Today is National Wildland Firefighter Appreciation Day. We celebrate the firefighters who risk their lives to keep us safe every fire season. In the Rogue Valley, wildfires are a common part of life. Many of our neighbors help manage and contain these fires.
Aviation plays a crucial role in fighting wildland fires. Pacific Aviation Northwest supports these efforts by training the next generation of pilots. Pilots with the US Forest Service contribute to wildland firefighting in various ways.
Lead plane pilots fly small fixed-wing aircraft. They assist and direct large and small air tankers. These tankers transport and drop water or retardant on wildfires.
Tanker pilots fly different sizes of aircraft. Very Large Airtankers like the DC-10 drop retardant from high above the vegetation, and Single Engine Airtankers deliver retardant to lighter fuel fires and areas where larger aircraft cannot.
Air Attack aircraft pilots locate access points for ground crews and identify the best spots for retardant deployment.
Water Scooper pilots fly amphibious aircraft. They skim the surface of lakes and rivers to collect water and drop it directly on active burns.
Smokejumper pilots fly fixed-wing aircraft. They deliver firefighters and cargo via parachute drops for initial attacks and extended support.
Helicopter pilots operate various craft for different firefighting purposes. They transport crews and supplies and deliver water and retardant precisely. They gather water from lakes and rivers using buckets or special snorkels.
Grants Pass Airport Day, June 15, 2024
US Forest Service’s Siskiyou Rappellers dropped in to pose for some pictures with Smokey
As the FBO operator at the Grants Pass Airport, Pacific Aviation Northwest is available 24/7 to help the US Forest Service keep our forests and communities safe from wildfires.
Thank you to all who work to contain and manage these fires every year!
For more information about becoming a pilot who helps with wildland firefighting, watch this video and visit the links posted below.
VIDEO: Taking Flight in the Forest Service
Training requirements for US Forest Service pilots are found here: Flight Hour requirements (usda.gov)
Here is the current Oregon fire activity map: NWCC :: Home (nifc.gov)
