The AT-802 is a Single Engine Air Tanker (SEAT) and has served with distinction on the front lines of wildfires for more than 10 years. It is a fast, maneuverable aircraft that is operationally effective and economical. The AT-802 can be programmed to discharge its 3 000-litre load in pre-set volumes and intervals, enabling the pilot to optimize water and retardant dispersal and to make precision drops on a number of critical points on fire. Kishugu Aviation owns and operates the only four AT-802’s in South Africa. Kishugu Aviation has 30 years experience in aerial firefighting, and is still growing from strength to strength to save lives, property and the environment. PICTURE: CAROLYN FROST
The AT-802 is a Single Engine Air Tanker (SEAT) and has served with distinction on the front lines of wildfires for more than 10 years. It is a fast, maneuverable aircraft that is operationally effective and economical. The AT-802 can be programmed to discharge its 3 000-litre load in pre-set volumes and intervals, enabling the pilot to optimize water and retardant dispersal and to make precision drops on a number of critical points on fire. Kishugu Aviation owns and operates the only four AT-802’s in South Africa. Kishugu Aviation has 30 years experience in aerial firefighting, and is still growing from strength to strength to save lives, property and the environment. PICTURE: CAROLYN FROSTThe AT-802 is a Single Engine Air Tanker (SEAT) and has served with distinction on the front lines of wildfires for more than 10 years. It is a fast, maneuverable aircraft that is operationally effective and economical. The AT-802 can be programmed to discharge its 3 000-litre load in pre-set volumes and intervals, enabling the pilot to optimize water and retardant dispersal and to make precision drops on a number of critical points on fire. Kishugu Aviation owns and operates the only four AT-802’s in South Africa. Kishugu Aviation has 30 years experience in aerial firefighting, and is still growing from strength to strength to save lives, property and the environment. PICTURE: CAROLYN FROSTKishugu uses the Cessna 182 for aerial Command and Control and for safety and operational command over wildfires. It is equipped with VHF Aircraft Radios and aircraft approved Technisonic Mid Band radios for communication with other aerial resources, Incident Commanders (IC’s) and firefighting crews on the ground crews. These aircraft types are also used in Kishugu ATO for pilot training. PICTURE: CAROLYN FROSTKishugu uses the Cessna 182 for aerial Command and Control and for safety and operational command over wildfires. It is equipped with VHF Aircraft Radios and aircraft approved Technisonic Mid Band radios for communication with other aerial resources, Incident Commanders (IC’s) and firefighting crews on the ground crews. These aircraft types are also used in Kishugu ATO for pilot training. PICTURE: CAROLYN FROSTBolander captured this image of firefighters at Stellenbosch Airfield a few days ago. To the left of them is the might ex-US military UH-60 Sikorsky Blackhawk, owned by Leading Edge Aviation’s Mark Jackson. The battle to contain wild fires across Southern Africa is an annual challenge to which helicopters are ideally suited. Leading Edge Aviation has Huey helicopters and the Black Hawk, which compliment the other aerial firefighting assets such as ground teams, fire bombers and other helicopters to save property and valuable assets from the destruction wrought by run-away fires. The typical configuration for the Huey is a 1000 litre bucket, while the Black Hawk is capable of up to 3000 litres. Carrying capacities for all aircraft vary with temperature, wind, elevation and humidity but the Leading Edge team has what it takes to get the fire bosses the best assistance the industry has to offer. PICTURE: CAROLYN FROSTKishugu uses the UH-1H or “Huey” for fast deployment of helicopter attack teams to wildland fires and for aerial fire attack. All are upgraded to civilian standards with modifications to enhance strength and safety for the rigors of repetitive lifting. It makes use of 1,000 litre Bambi Buckets to transport water to the fire line. If the water source is close, the aircraft has a very high turnaround time. This aircraft is also used for other aerial work like cargo, disaster relief, anti-poaching and more. PICTURE: CAROLYN FROSTThe mightly Black Hawk. PICTURE: Etienne BlignaultThe mightly Black Hawk. PICTURE: Etienne Blignault
