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FIGHTING FIRES Without a doubt this year's fire season would have to be the busiest experienced by helicopter operators throughout Australia. Fires have ravaged parts of Victoria, ACT and NSW this summer. Kestrel's fleet of firebombing helicopters and fixed wing fire tracking aircraft, along with a team of our experienced pilots continue to work extremely hard and long hours helping to keep the ongoing fires away from houses and communities.
Strong winds, extreme temperatures and limited visibility make firebombing one of the most challenging and demanding forms of flying. The intense ferocity and expanse of some of the fires this summer has resulted in a blanket of thick smoke throughout areas of Victoria and NSW, which most of us have experienced. Naturally for the pilots present at the fires the smoky conditions are a much worse and regularly these conditions have created extremely poor visibility often preventing water-bombing or air attack operations until mid morning. Kestrel's firebombing helicopter fleet consist of a BK 117, Jet Ranger and a recently acquired Long Ranger (VH-WLI, affectionately known as 'Willy'). These machines have covered fires from as far north as Coffs Harbour in NSW to Colac in the Western District of Victoria. All three helicopters have varying roles in firebombing, to find out more please click here FRASCA 342 HELICOPTER SIMULATOR- UPDATE For the latest news and developments please click here KESTREL LENDING A HAND IN DROUGHT APPEAL Kestrel Aviation will be doing their bit to assist in raising funds for drought-affected farmers. Participation in the Seymour Alternative Farming Expo's Drought Appeal will see Kestrel Aviation offering a private helicopter licence for auction at a heavily discounted price. All money raised above the reserve price will be donated to the Red Cross for distribution to those suffering most, in what has been described as the worst drought in recorded history.
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