In the April 2023 aerial firefighting special issue

When preparing for a fire season, what are your choices for the type of fleet contracts you will use; location, situation, capacity, and a multitude of other considerations need to be made when deciding whether it is best to use a belly tank or a bucket, and what is the alternative; data collection and analysis have become more and more important when managing an attack on a wildfire, what software and equipment is available, and how can you manage integration and communication to improve your effectiveness in fighting fires; plus a whole lot more to keep you in the loop and in the air.

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In this issue

Government or contract? Aerial firefighting around the world

Robin Gauldie looks at the different approaches to short-term and respond-as-needed aerial firefighting contracts around the world

Drop it like it’s hot: buckets versus tanks

Buckets and tanks both have advantages when helicopter firefighting – but which has the edge? Barry Smith investigates

Data measurement in aerial firefighting

Can data collection and visualization save lives and property in firefighting? A story from the perspectives of those collecting and using the data

The right resources at the right time: approaches for different wildfires across the globe

Jeff Berry, an aerial firefighter with Conair, talked to AirMed&Rescue about adapting to different wildfire environments across the globe

Achieving international standards certification for aerial firefighting craft

Dan Carnelly talks to Jon Adams about the proposal to ICAO to introduce a new standard for airworthiness certification

A quest for knowledge: air medical evacuation high-level containment transport

Jocelyn Herstein, Claire Figi and Shawn Gibbs call for a global discussion and consensus regarding air medical evacuation high-level containment transport

Interview: Ephraim Nowak, Co-Founder and Chief Engineer at Rain

When it Rains, it pours: Jon Adams spoke to Ephraim Nowak about innovative aerial firefighting solutions, utilizing UAS and AI for quicker and safer operations

Interview: Stu Sprung, Chief of Flight Operations, Aviation Management Unit, CAL FIRE

Fighting fire in California: Jon Adams spoke with Stu Sprung about the CAL FIRE approach to tackling fires with one of the world’s largest dedicated aerial firefighting fleets