Helitanker 729 (8/2017)

Question 1

How much water will helitanker 729 be enroute with?

Where is it stationed?

Answer 1

It’s a Type I helitanker. Our copters are type II’s

700-1000 gallons

***capable of delivering 2000-2500 gallons of water

Question 2

How does the helitanker get the message to abort a water drop? Does it have a siren on it?

Answer 2

No siren on board

It does monitor A/G, so it will hear the information to abort.

Question 3

What are some lessons learned working with helicopters and air tankers?

Answer 3

1. Too many air resources working a small area could potentially cause communication problems with ground units.
2. Drop cycles too quick for the ground crews to get in and mop up.
3. Right air resource for the right job….***consider moving the aircraft further ahead of the ground crews to reduce risk.
4. Canopy’s impact the pilots view of ground crews
5. What are significant contributing factors to water drops?
   Slope, topography, and heavy canopy

Question 4

What is the load of water being dropped?

Answer 4

The forward velocity equal to the speed of the aircraft when it dropped.

Question 5

Why does SDG&E send an agency rep to the ICP?

Answer 5

To closely monitor the flight hours.

It is not free after (4) hours. Cost is $7500, per hour, thereafter.

SDFD will invoice the requesting agency.

Question 6

Where is the SDG&E critical infrastructure located outside of San Diego County?

Answer 6

South Orange County

Question 7

Can helitanker 729 be called to SRA and FRA?

Answer 7

Yes, and they will be managed by CAL FIRE and the U.S. Forest Service under their “Call When Needed” contracts with Erickson, Inc.