OMS 033 - Working With Aircraft

Question 1

*23/24 exam
OMS 033 - Working With Aircraft
What to consider tasking firebombing aircraft to

Answer 1

Consider tasking firebombing aircraft for the following:
- Asset protection
- Slowing the forward rate of spread (the head fire)
- Containing spot fires
- Direct suppression
- Or any other relevant tasking
*note - aircraft will not conduct firebombing on structures

Question 2

*23/24 exam
OMS 033 - Working With Aircraft
What to implement if ground crews are caught in a drop zone

Answer 2

Implement the following if ground crews are caught in a drop zone;
- Place hand tools well clear of you
- Secure helmet
- Shelter in or under a vehicle if possible
- Crouch down in a clear area and hold helmet firmly down on head
- Watch out for falling branches and trees after the drop
- Be careful of slippery ground after the drop
- Wash with clean cold water if hit with foam or retardant and seek medical advice if contaminated

Question 3

OMS 033 - Working With Aircraft
When to consider requesting aircraft response?

Answer 3

Consider requesting aircraft where they are not part of a Pre-Determined Dispatch (PDD) in any of the following circumstances:
- Any grass/bushfire with large column of smoke/multiple calls being received
- High FDI/low chance of containing fire within 30 minutes
- Fire in high risk/fuel load areas

Question 4

OMS 033 - Working With Aircraft
Different aircraft types and roles

Answer 4

• Firebombing - fixed or rotary wing
• Air Attack supervisors
• Air observers

Question 5

OMS 033 - Working With Aircraft
Additional information to communicate to the pilots

Answer 5

• Presence of transmission lines and any other hazards
• Location of the fire in relation to the distance and direction from the closest town or landmark
• Crews working within the vicinity of the initial area of operations

Question 6

OMS 033 - Working With Aircraft
Only authorise firebombing operations WITHOUT the direct supervision of an Air Attack Supervisor in the following circumstances

Answer 6

• An Air Attack Supervisor is not available
• Incident objectives would be adversely compromised if firebombing was delayed until an authorised AAS was available
• The IC has ensured that systems and procedures are in place to ensure the safety of ground and airborne personnel
• The IC has taken reasonable steps to ensure that any environmental risks, particularly any risk to streams, watercourses or other key environmental assets, are assessed and appropriately managed.

Question 7

OMS 033 - Working With Aircraft
How to ensure coordinated firebombing operations

Answer 7

• Provide tasking to the pilot or AAS
• Provide clear instructions for aircraft tasks and reference geographical features such as roads, creeks, buildings or parts of the fire (head, flank, etc)
• Warn ground crews working in the vicinity of the drop zone via the chain of command, and ensure the area is cleared of personnel before the drop
• Consolidate extinguishing efforts by returning ground crews to the area if safe when the drop has been completed

Question 8

OMS 033 - Working With Aircraft
Safety considerations with firebombing

Answer 8

Consider the effects of firebombing foams, chemical retardants and wetting agents on environmentally sensitive areas such as streams, water courses or organic farms.
- Avoid dropping of foams/retardants in declared water supply catchment areas where possible

Question 9

OMS 033 - Working With Aircraft
Ensure ground crews maintain vigilance and implement safety measures such as the following:

Answer 9

• Maintain situational awareness where aircraft are operating
• Follow instructions from the chain of command in relation to coordinating ground operations with aircraft operations, and maintain regular comms
• Move away from the fire line when aircraft are inbound for firebombing
• Return to the fire line when cleared by the chain of command
• Observe trees or other hazards in immediate work area for any broken suspended branches