AerialFire Magazine September/October 2022 by aerialfiremag

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2022 THE FIREFIGHTINGFRONTIERLASTTHEDANGERSOFMISINFORMATION IN WILDFIRE AVIATION QUICKFORCEREACTIONDEPLOYS IN CALIFORNIA

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aerialfiremag.com | AF 3 FIRE RETARDANTS FIREFIGHTING FOAMS & GELS SPECIALTYEQUIPMENTPRODUCTSSERVICES At Perimeter Solutions, we create solutions that impact critically important issues of life –issues where there often is no room for error and the job doesn’t offer second chances. Our Fire Safety business is the world’s most comprehensive innovator of firefighting chemistry –including USDA Forest Service-certified fire retardants and advanced foam concentrates that are certified for virtually every firefighting application. We back our products up with state-of-the-art equipment systems and wildfire support services on multiple continents. We want to work with you. Now and in the future, because the work is important. ThatSolutionsSave. A Global Leader in Fire Retardants, Fire-Management Services and Industrial Additives. © 2022 PERIMETER SOLUTIONS LP. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. PERIMETER SOLUTIONS IS A TRADEMARK OF PERIMETER SOLUTIONS LP OR ITS AFFILIATES. perimeter-solutions.com Trusted. Solutions That Save. Experience. Responsibility. Integrity.

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COVER STORY: IN54THEFIREFIGHTINGLASTFRONTIERTHISISSUE: 62 QUICK REACTION FORCE DEPLOYS IN CALIFORNIA 66 THE DANGERS OF MISINFORMATION IN WILDFIRE AVIATION 68 NEVADA AIR NATIONAL GUARD AERIAL FIREFIGHTING TRAINING THE DROP - EDITORIAL 6 AERIAL FIRE PICS 8 REMEMBERING THE FALLEN 12 NEWS 16 AIRBUS SUCCESSFULLY TESTS FIREFIGHTING KIT ON A400M 34 BRIDGER CONTINUES GROWTH, CREATES FIRSTS............................................................................................................................. 46 A BURNING ISSUE - DOES THE UK NEED AERIAL FIREFIGHTING AIRCRAFT? ................................................................................... 50 ORGANIZING THE BRAZILIAN FIREFIGHITNG INDUSTRY TO FLY IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION............................................................. 70 GOING TO THE BIRDS TO PREVENT HAZARDOUS BIRD STRIKES ....................................................................................................... 74 APSCON RECAP 78 IN THIS ISSUE

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THE DROP Ryan Mason ryan@aerialfiremag.com

They say that death is a part of life; we all know that is how the circle goes. However, it does not make the last eight weeks of losses in the aerial firefighting industry any easier to stomach. Crashes in Portugal, Greece, the USA, and recent crashes in New Mexico and Idaho have cost far too many lives this season. The aerial firefighting industry is pretty good about self-regulation and holding each other accountable. However, there is always room for improvement. The aircraft is only as good as its structural integrity and the mechanics that keep it Thesound.unfortunate

It's Been a Rough Few Months

Unlike APSA, which represents public safety, AMTC, which represents Air Medical, and HAI, which focuses on everything rotary, or NAAA, which covers agricultural aviation, no association focuses the way these organizations do on the aerial firefighting world. This is one of the frustrations within our industry.

thing about our aerial firefighting, and the aviation industry in general, is that other than the mechanical failure of parts, many human factors can cause crashes. Aircraft flown outside of limitations, checklists getting skipped, and complacency setting in that lead to critical errors are all factors that can potentially cause a crash. All of that is before we factor in things we can’t control, like the weather. I could go on forever listing the possible ways you can meet your maker flying aircraft, but we are all aware that one misstep can cause any of us to lose our lives in this business.

Having just come from APSA’s APSCON show in Reno, I had time to speak with many of the association representatives from APSA, from their CEO to their safety and education directors, many that I have known for over a decade.

I think for an industry that continues to grow every year, in both personnel and aircraft working in the sector, we are, without representation and a collective voice, a rudderless ship that is unable to provide data and input where it is needed when sweeping changes like those proposed by federal agencies are suggested. Instead, only individual voices are sought for public input, and it is left to individuals, companies, and other local representatives to speak up and the voice heard is not as loud as a collective one would be. I think the time has come for our industry, which is over 50 years old, to have an association that can form objectives to make positive changes in the industry a reality. Without this, we continue to accept crashes and loss of life as the norm. While I am not naive enough to believe we can completely eradicate fatalities, we owe it to those lost to at least make a collective effort to raise awareness and prevent others from making past mistakes that have cost lives.

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The one thing I can say about APSA is they represent their market well, from appearing before congress to speak on behalf of the industry to do what they can to educate association members or impact safety; they do it all. This makes me wonder why we as an aerial firefighting industry have not banded together to create the same kind of industry representation. One that can not only speak for the whole sector but make an impact on safety, perhaps one that could prevent some loss of life along the way. I, for one, would support the creation of a large industry body that could then speak as the collective voice of the thousands of us that make up this industry, from both the public and private sides of the house.

Two Super Scoopers approach the Rhône, in Vallabrègues, France while fighting a forest fire. Photo by ER Aviation.

A Coulson 737 lays a line of retardant as ground firefighters look on. Photo by Alexander Robertson.

AERIAL FIRE PICS

Aeroflite’s Tanker 263 rests at sunset in Great Falls, Montana. Photo by Michael Redwine.

A Helicopter Transport Services Sky Crane returns to base. Photo by Luke Vold.

Coulson Aviation’s newest aircraft, Tanker 138 departs for its new base in Thermal, CA. Photo by Marty Wolin.

An AT802F from Titan Aerial Firefighting fights a fire in Cyprus. Photo by Arnaud Blanvin.

A Timberline K-Max awaits its next flight in California. Photo by Zach Smith.

AERIAL FIRE PICS

An Italian Super Scooper working a fire near Camaiore, Italy. Photo by Carlo Francesconi.

The helicopter had been assisting for the majority of the day on a large fire near Las Vegas, New Mexico, and had departed with a full tank of gas headed for home.

Three of the four persons on board were the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office members and a Bernalillo County

By AerialFire Staff

Bernalillo County's Metro 2 UH-1H was lost in the crash with four on board.

➤

A HelicoptersRotak CH-47

a sad and broken heart that we think of the heroes we lost this weekend," Sheriff Manuel Gonzales and Fire Chief Greg Perez said in a joint statement. "The reality is that we will likely grieve this loss forever. Each of these heroes died doing what they loved, serving others. They paid the ultimate price, and we are forever grateful to these men for the love and passion they had as first-responders."

AF 12 | aerialfiremag.com

Remembering the Fallen

July was a tragic month for the aerial firefighting industry, with two accidents that cost the lives of six industry professionals.

Among the victims was Bernalillo County Undersheriff Larry Koren, 55, a long-time pilot with the agency who had served for over 20 years.

"Itfirefighter.iswith

Saturday, July 16th, 2022, will long be remembered as a dark day for the Bernalillo County, New Mexico Sheriff’s office as reports began to come in of the loss of their UH-1H Metro 2 with four souls on board.

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Koren was part of a New Year's Day mission to rescue employees and a tram operator who got stuck while descending in the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway, for which they were just awarded a FLIR Vision award posthumously at the recent APSCON convention in Reno, Nevada. Koren is survived by his wife and two sons.

Lt. Fred Beers, 51, a thirteen-year veteran of the sheriff's office, is survived by his wife and son. Also killed in the accident were Deputy Michael Levison, a five-year veteran of the agency who had also served in the New Mexico Air National Guard, and Bernalillo County Fire Department rescue specialist Matthew King, 44, survived by his wife and two children.

Jared and Jordan were referred to lovingly by friends as having an incredibly strong partnership- not just husband and wife; they were best friends and an amazing team. The local communities and friends of both pilots and the communities in Idaho surrounding the crash site that was being protected from the fires have raised substantial amounts collectively to benefit the families of the fire pilots.

Thomas Hayes.

Services honoring Thomas P. Hayes were held in Orofino, Idaho, on the 5th of August. Immediately following the service was a procession to the burial at Orofino Cemetery that included the fly-over of his beloved CH-47 Chinook.

Unfortunately, Jared was airlifted to Montana after the crash but did not survive his injuries. Jared was a decorated military veteran and, most importantly, partner to his wife of over 10 years Jordan.

Jared Bird was an avid fisherman, participating in a group chat about the upcoming “fish fest” in Kenai, Alaska, writing to friends, “We will all catch 1,000,000 fishes!”

On Thursday, July 21st, at approximately 3:30 PM, Thomas "Tommy" Hayes of Post Falls, Idaho, and 36-year-old Jared Bird of Anchorage, Alaska, were both lost in the crash of a CH-47 helicopter that was fighting the Moose fire in Idaho.

MatthewRescueLevinsonBeers,LieutenantKoren,FredDeputyMichaelandFIreSpecialistKing. Jared Bird.

AF 14 | aerialfiremag.com

From Left Undersheriff Larry

This fire season, he chose to work with a new team at ROTAK Heli, once again on his favorite machine, the CH-47 Chinook.

Tom was raised in Orofino, ID, on the famed Clearwater River, which he often referred to as “God’s country.” For the last several years, he based himself in Post Falls, ID, and is survived by his partner Kristin and her daughters Linnea, Sonja, and his little buddy Mira, all of whom he planned to share the rest of his life.

In the military, Tom worked in South Korea all over the US and hazardous duty operations in Afghanistan, Iraq, and the ”Horn of Africa.” After retiring from his 20-year Army career, he worked in Chinooks for Helimax Aviation and Billings Flying Service before dabbling in airplanes and smaller helicopters.

Tom’s ability to lighten any situation is well-known amongst the tightly knit Chinook helicopter community. His entire career was steeped in aviation maintenance, and he held FAA mechanic, helicopter instructor pilot, and commercial airplane pilot certificates.

MISSION READY FIRE SEASON 2022 AIR ATTACK: K-100, PC-12, AC-90 | DIRECT ATTACK: CL-415EAF | TRAINING: DHC-6-300

“The new T6 module represents a considerable jump in the communications spectrums now available in the TDFM -9200 and -9300 products; by offering all analogs bands in one module, operators will no longer need to balance FM vs. analog needs,” said Technisonic Director of Business Development Jim Huddock. “This addition makes the TDFM-9000 series easily the most scalable and capable on the market.

“Technisonic is very excited about the direction the TDFM line has taken the last few years. With the full integration of its MCP technology, which allows for the quick onboarding of external radio sources such as portables, and satellite, to its advancement in firmware, allowing greater flexibility that allows operators to enable or disable features as needed or desired, to today’s announcement of the T6 Module. The TDFM-9000 series is now scalable up to as many as eight integrated radios in one package, all backed by the team’s full support at Technisonic,” said Huddock.

Recognizing that the communication requirements of mission-based aircraft continue to grow in scope and capability, Technisonic recently undertook the challenge posed by its federal, military, and law enforcement operators to expand the band capability of its TDFM-9000 series radios. The result of this challenge is the all-new T6 module. The T6 module fully supports the additional critical bandwidths previously only available separately. These include “Low Band” inclusive of 30-50 MHz, VOR Voice 108-117.9MHz AM allowing for legacy communications across provisioned VOR navigation facilities, VHF-AM “Airband” 118-156MHz, as well as UHF-AM 225-400MHz.

9200 /9300 Series Radios

Technisonic Industries Ltd. announced this month its new All-Band analog module designed for the TDFM9200 and 9300 series radios called the “T6” at a special customer social in Reno, Nevada at APSA’s annual APSCON convention.

The new T6 allows for both programming of channels via newly developed TDP software, or the operator can choose to program channels such a tower frequency, with the radio automatically defining the channel as simplex via the FREQ option, support of more complex programming such as Duplex channels, setting PL Tones, and channel names the operator can choose the FPP option. The ability to scan and assign appropriate bandwidth spacing, 12.5Khz, 25KHz, and 8.33KHz, is fully supported by the T6.

Technisonic Announces All-Band Analog Module for TDFM

AF 16 | aerialfiremag.com

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AF 18 | aerialfiremag.com

Announced

European Based “Turnkey NVIS” Solution

UK-based HeliSpeed Academy and American-based REBTECH announced on June 22, 2022, that they would join forces to provide a European-based “NVIS Turn-key Solution” to support the increasing requirement for NVIS operations within Europe. HeliSpeed Academy, based in Blackpool, holds a UK & EASA ATO & ISO 9011 approval and uses an R44 NVIS compatible single engine helicopter to support NVIS & NVG training. This helicopter has been specially configured in-house by HeliSpeed using European and UK Approvals to support its NVIS / NVG flight training programs within Europe and at Blackpool. These flight training operations are also supported using top-of-the-range +4G white phosphor NVG HeliSpeed’sgoggles.CEO

Geoff Packer stated, “We believe this unique flight solution delivers a cost-effective in-flight training package. The Academy has also ordered, for January 2023 delivery, an NVIS-compatible Bell 429 simulator which will allow HeliSpeed Academy to support the two-tier NVIS training recommended under EASA. Using the R44 and B429 simulator will cost-effectively address all the training requirements needed to support the EASA schedule.”

UNITED KINGDOM

The total “Turnkey” engineering solution is also met by REBTECH, who, for over 26 years, has been delivering market-leading NVIS systems to a diverse international client base. As the market-leading provider, REBTECH are experts in designing, integrating, and installing complex NVIS systems to an extensive portfolio of fixed and rotary wing aircraft and holding FAA & EASA 145 repair station certification and ISO 9100 2015 and AS9100D places them as the ideal partners in this joint “Weventure.are extremely pleased to have partnered with Geoff Packer and the Helispeed team to bring this much-needed NVG Flight Training academy to the European market,” said Richard Borkowski, CEO and owner of the REBTECH brand. He further commented, “REBTECH has a long history of designing, supplying, and integrating high-quality night vision systems into civil and military aircraft worldwide. Additionally, we are proud to support other prestigious companies such as Bell and Airbus. Partnering with HeliSpeed was the perfect opportunity to combine our skill sets to provide a significant enhancement to flight training and to the future NVIS / NVG operating environment within InEurope.”joining forces, Helispeed and REBTECH now provide a common contact within Europe, supporting and delivering either at your base or Blackpool a flexible solution of hardware and training to present to all future and current NVIS operators.

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Heavy-lift helicopter pioneer Columbia Helicopters announced on July 5, 2022, that the company has sold two Columbia CH-47D Chinook helicopters to ROTAK Helicopter Services of Anchorage, Alaska. The helicopters include Columbia’s Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) safety modifications and firefighting and external load modifications. As part of the sale, Columbia will also provide full lifecycle sustainment, airworthiness, and technical publication services for the aircraft.

Chinooks to Rotak Helicopter Services

ROTAK Helicopter Services accepts delivery of two CH-47D Chinook Helicopters from Columbia Helicopters. Featured left to right: Bob Buchanan - Columbia Helicopters, VP of Maintenance Services, Kevin Greenfield - ROTAK, Partner, Steve Bandy - Columbia Helicopters, President and CEO, Ely Woods - ROTAK, Founder and General Manager, Martin Cude - ROTAK, Director of Sales & Marketing, and Rob Roedts - Columbia Helicopters, VP of Aircraft Solutions.

AF 20 | aerialfiremag.com

Columbia Helicopters Delivers Two CH-47D

“We are honored to be the first company to purchase a tandem helicopter from Columbia; adding these aircraft to our fleet and expanding our relationship with Columbia is a major milestone for the future of our operations,” said Ely Woods ROTAK’s Founder and General Manager. “Columbia Helicopters pioneered the application of Chinook capabilities in the world of commercial heavy-lift and has evolved to become a proven and trusted provider of the critical manufacturing, maintenance and materials support that ROTAK will rely on into the future.” Columbia Helicopters holds the FAA Type Certificate for the CH-47D, with the capability to modify and overhaul the aircraft. Columbia designs and incorporates its own proprietary modifications for the CH-47D, developed through decades of commercial tandem rotor helicopter operational experience, and as the OEM of the Model 234 Chinook and Model 107-II Vertol helicopters. Columbia’s worldwide MRO services and support span 50 years of maintaining, overhauling, and updating this aircraft type, both in the company’s FAA-approved Part 145 Repair Station and in the field.

“ROTAK is an exceptional external load and utility helicopter operator performing heavy-lift work in some of the most remote and inhospitable locations on earth,” said Mike Tremlett, Columbia’s Executive Vice President. “The Columbia CH-47D Chinook helicopter is an ideal addition to their fleet, providing them with increased lifting power, range, and capability to fight fires, perform vertical construction, and support a variety of other projects requiring unparalleled muscle and lifting power.”

A heavy-lift utility helicopter operator, ROTAK Helicopter Services specializes in transmission line and tower construction and repair. Since its founding, supporting telecom customers in rugged Alaska, the company has expanded its services to include heli-logging, crew transport, mining support, and firefighting across the United States. The new Columbia aircraft joining its fleet will be used primarily for firefighting and super-heavy-lift long-line operations. The two CH-47D Chinook helicopters are former U.S. Army aircraft. Both helicopters underwent phase inspections and were upgraded by Columbia. ROTAK selected from a menu of services for the aircraft’s completion and support, including:

• Avionics to improve situational awareness of other aircraft and terrain

• Multiple-year post-sale contracts for maintenance services and phase inspections, technical and AOG services, component sparing and support, and ongoing pilot training

• Full flight and maintenance training for pilots and mechanics

• Columbia’s own in-house design modifications to the overall aircraft to improve reliability and maximize availability

• A variety of Columbia-designed modifications and upgrades to reduce weight and increase the helicopters’ capabilities and efficiency in performing firefighting and long-line operations

• Columbia’s proprietary system to operate the SEI PowerFill Bambi Bucket, which is required equipment to support U.S. Forest Service and CAL FIRE contracts for firefighting

aerialfiremag.com | AF 21

• Columbia’s proprietary bubble window design to facilitate direct visual operational control, reconfigured the cockpit to improve pilot effectiveness and control and removed the third crewmember station to reduce weight – all to support effective long-line operations

“We are excited to have worked with a great partner like Helisul to achieve this certification,” said Todd Powers, GPMS VP and Head of Sales. “Thanks to their help, H125 operators in Brazil can now install and utilize Foresight’s comprehensive and predictive HUMS capabilities.”

BRAZIL

While the H125 is one of South America’s more popular helicopter platforms, many operators like Helisul have mixed fleets. Foresight is already certified on most of the popular helicopter platforms in North America, and Powers said GPMS expects similar certification and sales success throughout South America.

To support the demand for Foresight in North and South America, GPMS recently announced the expansion of their Certified Installer Network to fifteen full-service helicopter MRO and completion centers to help ensure customer success.

Foresight on Airbus H125 Helicopter Platform

Luis Cravo, Helisul Technical Director, explained that this was an important project for the company. “We were able to work very closely with the GPMS team during the STC process and learned a lot about the capabilities of the Foresight system. With its comprehensive monitoring and predictive capabilities, Foresight will be able to provide valuable insight into the performance and health of our Powersaircraft.”noted that this certification is an important achievement for GPMS in South America. “Brazil has a large number of H125/AS350 operators, and this STC is a great

first step to bringing our advanced Foresight HUMS system to operators in Brazil and throughout South America.”

“Foresight is certified to deliver comprehensive aircraft and fleet monitoring for the majority of helicopters in service today in the United States,” he said. “As we continue to expand our global footprint, we will work with customers and aviation authorities to expand our list of Foresight STCs to meet the growing demand.”

GPMS announced on August 11, 2022 that the National Civil Aviation Agency of Brazil (ANAC) has granted a Supplemental Type Certificate for Foresight MX. The certificate was based on a prior Federal Aviation Administration STC and covers the installation of Foresight MX on the Airbus H125/AS350 B3 platform. Helisul Aviation assisted in the certification and is the first Brazilian customer to implement Foresight’s advanced HUMS capabilities.

GPMS and Helisul Achieve Brazilian STC for

POWERING THROUGH

LEARN

Let’s face it. This job’s not for everyone. Aerial firefighting demands nerves of steel and the power to fly at peak performance. PT6 turboprop continues to be the engine of choice – built for full-load takeoffs in extreme hot and high environments, all day, every day. MORE AT PWC.CA/PT6

The

Perimeter Solutions announced that it has hired Norbe Puroll as its new head of Business Development for foam products in the Government and Municipal market Purollsegments.has worked in the fire and emergency response industry for 34 years, including 18 years as a firefighter and emergency medical technician (EMT). He has extensive experience managing municipal distribution, sales, product training, and new product development for foam hardware systems. He also sold apparatus and equipment in Michigan for 28 years.

“Norbe is joining the team at a critical time, as many organizations in the government and municipal markets are currently transitioning to fluorine-free alternatives. There is great opportunity, and with Norbe’s knowledge and experience, he will play a key role in helping Perimeter Solutions to expand its footprint in this market,” says PurollMcDonnell.joins

Perimeter Solutions from SAFE FLEET, where he worked in the company’s Fire and EMS division, managing relationships with original equipment manufacturers, dealers and fire departments. “I have spent my entire career serving organizations in the fire and emergency response industry. Perimeter Solutions has built a great reputation as a trusted, reliable company throughout the industry. I am proud to be working here to help support their mission to save lives and protect property,” says Puroll.

Perimeter Solutions Names New Head of Business Development for Foam Products for Government & Municipal Markets

Perimeter Solutions provides Martyworld.forfirefightingaerialretardantusearoundthePhotobyWolin.

aerialfiremag.com | AF 25 New PHOS-CHEK® LCE20-Fx offers superior performance with a lower environmental footprint Why PHOS-CHEK LCE20-Fx? © 2022 PERIMETER SOLUTIONS LP. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. PERIMETER SOLUTIONS IS A TRADEMARK OF PERIMETER SOLUTIONS LP OR ITS AFFILIATES. perimeter-solutions.com ASIA PACIFIC Tel: +61 2 9673 5300 UNITED STATES Tel: +1 909 983 0772 Tel:EMEA+34 985 24 29 45 AUXQUIMIAPHOS-CHEK®® FIRE-TROLSOLBERG®® Can Fire Retardants Get Better? With Us They Can. Working with global fire safety agencies and alongside frontline firefighters we’re always looking to make our aerial fire retardants better. More effective. Safer. Easier deployment. Higher visibility. Hassle-free mixing and storage. In the critical area of environmental performance, our PHOS-CHEK LCE20-Fx fire retardant represents a next generation technology –featuring lower aquatic toxicity, low impact on vegetation and high efficiency in use. Beyond taking care of our natural environment, that makes PHOS-CHEK LCE20-Fx safer to use, easier to handle and reduces disposal costs. Let us know how we can help you with better products and services. We’re listening. • USDA Forest Service certified • 100% phosphatepremium-gradeproduct • Superior aerial visibility • Low environmental footprint • Improved aquatic toxicity • Improved product stability • Easier handling • Reduced maintenance costs • Enhanced product safety ThatSolutionsTrusted.Save.

Goodrich hoists adorn thousands of helicopters around the world, coming as standard on many SAR purposed aircraft.

With more than 45 years of design, manufacturing, and field experience, Collins Aerospace is a world leader in developing, manufacturing, and supporting rescue hoists and cargo winch systems for rotary and fixed-wing aircraft. Their rescue hoists and winches are found on major helicopter platforms, including Airbus, Bell, Boeing, Leonardo, Sikorsky, and many more. They offer various electrically and hydraulically powered and internally and externally mounted hoists.

“Collins Aerospace is pleased to extend our business into Australia and its surrounding region with TAE Aerospace,” said Nick Demogines, Director of Business Development with Goodrich Hoist & Winch, a part of Collins Aerospace. This agreement supports regional customers with potential for future opportunities for the product range of Goodrich® Hoists and Winches.”

AF 26 | aerialfiremag.com

Collins Aerospace and TAE Aerospace (TAE) announced that they have signed an agreement whereby TAE will now be a reseller of the entire product range of Goodrich® Hoists and Winches. This agreement covers sales of these products throughout Australia, New Zealand, and much of the Pacific Islands and builds upon TAE’s existing relationship with Collins Aerospace, covering multiple business lines such as Kidde and L’Hotellier Fire Extinguishers and Automated Fire Extinguishing Systems, Smoke Detectors and Winslow Life Rafts. TAE CEO Andrew Sanderson stated, “It is great to continue expanding our capabilities and build upon our longstanding partnership with Collins Aerospace as we continue on our journey to a top 100 global aerospace company.”

TAE Aerospace Announce Goodrich Hoist Reseller Deal ASIA PACIFIC

www.taeaerospace.com Rely on us to keep you flying For engine and component maintenance, we have the knowledge and expertise to turn your next event around quickly. Honeywell Authorized Warranty and Repair Station (AWARS) • Honeywell LTS101 • Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A and PT6T • Rolls-Royce M250/300 In-house PT6T engine capability • Overhaul and repairs • Hot Section Inspections • Engine sales • Fuel nozzle clean and test Email sales@taeaerospace.com to find out why customers rely on us.

The aircraft includes the Collins Multi-Scan RTA-4112 weather radar, providing pilots with a fully automatic system that detect short, mid, and long-range weather.

U.S Forest Service Takes Delivery of Two King Air 260s

The cockpit features the Innovative Solutions & Support (IS&S) ThrustSense Autothrottle system, which supports pilots in their critical mission of delivering people or cargo by automatically managing engine power from the takeoff roll through the climb, cruise, descent, landing, and go-around phases of flight. This enhancement reduces pilot workload and is designed to prevent over-speed or under-speed, overtemp, and over-torque conditions.

The King Air 260 cockpit also features a digital pressurization controller, automatically scheduling cabin pressurization during both climb and descent, reducing pilot workload and increasing overall passenger comfort. The pressurization gauges have been integrated with the powerful Collins Aerospace Pro Line Fusion flight deck.

Air 260 aircraft have been modified for the installation of the latest infrared (IR) sensing technology, the Overwatch Imaging TK-9 Earthwatch Airborne Sensor, along with legacy U.S. Forest Service sensors that can accurately map wildfires, even at night and through the smoke. This information is critical for firefighters to have when the exact extent of a fire is not known due to darkness, smoke, size of the fire, rapid spread, or complex terrain. IR mapping aircraft can also be used to detect new fires started by lightning when they are very small.

TheService.’King

AF 28 | aerialfiremag.com

Textron Aviation announced Thursday, August 18th, 2022, that it has delivered two Beechcraft King Air 260 aircraft to the U.S. Forest Service. The aircraft will perform wildfire mapping missions. ‘We are honored the U.S. Forest Service has added the King Air 260 to its fleet,’ said Bob Gibbs, vice president, Special Mission Sales for Textron Aviation. ‘Whether for the wildfire detection and mapping, resource management, aerial supervision module/lead plane, or air attack, the King Air continues to demonstrate its leadership in this mission. Customer faith in our legendary products and trust in our company and our team are at the core of our enduring relationship with the U.S Forest

More than 7,700 Beechcraft King Air turboprops have been delivered to customers worldwide since 1964, making it the best-selling business turboprop family in the world. The worldwide fleet has surpassed 62 million flight hours in its 58 years, serving roles in all branches of the U.S. military and flying commercial and special mission roles worldwide.

leonardo.com THE GAME CHANGER IN FIRE FIGHTING

C-27J Fire Fighter

The C-27J Fire Fighter with roll-on/roll-off second generation Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System (MAFFS II) by UAC, the world leader of advanced aerial application systems, represents the market leading edge. The Fire Fighter version enhances the multi-mission capabilities of the C-27J, with significantly lower acquisition and operating cost than a dedicated platform. The flexible aircraft allows rapid reconfiguration for transport, humanitarian support, civil protection and SAR roles.

Having spent much of his time in the military—11 years—in EMS, he is quite familiar with the challenges that can affect our civil EMS pilots and crews. Although he’s no longer being asked to fly in combat, with two trips overseas as a MEDEVAC pilot, he’s certainly ready for the new challenges ahead. “I guess it’s rare to catch me speechless, but I may be just that. I love this organization and what we stand for; the core of what we believe is genuinely centered around the safety of aviators and crews,” said Tsantles. “I want to acknowledge our history with reverence and continue to focus on the future with partnerships in training, education, and culture.”

In recent months, Tsantles has spearheaded several educational engagement initiatives, including two such events, the Air Medical Transportation Conference and Heli-Expo trade shows. Later this month, Tsantles will be instructing several courses at the Airborne Public Safety Convention in Reno, Nevada, from July 27 to 29. The sessions include a technical presentation on Spatial disorientation and NVGs with co-presenter Tyson Phillips of AT Systems Friday, July 29 at 11 a.m. and an education session at 3:30 p.m. on NVGs—Keeping it Cloud Free.

Aviation Specialties Unlimited Appoints Tony Tsantles to FAA Part 135 Director of Operations

Aviation Specialties Unlimited announced July 13th, 2022 that ASU veteran Tony Tsantles was promoted to FAA Part 135 Director of Operations. “Tony has led the ASU training team through many successes worldwide. They have included the award and performance of multiple FAA training contracts, ongoing training with the Irish Air Corps, and unmatched custom training for air medical, law enforcement, and firefighting aircrews in the Treasure Valley’s diverse terrain,” said ASU Vice President of Aviation Operations Kip McDermott. “With more than 20 years of experience operating with night vision goggles, as both a crew member and pilot, Tony has brought professionalism and expertise to our team and our customers, ensuring the safe and effective use of NVGs.”

Before joining the ASU here in Boise, Tsantles spent over twenty years developing his credentials in the U.S. Army. He spent nearly half of that time as an instructor, both as a crewmember and pilot. This unique background of functioning in both instructor roles has given him the ability to adapt quickly in civil instruction, particularly where he’s training pilots and crewmembers collectively, including EMS, law enforcement, and select groups. His Army career, spanning two decades, allowed the capability to work with two Army workhorse aircraft, the UH-1H “Huey” and UH-60A/L/M “Blackhawk,” both of which employ rather complex systems that prepared him well for the dynamic civil industry he now manages.

AF 30 | aerialfiremag.com

The FAA mandated and approved position is critical in overseeing part 135 operations, including night vision training and aircraft maintenance. In his new role, Tsantles will bring valued know-how to the leadership team and lead new aviation initiatives as ASU continues to evolve.

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Tangent Link will host three conferences in 2023, one each in North America, Australia and Greece.

Pacific Northwest Wildfire Conference and Exhibition, 3-4 April 2023, Seattle, Washington “The inaugural Pacific Northwest Wildfire Conference will be held in Seattle, Washington. This strategic conference and exhibition will take place on April 3 and 4, 2023. The event will be the first Pacific Northwest-focused wildfire conference, including live and static demonstration opportunities and a focused two-day conference agenda featuring regional State leaders, key Federal stakeholders, and local fire services. The Pacific Northwest Wildfire Conference will be an integral event in terms of reporting best practices, sharing resources for prevention, suppression, and recovery, and understanding the opportunities provided by the latest innovations and technologies.” Hilary Franz, Commissioner of Public Lands, Washington State Aerial Firefighting Asia Pacific, 2-3 August 2023, Dubbo, New South Wales Australia In partnership with the NSW Rural Fire Service (NSWRFS), Tangent Link looks forward to welcoming aerial firefighting and aerial emergency response professionals to Australia after a long absence. At the NSWRFS Training Academy, dedicated to improving the skills and knowledge relied on when responding to bushfires and managing emergencies, AFFAPAC will also include sessions on aerial search and rescue capabilities and opportunities for aircraft static AFFAPAC,displays. a 2-day conference and supporting exhibition, provides an ideal opportunity to re-connect with Australia’s State and Federal firefighting and emergency service sectors, with representatives from the wider international government, military, and commercial aerial firefighting communities also expected to attend.

The Tangent Link, Aerial Firefighting series, returns to Greece for 2023, the leading event for Aerial Firefighting professionals in Europe. The two-day conference and exhibition will provide a platform for AFF specialists to debate and present on current aerial fighting challenges in Europe, emphasizing Southern and Eastern Europe/ Mediterranean stakeholders.

Tangent Link Announces Dates for 2023 Aerial Firefighting Shows

“AFFAPAC23 provides a valuable assembly point for us to come together to develop and promote international best practices in this field to boost our emergency response Icapability.lookforward to joining you for lively debate and valuable outcomes for, not only our services but the communities we serve.”

AF 32 | aerialfiremag.com

Commissioner Rob Rogers, AFSM, New South Wales Rural Fire Service Aerial Firefighting Europe, 16-17 October 2023, Athens, Greece

After several years of hiatus due to Covid restrictions, Tangent Link, hosts of the Aerial Firefighting Trade show and conference series announced today that they would be returning to Australia in 2023. In addition to the Australia show, Tangent Link also announced the United States show location, which is changing next year to be held in Washington State in addition to the European show being held in late 2023 in Greece. Listed below are the 2023 show dates and locations for Aerial Firefighting 2023.

Tangent Link is delighted to invite all stakeholders to this forum to directly engage with government experts, aerial operators, and technology providers worldwide. The event is supported by Christos Stylianides, Minister for Climate Crisis and Civil Protection.

Airbus announced on July 26th, 2022, that the company has successfully tested a removable firefighting demonstrator kit on the A400M new generation airlifter during a flight test campaign in TheSpain.test campaign took place in daylight conditions with a minimum operating height of 150ft, flight speeds as low as 125 knots, and drops involving up to 20 tonnes of water from the current tank in less than 10 seconds. The main objective of the campaign is to validate the drop water quantity and time, as well as the ability of the A400M to carry out this new role with the kit.

The Airbus A400M conducts a MAFFS drop during recent testing.

The development of this prototype and the tests have been carried out in close collaboration with the 43rd Group of the Spanish Air Force, as well as European authorities in Firefighting operations and the Ministry for Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge (MITECO). “The development of this firefighting kit is an intrinsic part of our journey towards helping to create a more sustainable and safer world, not only by our actions but also through our products. We strongly believe the A400M can play a vital role in the fight against the ever-increasing threat posed by wildfires and support the restoration of social and environmental systems,” said Mike Schoellhorn, CEO of Airbus Defence and Space.

The Airbus firefighting solution created for the A400M is a roll-on/roll-off (RORO) kit that requires no modification to the aircraft and therefore is interchangeable with any aircraft in the A400M fleet. The water is stored in a fixed tank in the cargo hold and retained by two independent doors. These doors are connected to two flood pipes, so when the discharge is triggered, the water is expelled through two sections at the end of the ramp. The introduction of this RORO solution allows a rapid reaction to unforeseen fires and reconfiguration of the aircraft to any of its other roles. Due to its low-level flight capability and maneuverability at low speeds, the A400M can accurately drop payloads of water at very low heights, down to 150ft. In the future, in addition to the development of the production version of this kit, Airbus will analyze this operation also in nighttime conditions, reinforcing the efficiency and effectiveness of the mission.

SPAIN

Airbus Successfully Tests Firefighting Kit on A400M

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“Some signs of an incomplete solution include extensive calibration of the ATU device required for volume detection, lack of clear and comprehensive documentation on how to interface with the various sensors required, lack of validated end-to-end data pipeline from hardware to agency portal, and a lack of proven results, including accurate volume reporting, for the applicable airframe and sensor Inconfiguration.additionto this, Zane says that despite years of development, many ATU devices still face the same issues of how a device detects and records particular events.

“Due to the dynamic nature of firefighting operations, it’s not unusual to see errors in the types of event data coming off ATUs. These typically occur on take-off and landing events, engine on and off events, and inaccurate recordings for fill, drop, and volume events.

TracPlus AFDAU-T1 Achieves US Forest Service ATU Compliance

unparalleled fidelity. Through extensive R&D and close partnerships with some of Australia’s key fixed-wing and helicopter firefighting operators, we have developed a large and comprehensive dataset of aerial firefighting operations and expanded our expertise in the field to deliver in the AFDAU-T1,” says Zane.

AFDAU-T1 lead engineer, Zane Vohland, says that with the increase in demand for real-time telemetry in contracts issued by aerial firefighting agencies, the AFDAU-T1’s new compliance is a huge win for operators in the United States.

In addition to the US Forest Service compliance, Airborne Mission Systems, the makers of the AFDAU, has also developed a diagnostic tool that allows avionics engineers to quickly identify and rectify any communication issues (wiring, connections, etc.) between another device and the AFDAU at the point of install. This has the potential to save thousands of dollars of time both on the ground and in the air trying to troubleshoot installation issues.

AF 38 | aerialfiremag.com

“The AFDAU-T1, however, leverages a proprietary ‘smart algorithm’ to detect aerial firefighting events with

The AFDAU-T1, Australia’s standout additional telemetry unit (ATU) for aerial firefighting, achieved compliance with the new US Forest Service requirements for event data announced on June 14th, 2022. The update enables all Aerial Firefighting Data Acquisition Unit (AFDAU) units already installed in aircraft to meet compliance specifications

“It’s clear that ATU requirements are becoming more prevalent in US aerial firefighting contracts. As these requirements make their way from VLATs and type 1 helicopters into smaller aircraft, we see orders from operators looking for a turnkey solution that enables them to stay Zanecompliant.”addsthatwhen investing in ATU equipment, operators can compare apples to oranges and need to ensure the equipment they are considering provides a full solution.

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“The H125 is a workhorse in our fleet and performs a variety of missions. Using Foresight on this platform is seen as an investment because it will help us increase availability, lower maintenance costs, and improve these aircraft’s operational safety,” declared Cravo. While the H125 is one of South America’s more popular helicopter platforms, many operators like Helisul have mixed fleets. Foresight is already certified on most of the popular helicopter platforms in North America, and Powers said GPMS expects similar certification and sales success throughout South America. “Foresight is certified to deliver comprehensive aircraft and fleet monitoring for the majority of helicopters in service today in the United States,” he said. “As we continue to expand our global footprint, we will work with customers and aviation authorities to expand our list of Foresight STCs to meet the growing demand.”

GPMS Announces Major Expansion of Certified Installer Network

AF 40 | aerialfiremag.com

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Paraclete Aviation Life Support secured certifications for all three of its product line of helicopter helmet models: the Aegis D Type 1, the Aspida D Type 1, and the AspidaCarbon-D, as set forth by the Department of Interior and the United States Forest Service Aviation Helmets Standard. Paraclete provides worldwide service to clients in 30 different countries, including Europe, South America, and Asia. Expanding the company's commitment to high-quality aviation safety standards, Paraclete is the only helmet manufacturer in which all helmets, in every size, are certified to the DOI-USFS Aviation Helmets Standard; Paraclete is also an ISO 9001:2015 certified manufacturer that provides Aviation Life Support Equipment education and training services. As a committed member of Helicopter Association International, Association of Air Medical Services, Airborne Public Safety Association, and the National Business Aviation Association, Paraclete continually provides associations with data and critical research in the spirit of a safer rotor industry for all. Paraclete’s product development is directed by research and innovation solutions as the only independent Cooperative Research and Development Agreement with the United States Army Aeromedical Research Laboratory.

Paraclete Aviation Life Support Announces Corporate Expansion

Paraclete further strengthens its global presence in the rotorand fixed-wing helmet market, extending the company’s international footprint with the recent expansions into South Korea, Brazil, and Australia, as well as its continued relationships in Europe, South America, and Asia. Emerging as a global provider of civilian aviation helmets, Paraclete continues to build strategic partnerships in 30 countries throughout the world in commercial and military markets since its launch in 2014.

Paraclete Aviation Life Support announced the opening of the company's new office location on July 8th, 2022, increasing its square footage by 84% to accommodate the helmet manufacturer's increasing demand for its DOI-USFS certified helmet product line of its research-based Aegis and Aspida helmets as the company increases its presence into diverse segments of civilian and military markets --- air ambulance/HEMS, agriculture, law enforcement, wildland firefighting, and federal and state agencies --- as well as expanding its distributor connections throughout the world, with the company's recent decision to secure a distributor in Germany, Commercial Helicopter Services.

"Our entire mission is designing aviation helmets with innovation, technology, and modern composites for the purpose of protection and comfort," said Paraclete President and Founder Scott Hedges. “The decision of which rotor helmet to wear is based on comfort, innovation and safety, the three pillars that drive Paraclete’s product designs, culminating in the company’s Aegis and Aspida helmets."

“In response to the increased demand, the additional square footage will strengthen our workflow production and efficiency and represents an opportunity to extend our corporate structure to enhance the workplace environment for employees who now enjoy a few 'comfort' features,” said Hedges. Paraclete is located in one of the fastest-growing cities in the state of Tennessee which reflects the marked business growth, including Paraclete's expanding operations.

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The HeloPod is made by PumpPod USA and is now active in several counties around Southern California.

Lake County Fire joins San Diego County Fire and Riverside County Fire deploying these HeloPod’s in their areas. Other departments include but are not limited to Los Angeles County Fire, Santa Barbara County Fire, and Orange County Fire. Soon to follow is another leader in northern California - the Northern Sonoma County Fire District. With the new CAL FIREHAWK, while much more fire capable, water sources can be more challenging to find. The HeloPod builds on the broader goal for the South Lake Fire Protection District to improve our community's fire readiness and capabilities. This first started with "Operation Force Multiplier." A region-first program that has put firefighting tools and extinguishers in the hands of our residents. The second was the purchase of Engine 6061, South Lake County Fire's new Type 6 Wildland Firefighting Engine. Engine 6061 is smaller, lighter, faster, and more capable for off-road use. Regarding the HeloPod, Assistant Fire Chief Paul Duncan has said, "Our Team here at South Lake County Fire has been researching this new type of resource for a few years. When the opportunity presented itself, our research was already done. And with a special thanks to the South Lake Fire Sirens, we were able to do the right thing, increasing the safety of our communities." Two HeloPods will be delivered on August 18, 2022. One will be placed within the Middletown Area, and the other in the Cobb area. South Lake County Fire is collaborating with the Cobb Water District and the Callayomi County Water District to supply water to the tanks and local property owners for the locations to place them. These locations have been chosen for the first locations to help spread water availability throughout the fire district. Our Hidden Valley area already has the community Lake as a water source. Carol Olsen, who runs the Thrift Shop for the Fire Sirens, said, "It is our group's passion and drive to support our Firefighters. We are just thrilled to be able to fund this critical purchase to support the communities in our Fire SouthDistrict".Lake Fire Protection District as well as the CAL FIRE Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit is excited to have these game changing tools located within our responsibility areas. For more information about the HeloPods visit the following links provided by PumpPodUSA below, or please feel free to contact South Lake County Fire Protection District.

A generous donation from The South Lake Fire Sirens Auxiliary Group has allowed South Lake County Fire Protection District to order two new generation portable dip tanks known as HeloPod’s. The HeloPod is a groundbreaking product manufactured in Simi Valley, California, designed and built as a mobile Helicopter Dip Tank and Cistern for large helicopters. This game- changing tool helps get a water dip site set up quickly during an incident. With the quick set-up, firefighters will only need to connect the hoses to the hydrant, then helicopters are ready to start pulling water from it, while still hovering, greatly reducing turnaround Southtimes.

South Lake County Fire Protection District Receives Two New HeloPods

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Bridger

Bridger deployed its entire fleet of CL415EAF aircraft first to Alaska, then back home to Montana, where Bridger's assets were put to use during one of Montana's most significant fire periods recently history. This deployment was a first for Bridger as the dispatching of all four of their CL-415EAF scoopers along with FireTrac aircraft that have been dispatched to monitor the fire's growth and direction constantly using their onboard EO/IR

AF 46 | aerialfiremag.com

Bozeman, Montana-based Bridger Aerospace, has continued its rapid growth throughout 2022 as the Company announced on August 4th that it had entered into a definitive merger agreement with Jack Creek Investment Corp., a special purpose acquisition company that will result in Bridger becoming a publicly traded company. Upon completion of the proposed combination, the combined Company will be named Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc. and is expected to list on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the ticker symbol "BAER." Founded in 2014 and led by current Chief Executive Officer and former Navy SEAL Tim Sheehy, Bridger has grown from a single aircraft to provide its federal agency and state government client base with a comprehensive range of aerial firefighting solutions. Bridger operates four CL-415EAF, with two more expected by year-end 2022, air attack and logistical support aircraft (Next Generation Daher Kodiaks, Pilatus PC-12s, DeHavilland Twin Otter, and legacy Twin Commanders), and UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles). Bridger also offers FireTRAC, an innovative, proprietary data gathering, aerial surveillance, and reporting platform. The business combination values Bridger at an implied $869 million pro forma enterprise value. It is expected to deliver up to approximately $345 million of cash to Bridger's balance sheet, leaving the Company better positioned to expand its fleet further and explore proprietary strategic Ininvestments.thesameweek,

Growth,ContinuesCreatesFirsts

Theequipment.Company also announced a significant investment in simulation training for Bridger pilots in July. Bridger announced a partnership with Pretoria Engineering to develop a virtual reality aerial firefighting training program. The system proposed will assist in replicating training for those conditions is impossible outside of flying on a fire. Bridger will offer its pilots a virtual training environment to better prepare for flight in challenging wildfire conditions and Foundedterrain. in 1994, Pretoria specializes in custom aircraft simulator design. In 2019, Pretoria launched its flagship project, "Sim Your Plane." The program links a virtual reality headset and customized sensor kits to flight controls, converting personal aircraft into realistic flight simulators. ➤ One of Bridger Aerospace’s CL-415EAF Super Scoopers drops a load of water during recent fires in Montana.

The Elmo Fire in Montana was the first time all four of Bridger's scoopers were deployed on the same fire.

AF 48 | aerialfiremag.com

Pretoria is designing the wildfire landscape with adjustable features such as fire size, wind direction, speed of growth, intensity, and smoke behavior. Customizable fire scenarios will portray real-life conditions, and the instructor can manipulate wildfires for training purposes.

Instead of using the traditional classroom or sandbox instruction, Bridger is building a new, innovative approach to training aerial firefighters. This new method will be a critical advancement for the industry. By offering virtual teaching methods for aerial firefighting, pilots will be immersed in a wildfire environment that will help prepare them to fly safer and more effectively.

The multiplayer plug-in will allow crews to practice communication protocols from home using a portable training station. With a Bridger instructor, two or more individuals can train in the same environment simultaneously. The technology can handle local and online multiplayer, and any aircraft and crew positions can be added to the training environment.

"Pretoria is a great partner for Bridger. Like us, they are a young, ambitious company trying to elevate the future of aviation training," said Rob Dewar, VP of Flight Operations at Bridger Aerospace. Pretoria is creating digital versions of Bridger's fleet, allowing pilots to train in a realistic environment. They are designing the plug-in for X-Plane 12 that will integrate Bridger's aircraft and the ability to fly aerial firefighting missions. "Once it is released, X-Plane 12 will be the most realistic flight simulator engine ever made," said Dewar. "We are working directly with the developers of X-Plane as alpha testers, finetuning the physics and control of the aircraft on the water."

"Our fire model uses the same formula that the United States Forest Service (USFS) uses to predict how fires will spread," said Dewar. "We can use real-world historical information to design an incident or create custom fires. Additionally, we can use past data and several custom variables to predict how a fire will spread."

The unconventional mission requirements and weather features associated with aerial firefighting create various challenges when attempting to simulate realistic flight characteristics. Pretoria works directly with Bridger pilots to design the most accurate environment to replicate flight characteristics in the aerial firefighting mission. Bridger and Pretoria will use a mixed reality environment with pass-through technology to integrate the flight environment and the physical world. "With mixed reality technology, crews can merge their real world with their virtual world," said Dewar. "For example, when pilots need to make a note on their kneeboard, they can see their hands, pen, notebook, and handwritten notes through the VR headset. Traditional VR hardware doesn't offer this real-world integration, making mixed reality a game changer for aviation Withtraining."itsmulti-user capability, Bridger's portable training simulators will allow pilots across the globe to interact virtually and train together. Simulator capabilities will enable individuals in separate locations to pilot and co-pilot the same aircraft virtually. Pilots can also re-fly previous missions or train for current wildfires, replicating the fire landscape and behavior.

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Another alternative, that might be just as pragmatic, is to modify existing aircraft to have firefighting capabilities.

Republished with permission of the Royal Aeronautical Society.

Does the UK Need Aircraft?FirefightingAerial A Burning Issue -

By Bella Richards

The UK has never seen temperatures like this before, and it is expected to get worse. Yet, the nation does not have its own aerial firefighting capabilities, and in recent years has cut its funding for firefighting services. So, what options does the UK have to be prepared for the next fire season before it’s too late?

During the middle of July, at the height of the UK’s summer season, the nation experienced its highest ever temperatures recorded. While it was hot on the news for days, numerous houses became engulfed in flames due to the extreme heat, and on-ground firefighters struggled to contain them. One firefighter based in Kent said that his team was stretched so thin due to the lack of resources, they “were at breaking point” and barely had time to rehydrate.

One obvious answer would be for the UK to buy its own aerial firefighting tankers. Australia recently made moves to acquire its own, and the EU is considering purchasing more ahead of the next dry season. While the UK is silent on its next moves, one aviation veteran hopes things will change soon. Richard Thomasson, who has worked with Rolls-Royce, BAE Systems, and then the US Air Force, has launched a petition to establish sovereign aerial firefighting capabilities in the UK. He hopes the government will act now, instead of wasting time “on a pointless court of inquiry to establish why nothing was done”, Thomasson told AEROSPACE. “I think by the way things are going, if we do nothing, then we're gonna see more homes and more countrysides destroyed”, Thomasson

Currently,exclaimed.the UK does not have the sovereign capability when it comes to aerial firefighting, which made sense in the past when wildfires were fairly uncommon. Ideally, Thomasson’s main desire is for the government to invest in at least two aircraft under sovereign control. One would be based in Northolt, London, and another in Glasgow. He believes deploying these two would easily cover the entirety of the UK, - if traveling at 400 mph cruise - dropping roughly 3,000 gallons in a single pass.

Thomasson is confident in this type of procedure, after being involved in converting the first BAE 146 into a firefighting aircraft in Canada in 2009. He said that the same aircraft, or similar models, could be modified to fight fires. ➤

UNITED KINGDOM

Modifying existing aircraft

Investing in UK-owned aircraft

Amid drier seasons in the summer, the UK would typically contract firefighting aircraft from companies such as Canada-based Coulson or Neptune, but Thomasson says the nation shouldn’t be overly reliant on overseas contractors when “they’ve got problems of their own”. Plus, overseas contracting can sometimes take months for delivery, ultimately wasting crucial costs and time.

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UNITED KINGDOM

Recent high temperatures and fire activity in the United Kingdom have many asking for aerial firefighting assets to be considered.

For future generations

Thomasson said that like the A400, temporary solution kits could be a sufficient firefighting capability in the UK, and could work in multiple models, like the Boeing 737, Airbus A319, and the A320, or the C130.

If the petition reaches 100,000 signatures over the next six months, the government will respond and potentially debate it in Parliament. But this will just mark the beginning of a long journey. Thomasson made it clear that stronger capability would not just benefit current generations, but those to come. “Why am I doing any of this?” he said. “Well

It isn’t a new concept and has been successful in the past. Among many others, one example is Boeing's 747 Supertanker. After entering into service in 2009, despite its ongoing financial difficulties, the aircraft operated for about 13 years, being deployed to multiple US states, Israel and Chile to mitigate wildfires, before it retired in 2021. However, the conversion process takes time. Thomasson explained that it obviously includes the contracting process, plus stripping the aircraft of its passenger comforts, embedding a water-filled tank into the middle of the fuselage, manufacturing a way to dispense the water, sort through a tender process, and then train relevant crew. This puts the UK in a time crunch, as the whole process could take up to a year.

AF 52 | aerialfiremag.com

Australia is a good example to look at. The nation found itself in a similar situation during its 2019/2020 Black Summer bushfires when it was forced to contract multiple LAT and VLAT from other countries. The inefficiency caused more deaths than there should have been, which ultimately led to a national inquiry that forced the nation to rethink its capabilities and whether it really was ready for the next dry season. While the country has since then taken more responsibility, it was almost too late.

“If you look around Europe, France has firefighting aircraft, Spain has firefighting aircraft, the Greeks have firefighting aircraft… and we have nothing,” he said. “It isn't just the West Coast of America and it isn't just Australia - there's some places pretty close to home that have got some issues too.”

I have two daughters and I want to do something to mitigate the effects of the changing climate. I am not a scientist, but as an engineer, this is something just maybe with some support, could be put in place.”

Thomasson said that sovereign capability is like having your own battleships - “they’re there when you need it”. He believes there is really no other way to fight fires efficiently if the UK doesn’t have its own aircraft. While the costs might be large in the short term - depending on whether the government purchases aircraft, removable kits or modifies existing aircraft - it will be cheaper overall, due to overseas contracts being extremely costly.

Temporary, removable kits

Alternatively, and potentially a cheaper option, could be a waterbomber kit - like Airbus’ A400M. During the month of July, Airbus completed a test campaign of a removable waterbombing kit retrofitted into its A400M military transporter in Spain. The test saw the aircraft fly about 150ft in the air at speeds of 125kn, then dropping about 20t from the tank within ten seconds. The tests were carried out with the Spanish Air Force and validated the turboprop’s ability to carry out the role with the kit quickly. According to Airbus, the solution is a roll-on, roll-off kit that can be input into any of the A400M fleet, without modification. Next up, the manufacturer is set to test it during nighttime conditions.

Plus, the firefighting industry in the UK is already vulnerable, and cannot afford to be unprepared. Early last year, it was revealed that the UK government had been slowly cutting its fire services by £140m since 2016.

Mike Fell, Pathfinder owner at the time, was, with the help of his staff, focused on putting together an effective safety management

Alaska is called many things: The Last Frontier, The Great White North, and the list goes on. But, one thing you would not expect Alaska to be known for is a state with a sizeable aerial firefighting company. Anchorage-headquartered Pathfinder Aviation has called Alaska home since beginning operations in 2001. Mike Fell founded the company and started Pathfinder exclusively operating the Bell 206. He initially ran charter operations that included the unique mission of rat eradication conducted in the Rat Islands of the Aleutian chain to the far southwest of Alaska and the South Pacific.

Aerial firefighting work was initially sought with the Bell 206B3 and 206L models. Being type three platforms, contracts for that type of helicopter were more sparse than the larger airframes at the time.

Firefighting the

During the 2001 to 2014 timeframe, the company also began to lose a lot of its core government work to operators using the R44, as the State of Alaska began to allow the

single piston market to bid for government contracts. That, along with the introduction of the R66 in 2010, was seriously eroding the ability of the Bell 206 to Ascompete.government resource work began drying up for Pathfinder in 2012, the company started to pivot away from the 206, looking to the Bell 212 for continued growth, providing services to the blossoming oil and gas market in Alaska at the time. The company's first foray into the twin market came with two IFR-capable Bell 212's after winning a contract to provide services for Hillcorp Energy, operating year-round, both day and night transportation services out to the company's rigs in the Cook Inlet.

It was soon decided that Pathfinder would begin to pursue more fire-related contracts with several high-time pilots having fire experience, and the company had previously done call-when-needed fire contracts in Alaska.

system for the company, pulling from his experience as a former Delta Airlines captain.

"He wanted a robust safety management system that wasn't just on the shelf collecting dust as most of them were. We were trying to polish it to present to the oil companies and show them that we had a working and functional SMS program. Our entry into the oil & gas market wouldn't have been possible without it. With his airline background, Mike had that vision of needing to meet this standard because other helicopter companies, like Era and Bristow, were operating at that level. So that's what brought us to the table in the oil and gas market," said Rogan Parker, now CEO of Pathfinder, of the work that went into putting together the contracts that cemented Pathfinder's successful growth over the following years.

Pathfinder began repurposing their previous oil and gas 212 fleet into aerial firefighting aircraft, focusing more on the type two aircraft market versus type three. It was successful enough that they had to initially lease several aircraft from Canada's Eagle Copters to meet demand. This also opened the door for the company to see the benefits of the 212 Eagle Single aircraft. The company operating from their base at or near sea level allowed the aircraft to use the extra 700 pounds of useful load over the 205 platform, which Rogan considers their "perfect aircraft for our stomping grounds here in Alaska."

One of Pathfinder's AS350s conducts aerial firefighting training outside of Anchorage, Alaska.

As Pathfinder continued to grow with the success of several oil and gas contracts, the company was sold to a private equity firm in 2017. However, the company's trials were not over. In 2018, Alaska's oil and gas market began a rapid downturn, forcing yet another pivot by Pathfinder to regroup and change its business model to stay profitable.

➤

Last Frontier

Most of Pathfinder's pilot staff work full-time on mineral, exploration and fire contracts, with oil and gas making up only a small portion of the business. Pilots can also work a mix of fire and heli-ski seasons that equate to the 182 work days that make them full-time employees of the company. The company looks for that unique skillset of pilots trained in the 212 and the Astar as the perfect fit for their business Withmodel.Pathfinder being remotely located for those living in the lower 48, the company does not require pilots to relocate to Anchorage. Those pilots residing in the lower 48 are paid travel allowance to and from wherever their work location is at the given time. ➤

Finding the Right Fit

Fleet The company operates 13 AS-350 B2 and B3 models, although only one is currently working on a type-three fire contract. Also in the Pathfinder fleet are three 212 Eagle Singles, two of which can be equipped with a Simplex (now DART) fire tank, two Bell 212 HPs, a 412, an EC-135, and a Cessna 206 to support AOG response, crew transportation, and equipment movements. Pathfinder said goodbye to the longstanding Long Ranger fleet with the final sale of their last Bell 206 in 2021.

The minimum experience required for pilots has never been a big concern for Pathfinder. Pilots that work for the company average around 5400 hours of flight time, which allow Pathfinder to be highly selective. Between firefighting and their other complex mission contracts, Pathfinder works in some of the most inhospitable locations on earth.

AF 56 | aerialfiremag.com In 2018, Pathfinder was awarded two type-two contracts with the State of Alaska and secured a type-three contract in 2019. This has since grown to several other agreements, including ongoing exclusive use and call-when-needed work in the lower 48. Due to an initial error in the performance charts of the Eagle 212, the aircraft was passed over numerous times for federal fire contracts; however, with the addition of the BLR Fast Fin system and revisions made to the performance charts, it was proven that the initial numbers were wrong. The 212 Eagle Single is now a competitive alternative to the 205 and UH-1H on contracts.

Top Right: Each aircraft is maintained in house by a contingent of dedicated mechanics at Pathfinder's Anchorage headquarters.

The company operates 13 AS-350 B2 and B3 models, although only one is currently working on a type-three fire contract.

Left: Pathfinder's pilots are all trained in each mission they fly.

Right: Although training is conducted in Anchorage, the majority of Pathfinder's firefighting work is conducted in the lower 48.

Fortifying Your Investment

Top: Pathfinder employs round the clock staff to monitor aircraft movements, maintenance requests and parts movement.

Bottom: Pathfinder mechanics can work at their Anchorage headquarters or be required to go into the field for repairs if needed.

Training Maintaining such diverse business operations requires keeping pilots trained and up to speed. A task that Pathfinder takes incredibly seriously. For each discipline, pilots are trained separately for the specific job they will be performing, be it heli-skiing, aerial firefighting, or mineral exploration. Due to the unique nature of working in Alaska, Pathfinder is investing in mission-specific training in real-world environments involving customers in most cases. Also, they leverage simulator training with FSI, Helisim/Airbus, thirdparty factory equivalent courses, and IIMC training with the locally based Fly-It sim.

Unlike many companies, Pathfinder pays their pilots not only for what they have accomplished by way of total hours but believes in paying their tenure and with what tasks they are uniquely qualified for regarding the company missions and "Ourequipment.pilots have a base salary, and then the more aircraft they're qualified to fly, and the more jobs they're qualified to do, the higher their daily rate. More holistically, we need depth in our pilots; we, as helicopter operators, need that. So the more we can cross train and provide an opportunity for folks, the better off we all are," said Parker.

Previously, as a part of the oil and gas contracts, Pathfinder had a second-in-command program to bring up lower-time pilots. Thanks to Pathfinder providing stable year-round

Photo by: Jimmy Finney

Right: Pathfinder pilots average over 5000 hours per pilot typically.

Photo by: Spencer Dodson

AF 58 | aerialfiremag.com

work, many pilots are long-time employees with ten or more years with the company.

Safety In addition to having a robust and constantly evolving SMS program at Pathfinder, the company also has a dedicated and full-time safety manager that drives the SMS program and everything related to in-house safety procedures, from maintenance to pilots and aircraft. With a fleet of 20 helicopters, the company also has an Air Operations Center within its headquarters that tracks all aircraft movements in

Looking Forward While the aircraft fleet continues to grow for Pathfinder, the company will continue upgrading its Astar fleet. They will eventually phase out their B2 models for the B3s due to the high maintenance and overhaul cost of the Safran Arriel 1D1 engine over the updated equipment on the B3 model. ➤

Asreal-time.thebrainchild

of previous owners Mike Fell and Rogan Parker, the center was modeled after a similar setup run in the Gulf of Mexico seen by Parker in the oil and gas helicopter industry. It is staffed by three aviation safety professionals that track not only aircraft movements through SkyConnect and Garmin InReach, but hours flown, pilot flight times, AOG status, parts and people movement, and any other operational tasks needed for the day-to-day operations of the company. This includes maintenance flights and monitoring through GPMS and coordinating replacement aircraft or mechanic transport in the case of an aircraft breakdown in the field.

Pathfinder's maintenance operation is the most bustling area of their operation at Merrill Field in Anchorage. Seemingly endless maintenance tasks are being completed on their fleet of 20 aircraft, which in the company's mind is now part of a more comprehensive look at how they can improve their operation as they are rapidly outgrowing their space and their ability to maintain all of their aircraft as the fleet continues to expand. Thankfully, plans are in place to expand their Merrill Field facility to accommodate their growth, with remodeling planned to start soon. Maintenance on the company's Astar fleet is typically carried out from September through December, which is when the Bell medium fleet begins returning for that part of the fleet's scheduled maintenance. This means the window is getting tighter and tighter thanks to lack of space and when contracts run longer than expected, when fire seasons extend, or other extenuating conditions. With such a large fleet, the goal for the Astar fleet will be to do one 600-hour inspection each month through 2023.

Maintenance

"We are definitely in a steady state, but not stagnant. We've had a lot of growth over the last few years, from an

Photo by: David Fox

Like many companies competing for government contracts, Parker shared concerns about the MATOC contract issues and aircraft requirements many operators have spoken out about since the draft was released for comment in 2021, which drew massive resistance from the industry.

Parker is less concerned about being the lowest bidder, stating that the company is likely not the lowest bidder on any of their work. He noted that the company generally wins contracts based on the quality of the work that they do and the additional steps that they take in aviation safety and maintenance over and above what contracts require—putting more faith in the fact that the company will stand out for the right reasons, none of which are the correct dollar amount on a dotted line.

employee count and utilization standpoint but not much regarding the fleet size. We have adapted to the everchanging environment of the helicopter industry; we've gone from flying year-round IFR contracts with 212s back to our roots of fieldwork. Just with different or reconfigured airframes. The MATOC will drive further adaptation, but our direction isn't yet concrete. While the industry still struggles with contract issues on the federal side, Pathfinder continues to do what its name suggests, finding a path to continued growth in the industry. That path has led the company to multiple pivots in its decades of operation. Despite the need to make drastic changes when required, Pathfinder continues to succeed where many others may have stumbled, finding a way to success through providing elevated safety to its customers and staff.

Photo by: Brad Anderson

“When we say that ‘speed and force’ is a required cost of doing business in today’s wildland fire environment, we do not mean the quantifiable cost of QRF aircraft or its Mobile Retardant Base; we mean the immeasurable cost of the loss of life and property if those resources are not available,” said OCFA Fire Chief Brian Fennessy. “Last year, the QRF proved it does far more than save taxpayer dollars; it saves lives and communities, and we are proud to partner with SCE and our sister agencies to bring it back for 2022.”

“In the past year, LACoFD has dispatched and utilized Helitanker 55 on numerous wildfires within our jurisdiction, including the Tumbleweed Fire in Gorman that consumed 856 acres without injuring anyone or destroying or damaging any homes,” said LACoFD Fire Chief Daryl Osby. “Last season, our investment and participation in the Quick Reaction Force program has proven to be valuable in the protection of our residents and the communities we serve.

Quick Reaction Force Deploys in California

OCFA’s 412 participated in the open day demonstrating the QRF capabilities.

fight wildfire day or night and funded by $18 million from Southern California Edison (SCE), the Quick Reaction Force (QRF) returns in 2022 after dropping nearly 3 million gallons on more than 50 wildfires in 2021.

AF 62 | aerialfiremag.com

This year, in anticipation of a hotter than normal summer, the QRF resources will again be a welcome addition to our world-renowned air operations fleet.”

For the second consecutive year, three Southern California fire departments — Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA), Los Angeles County Fire Department (LACoFD), and Ventura County Fire Department (VCFD) — head into peak fire season armed with the world’s largest fire-suppression Availablehelicopters.to

“Having these helicopters available last summer helped immediately in protecting homes and businesses across the region from wildfire,” Ventura County Fire Chief Dustin Gardner said. “With another long fire season already upon us, I am grateful they’re here to join the fight.”

By Jeff Serpa

Under the partnership, SCE is paying to lease the equipment beginning on June 24, 2022. Each fire department will provide staff, and if called into action, the requesting fire department will pay for the operational costs.

•

• And multiple hover-filling tanks for water or retardant

One of Coulson Aviation’s CU-47s is a key part of the Southern California Edison sponsored QRF response.

“The Quick Reaction Force is one of the many tools that is helping us to be better equipped for wildfires,” said Steven Powell, president and CEO of Southern California Edison. “SCE is also doing our part by hardening our electric system and improving fire condition monitoring with a growing network of weather stations and cameras. This partnership is one aspect of our comprehensive approach to address the threat of wildfire, and we are honored to support the great fire agencies in our service area that protect communities and save lives.” ➤

Two Boeing CH-47 Chinook Very Large Helitankers that can each carry up to 3,000 gallons of water or retardant A Sikorski S-61 helitanker that can carry up to 1,000 gallons of water or retardant • A S-76 intelligence and recon helicopter • A mobile retardant base (MRB) which can mix up to 18,000 gallons of retardant per hour

The Quick Reaction Force fleet consists of: •

The CH-47s are the biggest, fastest, smartest, and most effective water- and retardant-dropping helitankers in the world. The helitankers can operate day or night and have the ability to ‘hover’ fill with a retractable snorkel, allowing them to return to the fire line more quickly. These factors led to much QRF success in 2021, including a single helitanker dropping 37,000 gallons of water in a narrow canyon at night on the Tuna Fire, saving homes, structures and lives in a way that no other firefighting equipment or personnel ever has.

Assets for the QRF include an S-76, Coulson’s S-61 and CU-47, OCFA’s Bell 412 and ground assets like the Perimeter Solutions mobile retardant station.

Another critical component of the QRF is the mobile retardant base and hover-filling tanks. The mobile retardant base will be positioned close to the fire in predetermined locations in each of the counties, allowing for faster turnaround time of each of these helitankers.

Initially, one helicopter will be deployed in each county and will be available wherever called upon by any of the partner fire departments, prioritized for fire suppression activities within SCE’s 50,0000 square-mile service area. If needed, all four helicopters and the MRB will be assigned to a wildfire to provide overwhelming suppression power.

By Dan Reese Wildland fire agencies have a huge reliance on the private sector to provide the assets and many times the personnel to combat wildfires. However, this reliance comes as a double edge sword with cost versus benefit, where the benefit is often prostituted based on advertisement, access, and experience, and cost remains commensurate with the economy. When balanced appropriately, this is good for the economy, and the taxpayer, as it eases the burden on the governments and agencies for support and ownership of the ever-changing technology, capital investment, and maintenance.

The Dangers of Misinformation in Wildland Fire Aviation

The Balance of Cost versus Benefit

The benefit of advertisement coupled with a good product, whether through observation, word of mouth, or direct through publication is often key to the success of any brand or asset. Good advertisement can be in the form of direct marketing using pictures, reviews, and data in the form of statistical analyses, and not limited to. There are often whole departments assigned to do this this, marketing. However, if the person using this product, based on advertisement or stove piped experience, lacks the experience to see the whole picture where the use is needed, balance can be disrupted and oftentimes never achieved. ➤

The balance is often difficult to achieve in a multi layered system involving Federal, State, and Local Agencies coupled with the private sector. When discussing the benefit of experience, it is important to realize it is sometimes stove piped and can lead to a bias based on that experience, which is not always bad, if that experience is not responsible to weigh the whole picture. Experience in any endeavor is what employers are looking for, and what they want to keep if possible. Why else would one be hired for a specific purpose? If a company is in the business of utilizing an asset, why would it make sense to advocate for anything different? It is here where the depth of one’s experience is needed for balance to start occurring. This is where a wide view is preferable to a focused, (stove piped) view to achieve balance.

So where is all of this going? Lately there have been publications from both the private and government sectors regarding statistical analyses, and business leadership point of views for the effectiveness of various aviation assets. Most are predicated on marketing of a specific asset, where others are based on a specific industry. Our nation has two choices, we either keep repeating the same behaviors and embracing the same policies hoping for change, or we advocate for the balance of reliance.

The balance of reliance must start with an honest look at statistical data coupled with open access and depth of experience, so that realistic advertising can be measured. The stove piping of data, statistics and opinions is often needed, but must be measured with an honest wide lens. There are not many things I am expert about, however having spent the majority of my career in fire aviation, emergency response, program management and education, I can comfortably say I am aware of what resources are utilized for what the specific missions and expected outcomes should be. Anyone who advocates for one asset as being the magic bullet is doing so with a clouded agenda. Aviation resources are nothing more than tools in a firefighter’s kit to be used to control fire. While some tools are more diverse, and may be used in more than one way, each tool has specific purpose where it is best suited. To take them out of the toolbox or to relegate them to only one task is dangerous, and is often done so by skewed statistics, shrewd advertising, and stove piped opinions. It would be inconceivable to limit or take tools away from firefighters, however that is exactly what happens when skewed data, stove piped experience, and limited access is used to justify or effect an outcome…

We have all seen this in our careers, over and over, where we continue to use the same tactics and behavior without any significant change in the outcome. No one will argue the benefit of access. Access is where it all happens, when business deals and decisions are forged, and without it businesses and agencies may pay the price. Access is often gained through past relationships, or funding, and if we are being truthful, there is no way around it. Leaders and managers who can encourage access will always have a better chance in achieving balance than those who don’t. Leaders and managers who can see the whole picture, without bias due to open access, will be more likely succeed and achieve balance.

aerialfiremag.com | AF 67

Airborne Firefighting Units Participate in Interagency Spring Training in Idaho

The Nevada Air National Guard’s 152nd Operations Group upgraded four pilots to aircraft commanders certified on the Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System (MAFFS) at Gowan Field on April 25 - 30, 2022.

“We’re the new kids on the block in MAFFS -- it takes about five years to train and certify an aircraft commander.”

Aircraft involved in the Nevada Air National Guard exercise included the CH-47 Chinook and Blackhawk along with the C-130 MAFFS aircraft.

By Staff Sgt. Matthew Greiner

152nd Airlift Wing

AF 68 | aerialfiremag.com

The additional four MAFFS aircraft commanders will double the current number of certified pilots on the roster. Kassebaum said this change will increase scheduling effectiveness, mitigate burnout fatigue, and make things safer for the aircrews.

“We have four MAFFS aircraft commanders,” said Maj. Alex Kassebaum, 192nd Airlift Squadron Director of Operations.

the MAFFS aircraft commander’s left seat requires years of experience. In addition to the requirements checklist, a MAFFS co-pilot must be re-evaluated during an active MAFFS mission.

a fire, we’re out there for a week to 12 days before anybody gets a break, Kassebaum said. “By doubling the number of MAFFS aircraft commanders, we’re giving ourselves more bodies to rotate and alleviating the risk of burnout.” He said having more pilots cycle through the fire season will lead to a safer mission. To go from four to eight required several aircraft commanders to be upgraded to instructors.

aerialfiremag.com

“We pick the most experienced pilots in the squadron for the MAFFS aircraft commander positions,” Kassebaum said. “Often, they already are aircraft commanders, instructor pilots of the C-130 aircraft, who are selected to sit in the right seat. It takes approximately five years to develop a co-pilot to prepare them to be in the left Toseat.”sitin

“A MAFFS aircraft commander oversees a crew of six people, the aircraft, and ensures the plane gets to the fire area to drop 3,000 gallons of retardant on a designated area determined by a lead pilot,” Kassebaum said.

“These four additional aircraft pilots will give us great flexibility when it comes to deploying during the MAFFS season,” said Capt. Dylan Weber, the Air Expeditionary Group’s (AEG) MAFFS Scheduler, 152nd Operations Group. “Aircrew fatigue occurs when they are deployed for long periods of time; having more people trained reduces the load on “Wheneveryone.”wegoto

| AF 69

“Even after their training is complete, we still have them fly with an instructor pilot on live fires before officially signing them off to fly with a basic co-pilot,” Kassebaum said.

Middleton, 152nd Airlift Wing MAFFS AEG Senior Enlisted Leader, said before becoming a MAFFS aircraft commander, a co-pilot must have: two seasons flying as a MAFFS co-pilot; minimum of 1,800 hours in a C-130; minimum of 15 total drops; and a minimum of two MAFFS deployments.

“I love being a part of MAFFS; it’s very rewarding,” Kassebaum said. “I’ve been in the military for 24 years now.

The path to MAFFS aircraft commander starts in the right seat as a MAFFS co-pilot and must meet the minimum requirements before being considered for a MAFFS aircraft Mastercommander.Sgt.Rita

This is one of the few missions you get a call, one week later, you’re making a direct impact, and you’re seeing the difference in a community.”

New operational base of Tangará Aeroagrícola. The company is one of the pioneers in the professional use of Air Tractors for firefighting in Brazil and serves both public governments and the private sector with this activity.

By Lucas Zanoni Unlike other countries, where aerial firefighting operates a little more autonomously in relation to agricultural aviation, Brazil’s industry is driven by it. During the last year, the Brazilian National Association of Agricultural Aviation (SINDAG) has intensified its work to support this aerial firefighting. In addition to promoting several conversations with industry players (and renowned experts), the institution created a board for aerial firefighting and has provided technical assistance to various government levels for structuring contracting programs. Thiago Magalhães, operator and president of SINDAG, shared his background in aerial firefighting. His family’s company, Tangará Aeroagrícola (one of Brazil’s biggest aerial application companies), started aerial firefighting in 2010 when they bought their first Air Tractor. They sought out foreign instructors since there were few specialized professionals in the country then. They helped to structure a contracting program in São Paulo for aerial firefighting in natural reserves. Afterward, they helped foster activity in the private sector, and today they provide services to the region’s large sugar and alcohol industry.

The company has also helped develop new equipment to adapt agricultural aircraft for firefighting, collaborating with the Brazilian manufacturer of fire gates. Thiago told us a little about their trajectory with these technologies:

Organizing the Brazilian Aerial Firefighting Industry to Fly in the Right Direction

“Our first aircraft were equipped with longitudinal gates. But we needed a solution that would meet agricultural demands (applying pesticides and dispersion of solids.) Brazilian aircraft sometimes operate as ag spraying and firefighting aircraft in the same 24-hour period. Then we came to need equipment that was as efficient as possible to control fires in high-density vegetation, so Sérgio Zanoni developed the 13inch gate, and we installed the prototype. The results since 2019 are quite interesting. Even with a transversal gate, we achieve great efficiency, even in denser vegetation”. ➤

SOUTH AMERICA

Thiago represents the second generation of the Magalhães family in the aerial application industry (with the company Tangará Aeroagrícola) and is president of the Brazilian National Agricultural Aviation Association (SINDAG) since 2019. The institution has helped to boost the Brazilian market for aerial firefighting.

He also gave us his perspectives on law 14.406/2022, which was recently approved to regulate the use of agricultural aircraft to fight forest fires: “With the new legislation passed by the government, we will have more security for the agencies to hire. This will also spill over into the private sector: farmers and the whole ag industry will see the need to hire aircraft and realize that it is a tool that works and that it is viable. The law will certainly be a tool for expanding the service in the country”.

Authored by Senator Carlos Fávaro, the law includes using agricultural aviation in government guidelines and policies for fighting forest fires. The project provides for the outsourcing of firefighting aircraft, reinforcing the idle capacity of the more than 2,300 agricultural aircraft of the “Brazilian agricultural air force.” This will considerably reduce costs concerning the acquisition of aircraft in a country where the public budget constraint is always present, as highlighted in its explanatory memorandum: “Instead of buying aircraft, hiring pilots, and bearing the entire cost of installations, maintenance, training, and personnel (a structure that would remain idle for eight months), the public authorities would outsource shifts and hours flown only in the dry season.”

“The demand for this service has always existed, but almost nobody was aware of using our aircraft to provide it. As aerial firefighting continued and became more widely seen, people were getting to know it and realizing they could also have access to it. Over the last ten years, we’ve increasingly used agricultural aircraft. SINDAG has helped a lot in solving the mystery of aerial firefighting and making it possible for all agricultural aviation companies to offer this service. I believe that this should intensify a lot in the coming years, especially with the private sector (farmers) contracting agricultural aircraft to fight fires both in crops and in the natural reserves of their properties [in Brazil, every agricultural producer is obliged to allocate at least 20% of their land to environmental preservation - reaching up to 80% in the Amazon region].” Thiago also highlighted the increased visibility that the service generates for the ag aviation industry: “Using agricultural aircraft in firefighting has helped us generate another vision for society about our work. The media is constantly reporting our importance for the environment, which contributes to breaking down prejudices that we suffer. We are flying this path to publicize the activity and have great success”.

AF 72 | aerialfiremag.com

The new model will be implemented as part of an integrated management system, adopting various measures and instruments that consider local, geographic, climatic, social, Zanoni's first 13" gate installed by Tangará: the equipment offers good results for firefighting in high density vegetation, but still maintains versatility for agricultural use, a special need of the fleet in Brazil, since in some regions the aircraft spray almost all year round.

In addition to being an operator, Thiago has been helping the Brazilian firefighting industry through leadership, pushing the virtues of providing both services since the beginning of his first term as president of SINDAG in 2019.

SOUTH AMERICA

According to the law, environmental agencies’ contingency plans for fighting forest fires must have guidelines for using ag aircraft in these operations, including standards for the technologies and qualifications for the professionals. The law also provides for the possibility of public support for the industry, including the education and training of pilots. In a country where agribusiness is so frowned upon by radical environmentalist fakes, the flying cowboys are the ones who have been at the forefront of forest protection. Tangará's Air Tractor performing fire monitoring in a sugar cane mill (left) and dumping fire retardant in a sugarcane bagasse deposit (right). The sugar and ethanol industry is one of the pivots of aerial firefighting in Brazil.

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and economic requirements as part of a national strategy for preventing and fighting forest fires. It will be part of the National Environment System (SISNAMA), a structure formed by the Federal Union, States, and Municipalities agencies. It will contain general guidelines for using agricultural aircraft in contingency plans to fight forest fires over Brazil.

The most famous example of a dangerous bird strike was the 2009 “Miracle on the Hudson,” in which a US Airways jet was forced to land on the Hudson River after both engines of the aircraft ingested birds and failed.

AF 74 | aerialfiremag.com

Promising

The Air Tractor 802 used for LED testing.

From 1988 to 2018, wildlife strikes killed more than 280 people and destroyed more than 260 aircraft globally. The annual cost of wildlife strikes is estimated at $150 million to $500 million in the United States and around the world.

“In the future, bird strikes are definitely going to rise because you’re going to have more aircraft in the sky,” said Dan Dellmyer, an engineer in the FAA’s Software and Systems Branch. He noted that the United States is seeing more rotorcraft and drones in the air, with the number of electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft also expected to grow. ➤ research suggests UV lights mounted on helicopters and planes drive birds away from aircraft…and danger.

By Jim Tise, FAA

The FAA is researching new and potentially game-changing technology that significantly reduces the chances of birds striking general aviation aircraft.

Going to the Birds to

Prevent Hazardous Strikes

The technology inverts the customary approach to bird hazards, namely how pilots can avoid or maneuver around birds. The new approach — if positive results from research continue to play out — gives birds the warnings they need to fly out of the paths of oncoming airplanes and helicopters. The danger of bird strikes has been an albatross around the aviation community since humans joined their feathered friends in flight. The number of reported strikes in the United States increased by 144% from 2000 to 2017.

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He also noticed that when the UV LED lights were turned off, the birds returned quickly.

Shelley — owner of and pilot for his crop-dusting company Whirlwind Aviation in Fisher, Ark. — knows all about birds. A goose flew through the cockpit window of one of his planes, hitting his brother in the face. His brother was okay, and the plane landed safely, though it suffered severe damage. “We deal with ducks and geese on a minute-by-minute basis,” he said. It’s just every day, every day, every day.”

When the FAA began research on bird-strike avoidance in 2015, it considered two questions: 1. Can we put a radar system in the cockpit to help pilots avoid birds, and/or 2. Can we identify a system that deters birds from coming near us?

Testing revealed that avian-avoidance radar in the form of an antenna mounted on the aircraft is expensive, bulky, and difficult to install. There were also issues with the software, such as too many false alarms.

The FAA tested the UV sensor on Shelley’s Air Tractor 802, flying the plane for roughly 80 hours over the course of several weeks. The FAA had him run through various scenarios, such as takeoffs and landings with the UV light on and off, diving, and hard banking.

Dellmyer deemed the results “very favorable.” He estimates the birds were spotting the plane with the UV LED lights on from as far as 166 yards away, compared to 108 yards away without the lights on, giving the fowl plenty of time to maneuver out of harm’s way.

Populations of large birds — such as eagles and Canadian geese — are increasing, and quieter engines make it more difficult for birds to hear oncoming planes. Yet another factor is that airports are often located near attractive gathering sites for birds, such as trash dumps, swamps, and open bodies of water.

A second approach, said Dellmyer, addressed the question: “Can we alert the birds better?” After extensive research, the FAA believes the answer is “Yes.” Birds have tetrachromatic color sensitivity, which means they can see red, green, blue and ultraviolet colors.

“With the lights on, I could circle the field … the ducks would take off and leave me alone,” Shelley described. “They wouldn’t stay in the field with me like they normally do. They would turn and go the opposite way immediately. It was pretty interesting.”

While artificial intelligence and cloud technology might offer better solutions for bird avoidance in the future, Dellmyer says the UV LED light “is the better technology now.” Additional benefits include a simple and inexpensive installation process, and easy-to-do maintenance. Mounting the UV LED on a landing gear is a “perfect fit,” he added.

Next up, his office needs to find more funding to continue the next phase of research, including flying at night and in different weather conditions, as well as testing with different bird Whenspecies.asked what he would tell other pilots about lights, Shelley, was quite clear: “If the birds see that light, they will move away. I believe it actually does work.” Rodney Shelley and his Air Tractor 802.

AF 76 | aerialfiremag.com

Dellmyer’s research at the FAA’s William J. Hughes Technical Center experimented with replacing the landing lights found on most general aviation aircraft landing gear with a pulsing ultraviolet LED light that birds can Rodneydetect.

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The Airborne Public Safety Association Convention returned to Reno, Nevada for the 2022 show.

The Airborne Public Safety Convention (APSCON) returned to 'the biggest little city in the world," Reno, Nevada, in 2022, bringing over 1,100 attendees and 157 vendors on the show floor.

Anotherceremony.well-attended event at the show was the annual APSA board meeting and breakfast. The breakfast saw the awarding of scholarships to deserving family members of APSA members from agencies around the world and keeping the membership base up to date with annual financials and the state of the organization. Recent staff changes were also announced as long-time staff members Don Roby, and Bryan Smith move out of their roles in education and safety, replaced by industry veteran Terry Palmer and South Carolina Law Enforcement Division Special Agent Cory DeArmitt, respectively.

Many key vendors anchored the show floor in the airborne public safety arena, such as Teledyne/FLIR, Airbus Helicopters, MD Helicopters, and Bell Helicopter. This year's event saw the highly anticipated return of the Teledyne/FLIR Vision Awards, which was the most well-attended event of the vendor-sponsored events throughout the show. Teledyne/ FLIR personality Brian Spillane again headed up the award

Photos by Ryan Mason

APSCON Recap

The show floor opened for the first time on the evening of July 27th with an opening ceremony headed up by APSA board members, president Richard Bray and CEO Dan Schwartzbach, who joined Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam, who cut the ceremonial ribbon to open the show.

By Staff

AerialFire

This year's show was the first time the Airborne Public Safety Association (APSA) combined APSCON with the APSA Unmanned show for public safety professionals in the drone area. This proved a worthwhile combination as the unmanned and regular APSCON classes were very well attended through the first half of the week, with classes held at the Peppermill Resort and Casino.

Overall, the 2022 APSCON show was a resounding success for the board, staff, and attendees, who are now looking forward to the 2023 show that will return to Orlando, Florida.

aerialfiremag.com | AF 79

AF 80 | aerialfiremag.com

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Middle: APSA President Richard Bray opens the APSCON show in Reno with Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam.

Bottom: Awards are a key part of the APSCON show, including the Teledyne/FLIR VIsion awards and the yearly APSA awards.

Top: APSCON attendees had a variety of training sessions available.

AF 82 | aerialfiremag.com

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AerialFire Magazine September/October 2022

Articles inside

APSCON RECAP

GOING TO THE BIRDS TO PREVENT HAZARDOUS BIRD STRIKES

THE DROP - EDITORIAL

A BURNING ISSUE - DOES THE UK NEED AERIAL FIREFIGHTING AIRCRAFT?

REMEMBERING THE FALLEN

BRIDGER CONTINUES GROWTH, CREATES FIRSTS

ORGANIZING THE BRAZILIAN FIREFIGHITNG INDUSTRY TO FLY IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION

AIRBUS SUCCESSFULLY TESTS FIREFIGHTING KIT ON A400M

NEWS