New aircraft change GFC’ s
By Uyen Le Schneider
The Georgia Forestry Commission is changing the way they fight wildfires. The commission added and started utilizing two state-ofthe-art firefighting aircraft in December, which officials call a game changer when it comes to protecting the lives and land of Georgia citizens.
The aircraft joining GFC’ s fleet are two Thrush 510G Single Engine Air Tankers, or SEATS. The addition of these aircraft show the agency’ s commitment to adopting the latest firefighting techniques.“ This is a big benefit to us, and it’ s a win for the state,” said Clay Chatham, GFC’ s chief pilot and air operations manager.
GFC is responsible for all wildfire suppression in the state of Georgia. The state averages over 8,000 wildfires a year with the average size being four to five acres per fire. Chatham and his team fly 365 days a year, patrolling the entire state for wildfires. The bulk of their air operations is used on patrol missions doing command and control, where the team surveys the state for fire activity. If they detect one, they circle above it to help the firefighters on the ground. The primary purpose is to be their eyes in the sky and give them a safety zone, somebody to look out for them by telling them when the fire is getting more dangerous, according to Chatham.
For those GFC rangers fighting fires on the ground, the pilots flying above are a huge help.
“ A couple years ago, we had a wildfire in the mountains. There was no way we could cover all that ground with the terrain,” said Leland Bass, Chief Ranger of GFC Oglethorpe Unit.“ If it gets really busy, it’ s good to have those planes overhead. The pilots can radio in, take control of that situation and help people get out.”
Along with providing safety, the new aircraft provide more firefighting capabilities. The two new SEAT aircraft have the ability to drop up to 500 gallons of water or retardant in less than two seconds. The maker of the aircraft, Georgia-based Thrush Aircraft, said what’ s most advanced and different with these airplanes
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Georgia Forestry Commission demonstrated the maneuverability of one of their two newly-acquired Thrush 510G aircraft during an unveiling ceremony in December 2017. Photo courtesy of Thrush Aircraft, Inc.