Photo courtesy Bureau of Land Management Twin Commander Factory Authorized Service Center Aero Air is providing its substantial aerial firefighting assets to the extensive wildfires burning this year in the Western United States. The company operates six MD-87s and a DC-7, with another MD-87 airframe possibly awaiting conversion. “If we had 10 planes they’d be flying,” according to General Manager Matt Isley. Each MD-87 can drop 3,000 gallons of water or retardant, usually at 150 (46m) to 250 feet (76m) above the ground. As of late September, Isley said they had dropped a total of almost six million gallons, with a few months left in the season. Aero Air dropped five million gallons in all of 2018.
As it has with most things, COVID-19 has impacted operations. The U.S. Forestry Service, which typically contracts for both exclusive-use and on-demand assets, decided this year to offer fixed-term Call When Needed contracts because of anticipated crew travel and other logistical constraints. By ramping up and having more assets ready to go, they have been able to more effectively battle the big fire season. It turned out to be fortuitous planning. Isley said COVID-19 has also been hard on the crews, who thrive on the close-knit connections they forge during the fire season. “There’s a big mission, and the mission is bigger than any one person,” he said. When you have to distance it can damage the one-for-all spirit.
