Aircraft Categories in Fire Suppression

Questions and Answers

List the two major categories of aircraft used in fire suppression:

Fixed wings and rotor wings

Correctly fill in the ICS Type air tanker for the following criteria: Type 1:

3,000 or more gallons of retardant

Correctly fill in the ICS Type air tanker for the following criteria: Type 2:

1,800-2,999 gallons of retardant

Correctly fill in the ICS Type air tanker for the following criteria: Type 3:

800-1,799 gallons of retardant Signup and view all the answers

Correctly fill in the ICS Type air tanker for the following criteria: Type 4:

799 or less gallons of retardant Signup and view all the answers

Correctly match the ICS Type helicopters for the following criteria:

Type 1 = 15 or more passengers, 700 gallons or more of retardant or water Type 2 = 9-14 passenger seats Type 3 = 100-299 gallons of retardant or water, 4-8 seats Signup and view all the answers

Is it okay to transport passengers aboard restricted-category aircraft?

False Signup and view all the answers

Why did the Incident Command System develop a classification scheme to distinguish the different types, sizes, and capabilities of the aircraft?

To provide a general classification of their capability for the purpose of managing fire resources. Signup and view all the answers

If any air tanker has a 3,000-gallon tank capacity, it will always be capable to carry 3,000 gallons.

False Signup and view all the answers

The Bell L4 'Long Ranger' and the Bell 407 are both examples of high performance type 3 helicopters.

True Signup and view all the answers

Most helicopters used in fire suppression have ______________ type engines.

Turbine Signup and view all the answers

Why must a pilot possess a valid Pilot qualification card in order to fly an aircraft to transport federal agency personnel?

The card provides information regarding what types of aircraft and types of missions the pilot is approved to fly. Signup and view all the answers

Why are aircraft data cards issued by the USFS and AMD?

It contains information about the aircraft and its authorized uses. Signup and view all the answers

List two reasons flight following is required by federal agencies:

<ol> <li>To decrease response time for search and rescue missions. 2) It is policy, or following policy.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

As a passenger, identify the proper procedure for approaching an airplane.

Approach from the side in full view of the pilot and with the pilot's approval after the propellers have stopped. Signup and view all the answers

As a passenger, identify the proper procedure for approaching a helicopter.

Approach in a slight crouch position from the front or side in full view of the pilot and with the pilot's approval. Signup and view all the answers

List five procedures to safely approach, ride in, and depart from a helicopter.

<ol> <li>No smoking. 2) Fasten seatbelts. 3) After getting out of the plane, fasten seatbelt. 4) Check cargo in basket, check straps. 5) Approach helicopter from side or front.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

An aircraft and pilot that have been carded by the USFS may be used by the Department of Interior personnel if the cards are current and the aircraft and pilot are approved for the type of mission to be flown.

True Signup and view all the answers

Cooperator (state, private, military) aircraft and pilots must be approved by the USFS and AMD before use by federal agency personnel.

True Signup and view all the answers

Why must hazardous materials NOT be carried by passengers or checked as personal baggage on commercial aircraft flights?

Because hazardous materials must be in an approved container and location in a commercial flight. Signup and view all the answers

List one responsibility of the flight manager:

The flight manager will ensure that the aircraft and pilot are approved for the mission. Signup and view all the answers

Match the definition: Aircraft Accident.

Aircraft Accident = Airplane crash with fatalities Aircraft Incident = Near midair collision Aviation Hazard = Passengers are not wearing PPE Maintenance Deficiency = Aircraft engine will not start Signup and view all the answers

What is your responsibility if you observe an aircraft mishap?

Report it to a supervisor, and follow up by performing a safecom. Signup and view all the answers

Maximum performance helicopter takeoff and landings increase risk because the helicopter has little or no power reserve, thus reducing safety margins.

True Signup and view all the answers

Match the definition: Occurs when a helicopter is hovering approximately less than one-half the rotor diameter distance from the ground.

Hover-in-ground effect = Hover-in-ground effect Hover-out-of-ground effect = Occurs when a hovering helicopter exceeds approximately one-half the rotor diameter distance from the ground Transitional lift = Occurs when a helicopter moves from hovering and gains 15-18 MPH indicated airspeed Signup and view all the answers

Hover-out-of-ground (HOGE) helispots require the helicopter to use more power to take off or land there.

True Signup and view all the answers

List one effect of high density altitude on an aircraft.

Can reduce margins of safety. Signup and view all the answers

Match the definition: ICS Type 1 Helicopters Safety Circle.

Safety circle at least 110 feet in diameter = Safety circle at least 110 feet in diameter (1-1/2 times the rotor diameter) ICS Type 2 Helicopters Safety circle = Safety circle at least 90 feet in diameter (1-1/2 times the rotor diameter) ICS Type 3 Helicopters Safety circle = Safety circle at least 75 feet in diameter (1-1/2 times the rotor diameter) Signup and view all the answers

One-way helispots should be avoided.

True Signup and view all the answers

Helispots should be located so takeoffs and landings can be:

Into the Wind Signup and view all the answers

Define Tactical Aircraft Mission.

Any mission that uses an aircraft to accomplish a specific tactical task during the fire suppression efforts. Signup and view all the answers

Examples of Tactical Aircraft Missions.

Aerial Fire Suppressants Delivery, Helicopters, Smokejumpers, Fire Crews and Equipment Delivery, Helitack, Rappelling, Aerial Ignition. Signup and view all the answers

Define Logistical Missions.

Any aviation activities that support the suppression effort of a fire or to assist in the completion of a project but are not in themselves tactical in nature. Signup and view all the answers

Examples of Logistical Missions.

Transportation of people and supplies, Fire Perimeter mapping, Detection and Reconnaissance, Infrared Mapping System, Aerial Photography and Video Recording, Medical Aid, Search and Rescue. Signup and view all the answers

Advantages of Air Tanker/Single Engine Air Tanker (SEAT).

Large Volumes, Multiple Drop Capability, Fast Travel Times, Good For Initial Attack. Signup and view all the answers

Disadvantages of Air Tankers/SEAT.

Nonaccessible Terrain, Long Turn Around times, Less accurate than helicopters, Single purpose use, May interrupt other aircraft missions until retardant is dropped. Signup and view all the answers

Define Aerial Fire Suppression Delivery.

Both Airplanes and Helicopters are used to drop aerial fire suppressants (Retardant, water, gel, and foam) onto a wildland fire in an effort to help slow its advancements and to contain the wildland fire. Signup and view all the answers

Advantages of Helicopters.

<ul> <li>They can drop more gallons of water, foam, or retardant if a close source is available.- They can be used for other types of missions besides delivering water, foam, or retardant.- Helicopters can work in steep terrain where air tankers can't drop.- Helicopters can make accurate drops near homes when fire occurs in the wildland/urban interface.</li> </ul> Signup and view all the answers

Disadvantages of using Helicopters.

Helicopters have wind limitations affecting their use in high winds. Limited by aircraft size, payload, airspeed, and range. Weather and daylight dependent. Signup and view all the answers

Define Smoke Jumpers.

Smokejumpers are firefighters delivered to a fire by parachuting from airplanes. Very effective for initial attack in remote areas. Signup and view all the answers

Advantages of using Smokejumpers.

Rapid delivery of firefighters to remote areas. No aircraft landing area is required. Self-supporting for two shifts. Smokejumpers' aircraft can deliver firefighting supplies and equipment by paracargo. Signup and view all the answers

Disadvantages of using Smokejumpers.

High training and cost of equipment. Can't jump in high winds. Logistics of retrieval (pack out). Weather and daylight dependent. Signup and view all the answers

Define Fire Crews and Equipment delivery.

Aircraft have the ability to rapidly deliver firefighters, crews, and their equipment for tactical assignments. Signup and view all the answers

Define Helitack.

Aerially delivered firefighters specially trained in helicopter operations are called helitack crews. Effective for initial attack. Signup and view all the answers

Advantages of using Helitack.

Rapid aerial delivery of firefighters to remote areas. Self-supporting for two shifts. Signup and view all the answers

Disadvantages of using Helitack.

Depending on natural or pre-established landing areas (unless rappelling). Limited by aircraft size, airspeed, and range. Weather and daylight dependent. Signup and view all the answers

Define Rappelling.

Method of delivering firefighters when the vegetation cover or terrain makes it impossible or unsafe to land a helicopter. The firefighters descend down ropes from a hovering helicopter. Can be effective for initial attack in remote areas. Signup and view all the answers

Advantages of Rappelling.

Rapid delivery of firefighters to remote areas. No landing area is required. Self-supporting for two shifts. Rappel helicopter can be used to deliver firefighting supplies and equipment and for water bucket work. Signup and view all the answers

Disadvantages of Rappelling.

Higher training and equipment costs. Limited by aircraft size, airspeed, and range. Limited to rappel rope length. Helicopters may not be able to hover in high winds to let down rappellers. Weather and daylight dependent. Signup and view all the answers

Define Aerial Ignition.

Aerial ignition systems are used to apply fire on the ground from the air to assist in the containment and control during fire suppression efforts. Signup and view all the answers

Advantages of Aerial Ignition.

Ignition is done quicker than ground igniting methods. Ignition can cover a large area. Area to be burned is inaccessible or unsafe for people on the ground to accomplish. Signup and view all the answers

Logistical missions: Methods to transport people and supplies.

Airplanes, Paracargo, Helicopters. Signup and view all the answers

Logistical missions: Fire perimeter mapping.

Aircraft are used to map the perimeter of large fires, prescribed burns, etc with the helicopter being the preferred aircraft. Signup and view all the answers

Logistical missions: Detection and reconnaissance.

Aircraft are often used for detection and reconnaissance of fires because of their ability to cover vast areas in a short time to detect or find fires. Signup and view all the answers

Aircraft are not a substitute for a ground-based lookout on a fire.

True Signup and view all the answers

Logistical missions: Infrared Mapping System.

Heat detecting devices, which can be mounted on or operated from an aircraft to allow firefighters to determine where the fire is burning during poor visibility conditions. Signup and view all the answers

Logistical missions: Aerial Photography and Video Recording.

Aerial photography and video recording are often done for fire behavior documentation, training purposes, and public relations. Signup and view all the answers

Logistical missions: Medical Aid.

Aircraft are used to deliver medically trained personnel to the scene of an accident during an incident and to transport injured personnel to medical facilities. Signup and view all the answers

Logistical missions: Search and Rescue.

Aircraft are often used for search and rescue missions as well as SAR. Signup and view all the answers

What are the proper air-to-ground communication procedures?

Use of radios, Target description, Sterile cockpit procedures. Signup and view all the answers

Air-to-ground communication procedures: Use of Radios.

Normally, an air-to-ground frequency will be predesigned and known by both ground personnel and pilots. Signup and view all the answers

Air-to-ground communication procedures: Target Description.

Systematic technique meant to enable the pilot to locate, identify, and take appropriate action on the target. Signup and view all the answers

Air-to-ground communication procedures: Sterile Cockpit Procedures.

Sterile Cockpit Procedures mean that we must maintain radio silence except in emergencies. Signup and view all the answers

Safety Procedures during aerial fire suppression.

Firefighters must clear out of the drop area before drops are made by air tankers or helicopters. Signup and view all the answers

Safety Procedures during aerial fire suppression: Methods.

At least 200 feet away from the drop area, clear of snags, watch for dislodged material. Signup and view all the answers

Safety Procedures during aerial fire suppression: Methods 2.

Foam, gel, and retardant are slippery when wet. Watch your footing when working in areas where drops have been made. Signup and view all the answers

Safety Procedures during aerial fire suppression: Bucket Drops.

If caught by surprise in a retardant drop area: lie on the ground face down. Signup and view all the answers

Special Operations: Definition.

Non-fire projects utilizing airplanes and helicopters supporting federal agency programs with higher risks. Signup and view all the answers

Special Operations: non-fire missions.

Aircraft are used every day for various missions other than fire suppression. Signup and view all the answers

Special Operations: Animal Capture and Eradication.

Federal land managers and wildlife biologists use aircraft to accomplish specific resource management goals. Signup and view all the answers

Special Operations: Aerial Seeding.

After a large fire, when all the vegetation has been burned away, a BAER plan is developed to restore the vegetation. Signup and view all the answers

Special Operations: Aerial Seeding procedures.

If the BAER plan requires reseeding the burned area, the plan will have an Air Operations section. Signup and view all the answers

Special Operations: Law enforcement.

Aircraft are used by federal law enforcement to accomplish their daily missions. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Aircraft Categories in Fire Suppression

Two major categories of aircraft: Fixed wings and Rotor wings.

ICS Type Air Tankers

Type 1: 3,000+ gallons of retardant.
Type 2: 1,800-2,999 gallons of retardant.
Type 3: 800-1,799 gallons of retardant.
Type 4: 799 gallons or less.

ICS Type Helicopters

Type 1: 15+ passengers, 700+ gallons of retardant or water.
Type 2: 9-14 passenger seats.
Type 3: 100-299 gallons of retardant or water, 4-8 seats.

Transport Regulations

False: It is acceptable to transport passengers aboard restricted-category aircraft.
False: A 3,000-gallon air tanker will always be capable of carrying exactly 3,000 gallons.

Pilot Qualifications

A valid Pilot qualification card is essential for transporting federal agency personnel, indicating approved aircraft types and mission capabilities.

Aircraft Data Cards

Issued by USFS and AMD containing details about the aircraft and its authorized uses.

Flight Following Importance

Reduces response time for search and rescue missions.
It is mandated by policy.

Procedures for Approaching Aircraft

Airplane: Approach from the side in pilot's view, gaining approval after propellers stop.
Helicopter: Approach from the front or side in a crouched position, obtaining pilot approval.

Safety Procedures Around Helicopters

No smoking and fastening seatbelts required for passengers.
Approach from safe angles, maintaining awareness of surroundings after disembarking.

Aircraft and Pilot Approval

True: Carded aircraft and pilots can be used by interior department personnel if approved for specific missions.
True: Cooperator aircraft and pilots must get USFS and AMD approval before federal personnel usage.

Handling Hazardous Materials

Must not be carried by passengers on commercial aircraft, as they require specific approved containment.

Responsibilities in Flight Management

Flight manager ensures the aircraft and pilot are approved for the mission.

Definitions of Aircraft Incidents

Aircraft Accident: Airplane crash with fatalities.
Aircraft Incident: Near midair collision.
Aviation Hazard: Passengers without personal protective equipment (PPE).
Maintenance Deficiency: Aircraft engine failure to start.

Reporting Aircraft Mishaps

Responsibility includes reporting to a supervisor and following up with a safecom.

Helicopter Operation Risks

True: Maximum performance takeoffs and landings increase risk due to minimal power reserves.
Hover-in-ground effect: Occurs when a helicopter is less than half its rotor diameter from the ground.
Hover-out-of-ground effect: Exceeds that distance, requiring more power for operation.

Density Altitude Effects

High density altitude can decrease safety margins for aircraft operations.

Safety Circle Requirements for Helicopters

Type 1: 110 feet diameter.
Type 2: 90 feet diameter.
Type 3: 75 feet diameter.

Helispot Guidelines

Generally avoid one-way helispots.
Takeoffs and landings should be conducted into the wind.

Tactical vs. Logistical Missions

Tactical: Specific tasks using aircraft during fire suppression.
Logistical: Support activities that assist fire suppression efforts without being tactical.

Examples of Tactical Missions

Delivery of firefighting supplies, aerial reconnaissance, and smokejumpers.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Air Tankers

Advantages: Large volume drops, faster travel, effective for initial attack.
Disadvantages: Limited by terrain, slower turnaround, less accurate than helicopters, potential mission interruptions.

Helicopter and Smokejumper Advantages

Helicopters can drop larger volumes and operate in challenging terrains. Smokejumpers allow rapid access to remote fires without landing requirements.

Risks Associated with Smokejumpers

High costs and specialized training needed, with logistics for retrieval and dependence on weather conditions.

Rappelling Operations

Rappelling allows firefighters to reach inaccessible areas quickly; however, it has limitations like needing specialized training and equipment.

Aerial Ignition Utilization

Assists in fire containment and control, allowing faster and safer ignition of large areas.

Logistical Operations

Cover transportation, mapping, reconnaissance, aerial photography, medical aid, and search and rescue missions.

Air-to-Ground Communication Procedures

Effective use of radios, clear target descriptions, and maintaining sterile cockpit procedures are crucial for safety and efficiency.

Safety Procedures During Aerial Fire Suppression

Firefighters must clear drop areas and adhere to safety distances from drops. Caution is necessary as foam and gel residues can create slippery surfaces.

Special Operations in Aviation

Aircraft used in non-fire related missions like animal capture, aerial seeding, law enforcement, and various resource management projects require detailed safety planning.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the various categories of aircraft used in fire suppression operations. This quiz covers fixed-wing and rotor-wing aircraft types, their capacities, pilot qualifications, and transport regulations. Perfect for anyone looking to understand aircraft roles in firefighting.