Response Time is Key in the Success of Firefighting
Whether it's a brush fire on private property or a woodland fire that is spreading through a state park, it only takes a short time for a small fire to grow into an uncontrolled blaze that can travel hundreds of miles, destroying homes and property, and leaving the lives of local residents and firefighters devastated. At the first sign of a wood or brush fire, call on FairLifts aerial firefighting
FairLifts Collaboration and Means of Attack
Every year in the United States, an average of 1.2 million acres of woodland is burned because of wildfires, whether the fires are caused by lightning strikes, controlled burning that "got loose", human negligence, or arson. When wildfires occur, they don't simply take vegetation but destroy homes and businesses that are located in the vicinity, in addition to destroying the habitats and homes of local wildlife. When you call FairLifts for aerial firefighting service, you can trust in us to send well-trained, licensed helicopter pilots who often have previous, large-scale experience suppressing or controlling wildfires. Heli-tankers come equipped with advanced fire suppression systems to allow firefighters to choose customized delivery methods for water or chemical application.
Unlike planes that must follow a pre-determined path of delivery, firefighting helicopters have the advantage of being able to hover in spots and adjust delivery strategies as necessary. They can also replenish water and return to the scene quickly. Some helicopters come equipped with large pump-equipped buckets that can source water from rivers, lakes, and even shallow ponds and streams. They are suspended up to 200-feet below the helicopter, allowing pilots to access tree-lined or restricted-access water sources. When you need helicopter fighting assistance, our team can deliver the expertise you need quickly, minimizing loss of lives, property and environmental habitats.
Aerial Firefighting Services By FairLifts
FairLifts provides comprehensive firefighting services
These range from logistical assistance to transport and attack. Some of the many services we offer include:
Control Tactics:
Surveys of Pipeline Construction
Transportation:
Firefighting personnel and smoke-jumpers to and from sites
Post Fire:
Hydro-seeding and clearing debris--including long line operations
Extracting:
Fuel sources, fireproofing, and dropping retardants
The Scope of Firefighting Helicopters
It takes a specialized style of a helicopter for aerial firefighting called a helitanker. This firefighting helicopter is specially designed to carry 2,600 gallons or more of water and often have foam injection tools, pumps and sprayers to extinguish flames. Some helicopters have "Bambi buckets" or hover pumps that can be dipped in a local pond or lake and used for fighting smaller, localized fires.
Common Firefighting helicopters:
Boeing CH-47 “Chinook”
The Boeing CH-47 “Chinook” has tandem rotors, and twin turbine engines. The Chinook is powered by two turboshaft engines, mounted on either side of the helicopter’s rear end and connected to the rotors by driveshafts. The counter-rotating rotors eliminate the need for an anti-torque vertical rotor, allowing all power to be used for lift and thrust. If one engine fails, the other can drive both rotors. It was originally designed for the U.S. Army in the late 50’s as a heavy lift helicopter and was used extensively in Vietnam. The civilian version of the CH-47 is the Boeing 234.
Boeing CH-46 “Sea Knight”
The Boeing CH-46 is also known as the “Sea Knight”. It is the military version of the Boeing-Vertol 107. Originally, it was designed in the late 50s for the Marine Corps. It was designed as a medium-lift helicopter and was used for cargo transport. This aircraft has the ability to provide all-weather, day-and-night assault transport of combat troops, supplies, and equipment. Tasks of this rotor craft include combat support, search-and-rescue, refueling support, and rearming points. The most recognizable aspect of the CH-46 is their tandem rotors.
MD Helicopters MD 500
The MD 500 is the civilian model of the U.S. Army’s OH-6A. They were originally manufactured by Hughes Helicopters, however, the company was bought out by the McDonnell Douglas Corporation. It was designed as an observation helicopter during Vietnam. The egg-shaped design provides an ultimate level of efficiency and maneuverability. This aircraft is used for a variety of operations such as aerial reconnaissance, fire suppression, and aerial surveys.
Sikorsky S-64 "Skycrane"
The S-64 “Skycrane” is known for having six rotor blades and two turbine-powered jet engines that allow for carrying heavy loads. It was originally designed for military operations that include cargo and troop transport. Erickson Air-Crane modified the aircraft to carry a 2,650-gallon tank that can be filled by draft hoses in less than a minute while hovering. However, this aircraft does require a pilot and co-pilot in order to operate safely. It typically includes a six to eight-person support crew.
UH-1H “Huey”
The UH-1H was identical to the UH-1D but was equipped with an upgraded engine that allowed transport of up to 13 troops. The UH-1H has a two-bladed, semi-rigid, seesaw bonded, all-metal, main-rotor. It also has a two-bladed, rigid, delta hinge bonded, all-metal tail rotor. The UH-1H is powered by a single Lycoming T53-L-13B 1400 shp turboshaft engine. More UH-1H "Hueys" were built than any other model.
Bell Helicopters 212
Along with its brother, the Long Ranger, these quick and light helicopters can reach a fire site quickly, and the 212 comes equipped with a water bucket to aid in fire suppression. It is commonly used by the U.S. Forest Service for fighting wildfires in remote areas, and it can hold up to nine passengers for transporting teams of firefighters or evacuating residents
Immediate aerial firefighting operations and solutions
FairLifts pilots and crew are USFS approved and regularly work with the USDA Forest Service and other government or professional entities. Effective collaboration with fire departments, rappellers, and smoke jumpers give our team of pilots, operators, and ground crew the advantage you need to fight fires in emergency and controlled situations.