Aerossurance’s Post

What motivates aerial firefighters to face such immense risks? This fire season, over 7.8 million acres have burned across the U.S., claiming the lives of at least five aerial firefighters, including veteran pilots like Jim Maxwell and newcomers like Juliana Turchetti. With the National Interagency Fire Center declaring a Level 5 alert, firefighting resources are stretched thin as climate change intensifies wildfire threats. Aerial firefighting demands precision and bravery, as pilots maneuver through smoke, drop water or retardant, and protect homes. However, it’s a perilous task, with six pilots surviving close calls this year alone. Industry experts, like Paul Petersen oxf the United Aerial Firefighters Association (UAFA), emphasize the importance of training and collaboration to enhance safety as demand for aerial support grows. Despite the dangers, pilots remain dedicated. Joel Burton a CO Fire Aviation INC veteran, speaks to the profound satisfaction of seeing homes and landscapes spared from devastation. As the industry adapts to increasing challenges, the commitment of these pilots remains steadfast, embodying resilience and sacrifice. What impact do you think increased training and collaboration could have on the safety of aerial firefighting? Share your thoughts below! For a deeper look into the lives of aerial firefighters and the risks they face, visit our blog: https://lnkd.in/g2UzwA48 #AvfoilNews #AerialFirefighting #WildfireSeason #FireSafety #AviationHeroes #USForestService #WildlandFirefighters #FireSuppression #ClimateChallenges #NationalInteragencyFireCenter #UnitedAerialFirefightersAssociation #FirefighterTraining #AerialHeroes

The aerial firefighting industry faces crucial challenges as recent tragedies highlight the need for modern aircraft and enhanced safety measures. It's time for collective action to ensure a safer future. Follow us for insights and updates: https://lnkd.in/gZpdjtK9 #AerialFirefighting #AviationSafety #Firefighting #AvfoilNews

From bucket drops to aerial surveillance, aircraft have been crucial in keeping wildland communities safe post-WWII to modern-day. November is National Aviation Month, and we're looking back at how aviation became essential to wildland firefighting. Read more: https://hubs.li/Q02Y0jt30

How crucial are aerial firefighting teams in battling relentless wildfires? Chief Pilot Jesse Weaver of Dauntless Air, with 38 years of flying experience, highlights that aerial crews remain resilient even in challenging weather. However, winds exceeding 30 knots can reduce their effectiveness, especially during critical fire suppression efforts. Air Tractor, Inc. Fire Boss Planes, an essential asset in this mission, are amphibious aircraft equipped with GPS and infrared technology. This allows precise water and retardant drops, especially in areas unreachable by ground crews. These specialized planes can carry up to 800 gallons of water, significantly aiding ground teams in controlling wildfires. “We work directly for the incident commanders, helping ground crews beat back the flames to manageable levels,” Weaver emphasizes. Across Washington state, 13 Fire Boss Planes are strategically positioned, including six at Richland Airport, ensuring quick response times to wildfire outbreaks. What advancements in aerial firefighting technology do you believe are most impactful? For more insights on this topic, visit our blog: https://lnkd.in/ggWTDSby #AvfoilNews #AerialFirefighting #WildfireResponse #AviationTechnology #FireBossPlanes #AmphibiousAircraft #EmergencyResponse #AviationSafety #WildfireMitigation #DauntlessAir

In Aviation Week Network, a focus on #firefighting aircrafts with a thorough review of the key players

Saab Aerial Firefighting operates primarily under a contract with the MSB (Myndigheten för samhällsskydd och beredskap), utilizing a fleet of four AT-802F Fire Boss fixed-wing scooper #aircraft stationed in #Nyköping. The choice of aircraft reflects Sweden's geography, with its abundance of lakes facilitating water access for firefighting. Responding to approximately 20 to 30 fires annually, #Saab also undertakes international missions as part of Sweden's contribution to the EU's #rescEU initiative. Constant readiness is essential for international dispatches, requiring Saab to closely monitor fire risks across #Europe. Saab's #aerialfirefighting team comprises pilots from diverse backgrounds, emphasizing #teamwork and adaptability. While Sweden's #wildfire risk may not match that of equatorial countries, long #summer days and potential #fire triggers like railroads pose unique challenges. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/eDy79MXW

🚒 The Need for Extended Aerial Firefighting Support is Growing The latest from AirMed & Rescue Magazine reveals the 2023/24 fire season in Western Australia was the longest and busiest yet. ✈️The aerial fleet flew over 2,300 hours, dropped more than 17 million litres of water and retardant, and made 7,025 drops. It's clear that as fire seasons become longer and more severe, the demand for effective aerial support is crucial. 💧That's why making every drop of water count is more important than ever. BLAZETAMER380 enhances the capacity of firefighting aircraft, making each drop count. Learn more about BLAZETAMER380: www.blazetamer.com #BLAZETAMER380™ #AerialFirefighting #WildfireSeason #FireSuppression #adirectattacksolution credit: https://lnkd.in/gDxEjUeY

New Post: Aerial firefighting drawing attention, again - https://lnkd.in/e-sh6tyE

SAFETY REMINDER: Agencies use various aerial firefighting assets to fight wildfires. These include single engine airtankers, heavy airtankers, and helicopters. If you're boating, please be mindful of firefighting aircraft and stay clear of any aircraft scooping on bodies of water. Share this post to spread awareness and keep everyone safe! #FireSafety #AerialFirefighting #StaySafe

Firefighters have introduced a powerful new asset in their fight against the Vista Fire near Lytle Creek, north of Fontana. The USDA Forest Service is employing the Quick Reaction Force (QRF), operated by Coulson Aviation, to combat this fierce blaze. The QRF consists of three Boeing Chinook CH-47 helicopters, which have been converted into advanced helitankers. These helitankers are strategically positioned across Southern California, ready for rapid response to emerging and ongoing wildfires. Supporting the QRF is a fourth helicopter, a Sikorsky S-76, equipped with thermal and HD cameras and mapping software for precise fire perimeter and hotspot detection. Each CH-47 helitanker can carry up to 3,000 gallons of water or retardant, significantly surpassing the capacities of Sikorsky S70 Firehawks, which carry 1,000 gallons, and Bell 412s, which drop around 325 gallons per load. The QRF is also configured for night operations, with flight crews maintaining qualifications for night vision goggle use. On July 9, the QRF made a significant impact on the Vista Fire, dropping 60,000 gallons of water along the fire's edge. This action dramatically reduced heat and fire activity, enabling firefighters to more safely access the rugged terrain of the southern perimeter. "This dramatically reduced both heat and fire activity, which will allow today's firefighters to more safely access the steep, rugged terrain of the southern perimeter of the Vista Fire," stated the Forest Service in a news release. #AvfoilNews #CoulsonAviation #QuickReactionForce #Firefighting #USForestService #AviationInnovation #Helitankers #VistaFire #EmergencyResponse