Interagency Single Engine Air Tanker Operations Guide - National ...

INTERAGENCY SINGLE ENGINE AIR TANKER OPERATIONS GUIDE
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VHF-AM (very high frequency/amplitude modulation): Aircraft radio range,
118 to 130 Mhz; used on wildland fire incidents for ground-to-air and air-to-air
communications.
VHF-FM (very high frequency/frequency modulation): Multi-agency radio
commonly used for dispatch, land-based mobile and airborne communications;
operates in range of 150 Mhz to 174 Mhz.
Victor: Another way of referring to VHF-AM, e.g., “Come up on Victor.”
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Water tender: Any ground vehicle capable of transporting specified quantities
of water.
Waterway Environmental Guidance (300 Foot Buffer):
When approaching a waterway (lakes, river, streams, and ponds) visible to the
pilot, the pilot shall terminate the application of retardant, water, gel, or foam
approximately 300 feet before reaching the waterway. When flying over the
waterway, the pilot will not begin dropping until 300 feet after crossing the far
bank or shore. The pilot shall make adjustments for airspeed and ambient
conditions such as wind to avoid dropping within the 300 foot buffer zone.
These guidelines do not require the pilot to fly in such a way as to endanger their
aircraft, other aircraft, or compromise ground personnel safety.
Wet line: Line constructed using water or foam to extinguish the flame front or
to be used to burn from; except in VERY light fuel, a wet line should not be
considered the final control line (which should be cut through the fuel to mineral
soil).
Wetting agent: A chemical that reduces the surface tension of water and causes
it to spread and penetrate more effectively.
Wet water: Water with added chemicals (wetting agents) that increase its
spreading and penetrating properties.
Wildfire: Any fire on wildland except a fire under prescription.
Wildland: An area in which development is essentially nonexistent, except for
roads, railroads, power lines and similar transportation facilities.
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