David Melton’s Post

🔥Firehawk: Transforming the Black Hawk for Aerial Firefighting 🚁 Nothing like a good Firehawk video clip to show its power in action! 🎥 The Firehawk is a specialized adaptation of the iconic Black Hawk helicopter, engineered to tackle the toughest wildfires. Utilized by agencies like the Los Angeles County Fire Department, the Firehawk is a game-changer in aerial firefighting. Here’s what makes it stand out: • 💦 Massive Water Capacity: Equipped with a 1,000-gallon water tank, the Firehawk can deliver powerful payloads of water or fire suppressant to critical areas. • ⚙️ Versatile Cabin Configuration: Designed for quick reconfiguration, it can handle search and rescue missions or medical transport, even while carrying the water tank. • 🌬️ Enhanced Performance: Built on the Black Hawk’s military-grade airframe, the Firehawk thrives in challenging conditions like high winds, thick smoke, and even night operations. These enhancements make the Firehawk an indispensable tool for wildfire management, enabling fast response times and protecting lives, property, and natural resources. 🌲🔥 #Firehawk 🚁🔥 #AerialFirefighting 💦🌬️ #WildfireManagement 🌲🔥 #BlackHawkAdaptation ⚙️ #LACountyFire 🚒🚁 #InnovativeTechnology 🔧🌟 #FireSafety 🛡️💧 #GameChanger 💪🔥

#NationalFireNews: August 20, 2024. As of this morning, 59 large active wildfires are being managed with full suppression strategies nationwide. Current wildfires have burned 2,249,946 acres. Drone incursions over wildfires continue to rise. So far this year, 16 incursions were reported, and air operations were shut down eight times. When firefighting aircraft are grounded because of an unauthorized drone, our personnel lose access to a valuable resource which can affect the safety and efficiency of the overall suppression efforts. Flying a drone near a wildfire puts lives at risk. Please #KnowBeforeYouFly and help keep our wildland firefighters in the air and on the ground safe. 21,812 wildland firefighters and support personnel are assigned to wildfires, including 20 complex and 3 Type 1 incident management teams, 501 crews, 926 engines, 126 helicopters, and four Modular Airborne Fire Fighting Systems, or MAFFS. During #FireYear2024, 31,043 wildfires have burned 5.4 million acres. More than 26,600 wildfires were started by people and they burned 3.3 million acres. Lightning ignited about 4,300 wildfires, burning nearly 2.1 million acres. More NFN: https://lnkd.in/gTj5mZB #FireYear2024 📸 Photo from InciWeb on the #LimepointFire in Idaho.

The Critical Role of Aerial Firefighting During Wildfires When wildfires threaten our precious ecosystems, aerial firefighting becomes our first and last line of defence. At FireXperts, we recognize these airborne heroes who battle blazes from the sky, equipped with precision and unwavering determination. Did you know? A single air tanker can deliver up to 12,000 gallons of fire retardant in one drop – equivalent to the work of hundreds of ground firefighters in difficult terrain. Aerial firefighting fleet combines: • Fixed-wing aircraft for long-range retardant drops • Helicopters for precise water delivery • Coordination aircraft for tactical support This synchronized aerial dance isn't just about dropping water – it's about strategic deployment, weather assessment, and split-second decision-making that can mean the difference between contained fires and catastrophic spread. Join us in saluting these aviation experts who help protect our Cities and natural habitats. Their expertise turns the tide in our most challenging firefighting scenarios. #AerialFirefighting #Wildfires #FireSafety #EmergencyResponse #Aviation #FireXperts #EmergencyServices #Firefighting

In a remarkable display of international cooperation, Brazil has extended a helping hand to Colombia through the deployment of the Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System (MAFFS II). This effort is facilitated by the Força Aérea Brasileira - FAB, using an Embraer KC-390 Millenium aircraft to transport the equipment from Anápolis Air Base to Galeão Air Base. The MAFFS II system, capable of holding over 3,000 gallons of water or fire retardant, was installed on a Fuerza Aeroespacial Colombiana (FAC) Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules. This system allows for aerial firefighting without compromising the aircraft's performance, proving crucial as Colombia battles wildfires that have consumed over 44,500 acres of forest since November. The Colombian government is also enhancing its firefighting fleet with three Air Tractor, Inc. AT-802 aircraft, repurposed from their usual role in countering illegal agriculture, thanks to efforts by the Policia Nacional de Colombia. Additionally, Peru has contributed a firefighting system, further bolstering the regional response. This initiative highlights the pressing need for robust fire management solutions in the region, underscored by ongoing debates in the Colombian National Congress regarding the readiness of FAC's aircraft fleet. For more insights and details on this collaborative firefighting effort, visit our blog. #AvfoilNews #Brazil #Colombia #MAFFSII #Firefighting #FAB #Embraer #LockheedMartin #AirTractor #InternationalCooperation #EnvironmentalConservation

As destructive wildfires spread in Los Angeles, we explain how a fleet of tactical planes, air tankers and helicopters work in sync to help contain the fire. https://reut.rs/4ahtpi6

DID YOU KNOW: Over 291,600 wildlife strikes with civil aircraft were reported in the USA between 1990-2023, with a record 19,400 strikes at 713 U.S. airports in 2023 alone. DeTect's MERLIN™ Aircraft Birdstrike Avoidance Radar continues to lead the industry in preventing these costly and dangerous incidents. With quieter aircraft, expanding wildlife populations, and increased air traffic, the risk of wildlife strikes has never been higher. In 2023, U.S. carriers reported an additional 236 strikes at 92 airports across 55 countries. As the world's first production model bird strike radar system, MERLIN™ has revolutionized aviation safety with: ✅ 1,200 systems deployed globally ✅ The only bird radar certified by NASA and USAF for tactical flight safety ✅ Exclusive approval for commercial airport control tower integration ✅ Proven track record of reducing strikes and aircraft damage MERLIN™ provides real-time detection, tracking, and alerting of hazardous bird activity, making it the most advanced BASH (Bird-Aircraft Strike Hazard) management system. With the increasing emphasis on wildlife strike hazard research and airfield wildlife management, MERLIN™ offers a proven solution for modern aviation safety challenges. Safety shouldn't be left to chance. Choose the technology trusted by aviation professionals worldwide. Learn more about MERLIN™: https://lnkd.in/dvrheBz #AviationSafety #Aviation #BirdStrikeProtection #AirportTechnology #Innovation #AerospaceIndustry #AirportSafety #FlightSafety #AviationIndustry #RadarTechnology #AirportOperations #SafetyFirst #AviationTechnology #AerospaceEngineering #WildlifeManagement #AirportManagement #AviationSolutions #AviationExcellence #AviationBusiness #BusinessAviation #CommercialAviation #MilitaryAviation #DefenseTechnology #TechnologyInnovation

Very informative video on the Southern California fires and the Canadair C-415 "Super Scooper" 🛩️ . This tanker plane literally can collect water from an ocean or lake and carry it towards a fire. The pilots who handle such emergencies are as impressive as they are urgently needed. We also need to respect the critical roles in emergency planning and prioritize the need for sufficient funding in emergency preparedness. Let's not forget about our rotary pilot friends as well (helicopters). Over the last few days a drone got in the way of one of these Super Scooper tankers and interfered with the whole response team. Another reason drone operation technology must be closely monitored, regulated, and strictly enforced. Stay safe and stay prepared. #immigration #globalmobility #pilots #aviation #eb2niw #emergency

How will advanced aerial resources improve safety and effectiveness in challenging wildfire conditions? Firehawk helicopters, designed for rapid wildfire suppression and the transport of firefighters, played a crucial role in combating the Franklin Fire in Malibu. Operated by the Ventura County Fire Department’s Aviation Unit, crews have been working around the clock since the fire ignited on Monday, quickly responding to the more than 4,000-acre blaze despite the challenges of night operations. Jeff Seabrook, a pilot with the County of Ventura Fire Aviation Unit, described the complexities of nighttime firefighting efforts: “We were working on structure protection around Pepperdine. To get there coming from the north, we are cresting over two ridges, not only at night, but now you can’t see the aircraft that are leaving Pepperdine as we're coming inbound to that area.” These two Sikorsky Firehawk helicopters, formerly Blackhawk helicopters used by the Army National Guard, joined the Ventura County Aviation Unit at the start of the 2021 fire season. Their agility, enhanced firefighting capabilities, and ability to operate in low-visibility conditions make them instrumental in reducing response times, protecting structures, and supporting ground crews as they battle intense and fast-moving fires. How do you think adding advanced firefighting aircraft like the Firehawks will influence future wildfire response strategies in difficult conditions? For more insights on our initiatives and offerings, visit our blog: https://lnkd.in/gJ8iag9F #VenturaCountyFire #FireHawk #WildfireResponse #AviationSafety #EmergencyServices #AerialFirefighting #NightOperations #FirefightingTechnology #Helicopters #DisasterResponse #CommunitySafety #AvfoilNews

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

Honoring the Heroes of the Skies: Pilots Fighting California’s Wildfires 🚁🔥✈️ When wildfires rage across California, it’s not just boots on the ground saving lives and homes—it’s the fearless pilots soaring above the flames. These skilled aviators are the unsung heroes, performing one of the most challenging and dangerous jobs in the world. 🔥 Precision Flying at Its Best • 🚁 Helicopter Pilots: Flying mere feet above treetops and rugged terrain, they expertly navigate intense heat and smoke to drop thousands of gallons of water or retardant exactly where it’s needed. • ✈️ Fixed-Wing and Jet Pilots: Maneuvering massive aircraft like the DC-10 Tanker or the Super Scooper, they execute precise calculations to hit fire lines with surgical accuracy, ensuring every drop counts. ⚙️ Perfect Timing and Calculations • Pilots assess wind speed, fire movement, and terrain in seconds to ensure their drops are effective. • They must strike a delicate balance between flying low enough to hit their target and high enough to stay safe from turbulent heat plumes. 🌟 Unmatched Skill and Bravery • These incredible men and women often face unpredictable winds, near-zero visibility, and life-threatening conditions—all while maintaining unparalleled focus and composure. • Their efforts are vital in slowing wildfire spread, protecting firefighters on the ground, and saving countless lives and homes. To the pilots of California’s wildfire response: your courage and skill inspire us all. Thank you for your tireless work in protecting our communities. 💪🔥 #AerialFirefighting 🚁 #FirelineHeroes 💦🔥 #PilotPrecision ✈️ #CaliforniaWildfires 🌲 #EmergencyResponse 🚨 #ClimateChallenges 🌍 #ThankYouAviators 🌟 #WildfireHeroes 🛡️ #InnovationInAction 💛