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 .