Interagency Single Engine Air Tanker Operations Guide - National ...

INTERAGENCY SINGLE ENGINE AIR TANKER OPERATIONS GUIDE
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CHAPTER 6 – SEAT BASES and LANDING AREAS
I. Introduction.
To realize the full economic and operational effectiveness of SEATs and to
optimize their self-sufficient capabilities, SEAT flight operations should be
established as close to the incident as possible using available airstrips.
Therefore it is crucial that the user be familiar with the operational
limitations of these types of aircraft.
II.
Planning.
The responsibility for planning the most efficient use of SEATs falls
directly on the aviation management of the user agency. SEATs are very
versatile, and can be used from a wide variety of aviation facilities. The
using agency should conduct pre-planning efforts that include identifying
suitable landing sites and operational areas that will promote effective use
of the SEAT. Agreements and operational plans should be developed for
these sites prior to fire season. Some of the criteria that can be used in
choosing these sites can be:
• Facilities located in areas with historically high fire occurrences.
• Locations that allow rapid movement of support equipment.
• Locations that is close to a water source and aviation fuel.
• Locations can be easily accessed for providing logistical support.
• Areas that have good communications established.
• Facilities that are not subjected to high public use.
• Flight paths over congested areas are minimized.
• Locations that can expand to meet the incidents needs.
• Locations that will help facilitate any security needs.
• Locations and surfaces that will accommodate aircraft size, type or
performance.
III. Operation from established Air Tanker Bases.
SEATs may operate from the same facility as large airtankers, provided the
base has personnel that have been trained in SEAT loading and refueling
operational procedures. These specific operational procedures must be
incorporated into the base operations supplement. The SEAT Contractor
must receive a complete briefing from the ATBM prior to conducting
operations from an established Air Tanker Base. Duties for SEMG
operating out of established Air Tanker Bases can be found under section
IV SEAT Manager Position.
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