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AVIATION STORY 14b AIR TRACTORS |
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Video cameras supplied by:
Woodside CFS Airstrip
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Woodside - Air Tractors, Helicopters and Fire Spotters. Our visit to Woodside revealed several Air Tractors and a few helicopters. After a stroll down the flight line we ended up at the pilot's standby area and had a chance to talk to Sam McCabe of AMR.
Air Tractors Source: Sam McCabe
Effectiveness An example of Air Tractor effectiveness was a recent small fire in Hahndorf. The Air Tractors were dispatched immediately and had the fire out within minutes. No further resources were required to fight the fire. Other than observation and mopping up, ground crews were left free to attend other incedents if required. Also, being the fire was extinguished quickly, damage was reduced to a minimum.
To keep response times to a minimum there are several designated refueling/refilling airstrips.
Coordination Fixed wing aircraft are controlled via the CFS from the State Air Desk in Adelaide. They are most effective for initial attack and ground Fire Fighter support. The CFS fleet can be airborne in as little as 3 minutes and is very flexible as to job taskings and environments. There are several "Spotter" aircraft, namely Cessnas and Helicopters used in conjunction with Fire Bombers and Ground Crews to help coordinate fire fighting strategies. Fire Fighting aircraft can help to contain fires early and assist ground crews in their efforts by providing aerial support.
SA Fixed Wing Fleet
Bombing Runs The fixed wing aircraft are good for bombing the head of the fire as helicopters (with the exception of the Air Crane) may experience a lot of turbulence. In the case of heavy turbulence the smaller helicopters attack the flanks. Height is important as it is desirable for the retardant not to fall straight down. Speed is slowed to approximately 100 knots for the drop. When getting to the head of the fire visibility is the main problem. Drops can be conducted from as low as 50FT. Conditions dictate altitude. Retardant can be dropped from higher altitudes due to its mud-like consistency. Visibility also plays a role in how the fire is appraoched.
Photos from Brukunga and Woodside See the 5DME Photo Gallery for images of the aircraft mentioned in this article. Click the links to learn about each aircraft type and ATC:
Interesting Links http://www.fire-brigade.asn.au/operations/aircraft.asp#602 http://www.ericksonaircrane.com/
Credits SA Country Fire Service (CFS Media) Woodside Contact: Sam McCabe Air Tractor Video: NWS 9 Adelaide Story & Audio Post Production: David H. Photos: David H & David Wilkie. |
Air Tractors are a small turbo prop powered aircraft capable of carrying 2,450L to 3,200L of water or retardant depending on the model. They are fast, nimble and able to depart the base in almost all weather conditions. Sam informed us they have never, not been able to take off.
Response Times / Reload capabilities
Aerial Firefighters video (27mB) Courtesy of NWS 9 Adelaide [
