Aviation Equipment

Distributed across the state and among the Florida Forest Service's 15 field units are 16 airplane and seven helicopter pilots that are also Certified Firefighters. Aircraft maintenance support is provided by five aircraft mechanic/inspectors and four aircraft mechanics.

The airplane fleet consists of 17 single-engine (Piper PA 28 and Cessna 182) and 2 multi-engine (Piper Navajo) airplanes. The helicopter fleet consists of five medium (Bell UH-1) and two light (Bell OH-58) helicopters.

Florida Wildfire Aviation Plan [ 267.7 kB ]

Piper Navajos

The Florida Forest Service uses 2 seven-seat light twin engine aircraft for firefighter and supervisor transportation and as an Air Attack Group Supervisor platform for coordination of large-scale aviation operations.

Single Engine Patrol Aircraft

The Florida Forest Service uses 17 single-engine patrol aircraft to provide aerial fire detection and intelligence to firefighters. An aircraft and pilot are assigned to each of the 15 administrative districts with two spares.

OH 58A Helicopters

The Florida Forest Service operates two Bell OH-58A+ "Kiowa" light helicopters. They are used largely for aerial ignition prescribed burning, tactical counterfire, and observation, but also can carry a 75 gallon water bucket for fire suppression.

UH 1H Helicopters

Five UH-1H Huey or Super Huey helicopters in the Florida Forest Service fleet drop up to 320 gallons of foam or water, transport up to 7 firefighters, or aerially ignite prescribed burns.