Interagency Aviation Strategy - July 2008 - National Wildfire ...

Vendor owned and operated aircraft provide the bulk of the aviation resources. These are
procured through a variety of contracting methods with the major categories being
exclusive use and call when needed (CWN). Exclusive use aircraft are the base
organization, with CWN being used for surge capability. Generally exclusive use aircraft
contract availability and flight rates are less expensive than those for the same
make/model CWN aircraft. The vendor fleet is provided by a variety of companies,
ranging from a vendor with one aircraft to vendors that supply multiple aircraft. This
situation makes contract administration, inspections, carding and monitoring of
operations more labor and time intensive than contracting with one entity to provide all
aircraft. The diversity of vendors does allow for more flexibility in acquiring aircraft that
are a better fit for the geography, fire behavior, topography and length of season than
would a single vendor.
Diversity of Aircraft Types
Diversity of the fleet means a mix of types of aircraft with specific mission strengths that
provide a toolbox for fire managers to use with specific fire situations. Factors which
determine with aviation resources are utilized on a particular fire include: speed, range,
capacity, suitability for the terrain, operating altitude and suitability for the mission. The
diversity model allows managers to apply the “right tool to the job.”
- Large Airtankers (LATS), including C-130s equipped with Modular Airborne Fire
Fighting Systems (MAFFS), have the advantage of speed and capacity to the target.
Their range allows for rapid deployment over long distances enabling them to
reinforce operations across geographic boundaries. They also deliver large amounts
of water/retardant in one mission, often in locations where other options are
unavailable.
- Single Engine Airtankers (SEATs) have the advantage of mobility and
maneuverability. The infrastructure required to fuel and load SEATs is relatively
minimal in terms of size and cost. This allows SEATs to operate close to the fire,
shortening turn-around times and thereby increasing effectiveness. Due to their small
size and aerodynamics, SEATs are capable of great accuracy in rough terrain.
- Water scoopers have the advantage of speed and capacity, when there are appropriate
water sources close to the fire site.
- Smokejumper aircraft have the advantage of range, mobility and accuracy and are
able to be easily positioned close to known or expected fire activity. They deliver
firefighters and supplies quickly, especially to remote fires. Their mobility allows for
rapid reinforcement of emerging fires.
- Helicopters have the advantage of large and sustained capacity for personnel and
cargo movement. Helicopter delivery of firefighters, either helitack or rappellers, and
supplies has the advantage of speed and accuracy. Helicopters have the versatility for
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