.
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. Additional benefits of this technology include multifunction display capability for traffic mapping, weather, terrain and more. Cockpit connectivity can also be accomplished through WiFi® and Bluetooth® 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.
Water Enhancers Offer Additional Boost
By Bill Schuster
Over the past several decades, agencies charged with providing protection from wildfires have been upgrading their aerial fleets of both airtankers and helicopters, with increased payload as the goal and measure of effectiveness. If the primary mission of fire suppression aircraft was to haul cargo, this would make sense. The goal should be to have aircraft deliver the greatest volume, of the most effective suppressant, in the least amount of time. The use of ‘enhanced’ water instead of non-enhanced water significantly improves the performance of aircraft. The timeliness, volume and effectiveness of the suppressant delivered should be the new measure.
Agencies who are open-minded about adopting proven advancements in aerial firefighting exercise due diligence in decision making as budgets and appropriations increase for protection from wildfire.
Advancements in water enhancer technology offer new options for supporting ground firefighters. The delivery of more effective suppressants increases both safety and efficiency. Reducing the amount of flight time on individual fires that not only saves money but increases safety as it reduces the amount of time that pilots are required to fly in a low-level, smokey, and often-times congested airspace over large fires.
In addition to risk management considerations and cost savings on individual fires, the value of the fleet is increased since aircraft are available to engage in multiple fires during the same burning period.
Delivery systems, such as those that allow on-board injection of liquid concentrates, also significantly increase effectiveness since every load delivered contains enhanced water. Aggressive initial attack with aerial resources has proven to keep fires small and less threatening.
Two studies have provided insight into modern-day aerial firefighting:
RAND Report Goal - To determine the composition of a fleet of airtankers, scoopers, and helicopters that would minimize the total social costs of wildfires, including the cost of large fires and aircraft costs. operational utilization and tactical contribution of aerial firefighting resources that have the ability to deliver water and wildland fire chemicals in support of incident objectives.
Some takeaways from these reports include:
• Rapid turn-arounds with scoopers and helicopters have proven to control wildfires quicker by responding to realtime changes in fire activity due to the short turnaround times and on-scene durability.
• Traditional use of large airtankers and Type I helicopters could take on a new role on high-hazard days and become more effective if they are deployed within the initial few hours of detection in combination with Type 2 & Type 3 helicopters and/or scoopers
• For direct attack, the efficiency and effectiveness of large airtankers and aircraft configured with onboard injection systems can be enhanced if water enhancers are used instead of retardant or water only.
Several aircraft are configured with onboard injection systems and are currently in use throughout the USA, including Fire Boss, helicopters, and SEATs. These systems are also used extensively in Fire Boss, helicopters, and large airtankers in Australia. They allow every load delivered to contain enhanced water, significantly increasing aircraft effectiveness. The USFS has recently expressed interest in conducting future testing and evaluation of onboard systems in helicopters.
It was recently announced in California that the Quick Reaction Force (QRF) helicopters, two CH-47s, and one S-61, in Los Angeles, Orange, and Ventura Counties, will be delivering BLAZETAMER380 from on-board systems.
In a recent survey of pilots and Air Attack Officers who have combined experience in using BLAZETAMER380 on over 300 wildfires in the USA, and Air Attack stated, that combining onboard injection with the use of water enhancers will greatly enhance the effectiveness of aircraft. This use will certainly not replace traditional aerial resources and the need for retardant but will certainly make the combined fleet more valuable. It is time to change the measure of effective wildfire air operations. The volume and effectiveness of the suppressant delivered should be the new goal.
A New Era for Air Attack
Bridger Aerospace stepping to the next chapter in air attack platforms.
“The wind shifted suddenly, turning a small, contained fire into an inferno,” Barrett Farrell, Part 135 Chief Pilot at Bridger Aerospace, said. “We’d been over the fire for about four hours when the wind suddenly shifted and took the fire in a new direction. Being the only air attack available in the area, we didn’t have much choice but to stay. Things got even worse when a voice came on the radio saying an aircraft had gone down nearby. So, instead of turning back for fuel, we headed to the downed aircraft. We were calling in resources and talking with the ground crews until we knew everyone made it out safe. After a grueling 5.4 hours over the fire, we finally landed. And amazingly, we still had two hours of fuel when we touched down. We would have cut it close to running out of fuel with most aircraft. I’m just glad we were in a Kodiak.”
Aerial firefighting is an ever-changing industry. Older aircraft that were once critical in the success of fighting fires are slowly transitioning out. Although these aircraft have bragging rights to an impressive firefighting history, they eventually must give way to newer, more modern assets.
“We are stepping into the next chapter of air attack platforms,” said Darren Wilkins, COO of Bridger Aerospace. “The military and airlines consistently retire older aircraft and modernize their fleet. We are doing this within our air attack mission to better support and equip our pilots and better serve those we are trying to protect. In 2020, we added four Daher Kodiak K-100 aircraft to our air attack, aerial firefighting fleet. For the 2022 fire season, we are adding the Pilatus PC-12 to enhance our capabilities as fires start earlier and burn hotter and longer.”
The 40-year-old platforms Bridger Aerospace has been flying for several years are becoming more challenging to support and operate. Modern aircraft, such as the Daher Kodiak-100 and Pilatus PC-12, offer OEM support. Jeff MacLean, Director of Maintenance for Bridger Aerospace, stated, “Utilizing the Pratt & Whitney PT6A engines across all Kodiak and PC-12 platforms makes it far simpler to train mechanics and service aircraft infield. The Kodiak and PC-12 have fewer inspection requirements and demand less downtime for maintenance. Being newer aircraft, they also have fewer unscheduled maintenance events in-field.” This high level of reliability allows the aircraft to be serviced and available for contract for more days. Tanner Hackbush, an A&P Mechanic for air attack, stated, “Last fire season, we never had any serious issues with the Kodiaks. They were almost always operational, and it was easily handled when we did have an issue.”
Adopting the Kodiak in 2020 was an essential step for Bridger in modernizing its fleet. “Unlike most air attack platforms, it can handle backcountry flying and offers remarkable STOL performance,” said Ryan Cleveland, Assistant Chief Pilot. “Above a fire, it can maintain the fuel efficiency required to loiter 6 to 7 hours. It offers improved visibility over a fire and an impressive reliability rating (not to mention the strong air conditioning).”
Bridger Aerospace is continuing its trend of fleet modernization to include the Pilatus PC-12, which can operate at an equivalent speed to a Turbine Commander. The reliability rating of its 1,200 horsepower PT6A-67B turboprop is among the best in its class. Its pressurized, spacious interior maximizes comfort and utility in-flight while improving visibility. Tyler Kern, Assistant Director of Operations for Bridger, stated, “We have developed an all-new avionics modification for the PC-12 with a full Garmin suite, including three FM radios and updated autopilot. We expect it to set the standard for PC-12 avionics in aerial firefighting.”
Modernization is a positive change for the industry. Older aircraft are passing the torch and opening opportunities for advancement. Operating newer platforms will ensure the right aircraft are ready and available to fly when needed. As the industry grows, airplanes such as the Kodiak and PC-12 will continue to set the standard for fleet modernization. However, “Companies like Bridger Aerospace would not be where we are today without our older, legacy aircraft,” said K Mita, Director of Marketing.
IAB Issues Full Approval of Air Tractor Gen III FRDS Firegate
Air Tractor President Jim Hirsch announced April 25th, 2022, that the Air Tractor Gen III Fire Response Delivery System (FRDS) has received full approval from the Interagency Airtanker Board (IAB). This follows a 12-month testing, inspection, and field evaluation process. The firegate received a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) from the Federal Aviation Administration April 1, 2020.
“We are quite pleased to receive approval of the Gen III FRDS for single engine air tankers such as the AT-802F and 802F Fire Boss,” says Hirsch. “Air Tractor has been building and supporting state of the art, constant flow rate firefighting systems for AT802F aircraft since 1992, with more than 350 firefighting aircraft delivered around the world. This is a well-proven firegate system that brings the latest innovations, advanced features, and capabilities to aerial firefighters.”
The Gen III FRDS has already seen extensive use in the United States, Europe, South America, and Australia following IAB interim approval in April 2020. Dauntless Air installed the first Gen III FRDS on airframe N8522Q in support of the STC process. Wipaire/Fire Boss and aerial firefighting company Aerotech have also used the Gen III firegate on their aircraft since early 2020. Fred Fahey Aerial Services, Kennedy Aviation, and Field Air and others have operated the allelectric Gen III firegate for the past three fire seasons in Australia.
The extensive update to the FRDS system includes more than 280 lbs. (127 kg.) of weight reduction, all-electric operation, 25%+ more flow than the Gen II FRDS, integrated AFF tracking/ATU telemetry system, integrated foam injection control, and much simpler operation than previous systems.
Operators and fire agencies report the precise constant-flow operation, high flow rate capability, and the lighter weight of the system provide significant advantages over other firegate systems.
The Gen III FRDS has the broadest range of flow capability available, enabling very dense applications at coverage level 8. At coverage level 0.5 it produces 2,200 feet (670 meters) of ground line — the most ground line per gallon of retardant of any firegate.
The Gen III FRDS is standard equipment for Air Tractor AT-802F and AT-802AF single engine air tankers. A retrofit kit is also available for earlier FRDS models and AT-802 agricultural aircraft.
