14 December 2016 © David Eyre

A list of the fire fighting aircraft in Western Australia for the 2016-2017 summer fire season (Oct 2016 – April 2017).

AIR ATTACK

Air Attack call signs are fire agency designations for air attack supervisor platforms, and the call signs remain unchanged regardless of whether the actual airframe is changed. The Department of Parks and Wildlife frequently rotate their Scout fleet around the various bases, so their AIR ATTACK callsigns change, but their SPOTTER callsigns remain unchanged. AIR ATTACK platforms (except FIREBIRD 623 / VH-YUQ) are managed by Department of Parks and Wildlife.

AIR ATTACK 1 / FIREBIRD 620 / VH-EGU Eurocopter AS350B2 Squirrel Soloy SD2 – Helicopter Logistics – Based at Jandakot.
AIR ATTACK 2 – Scout (rotated). Based at Bunbury.
AIR ATTACK 3 – Scout (rotated). Based at Manjimup.
AIR ATTACK 4 – Scout (rotated). Based at Albany.
AIR ATTACK 5 / FIREBIRD 623 / VH-YUQ Eurocopter AS355F1 Twin Squirrel – McDermott Aviation – Based at Jandakot.
AIR ATTACK 6 – Scout (rotated). Based at Jandakot

BIRDDOG

Fixed-wing aircraft used primarily for air attack supervision.

BOMBER

Dunn Aviation Australia provides fixed-wing water bombing aircraft for the WA Government – the Air Tractor AT-802 and AT-602 for water and fire retardant dropping. Its aircraft are also contracted out to other states to perform firebombing and agricultural duties. Based at Jandakot, Bunbury, Manjimup, Albany. BOMBERs are managed by Department of Parks and Wildlife.

VH-FED / BOMBER 605 Air Tractor AT-802 (MSN 802-0454) of Dunn Aviation, named 'Big Block', at Jandakot Airport – Fri 28 October 2016. Delivered on 24 April 2016, this aircraft is used for firefighting duties during the hotter months, under contract to the WA Government. Photo © David Eyre — VH-FED / BOMBER 605 Air Tractor AT-802 (MSN 802-0454) of Dunn Aviation, named ‘Big Block’, at Jandakot Airport – Fri 28 October 2016.
Delivered on 24 April 2016, this aircraft is used for firefighting duties during the hotter months, under contract to the WA Government. Photo © David Eyre

VH-DUJ / BOMBER 607 Air Tractor AT802 (MSN 802-0237) owned by Dunn Aviation, at Jandakot Airport – Fri 14 November 2014. Built 2006, ex N8517Q, EC-JVC. Operated for the WA Government on fire fighting duties, Photo © David Eyre — VH-DUJ / BOMBER 607 Air Tractor AT802 (MSN 802-0237) owned by Dunn Aviation, at Jandakot Airport – Fri 14 November 2014.
Built 2006, ex N8517Q, EC-JVC. Operated for the WA Government on fire fighting duties. Photo © David Eyre

VH-DUA / BOMBER 608 Air Tractor AT802 (MSN 802-0366) owned by Dunn Aviation, named “Magic”, operated for the WA Government on fire fighting duties, at Jandakot Airport – 22 Jan 2016.
Photo © Keith Anderson. (Photographed using Canon camera and lenses)

VH-DUW Air Tractor Inc. AT-802A (MSN 802A-0328) operated by Dunn Aviation PTY. LTD., at Bunbury Airport – 5 March 2016 — VH-DUW Air Tractor Inc. AT-802A (MSN 802A-0328) operated by Dunn Aviation Pty Ltd, at Bunbury Airport – 5 March 2016
Photo © Scott Morgan

VH-JID / BOMBER 610 Air Tractor AT-802 (MSN 802-0341) owned by Dunn Aviation, named ‘Chop’, at Dweillingup Airstrip – Thu 14 January 2016. Operated for the WA Government on fire fighting duties, this aircraft was involved in fighting major fires in the area of Waroona, which had been started by lightning and destroyed nearly 200 homes. Photo © Jonathan Williams — VH-JID / BOMBER 610 Air Tractor AT-802 (MSN 802-0341) owned by Dunn Aviation, named ‘Chop’, at Dweillingup Airstrip – Thu 14 January 2016.
Operated for the WA Government on fire fighting duties, this aircraft was involved in fighting major fires in the area of Waroona, which had been started by lightning and destroyed nearly 200 homes. Photo © Jonathan Williams

VH-NIP / BOMBER 611 Air Tractor AT-802A (MSN 802A-0492) of Dunn Aviation, named 'Shrek', at Jandakot Airport - Mon 2 May 2016. Under contract to the WA Government for firefighting. Built in 2013, ex N23579. Photo © David Eyre — VH-NIP / BOMBER 611 Air Tractor AT-802A (MSN 802A-0492) of Dunn Aviation, named ‘Shrek’, at Jandakot Airport – Mon 2 May 2016.
Under contract to the WA Government for firefighting. Built in 2013, ex N23579.
Photo © David Eyre

VH-NID / BOMBER 612 Air Tractor AT-802AF (MSN 802A-0523), named 'The Boss', owned by Dunn Aviation, over the Swan River, Perth - Tue 26 January 2016 - Australia Day City of Perth Air Show 2016. Firefighting demonstration. Photo © Daniel Kitlar — VH-NID / BOMBER 612 Air Tractor AT-802AF (MSN 802A-0523), named ‘The Boss’, owned by Dunn Aviation, over the Swan River, Perth – Tue 26 January 2016 – Australia Day City of Perth Air Show 2016.
Firefighting demonstration. Photo © Daniel Kitlar

VH-FEC / BOMBER 614 Air Tractor AT-504 (MSN 504), named 'Blacky', owned by Dunn Aviation, at Jandakot Airport - Thu 5 Feb 2015. Normally used for training water bomber pilots, but in this case being used on a bush fire fighting operation. On contract to the WA Government. Photo © Daniel Kitlar — VH-FEC / BOMBER 614 Air Tractor AT-504 (MSN 504), named ‘Blacky’, owned by Dunn Aviation, at Jandakot Airport – Thu 5 Feb 2015.
Normally used for training water bomber pilots, but in this case being used on a bush fire fighting operation. On contract to the WA Government.
Photo © Daniel Kitlar

FIREBIRD

The Air Attack FIREBIRDS coordinate aerial firefighting operations, and can usually be seen circling high above firefighting aircraft. The Air Intelligience FIREBIRD 625 is an fire information resource for incident managers on the ground. FIREBIRD 623/VH-YUQ and FIREBIRD 625/VH-XRG are managed by Department of Fire and Emergency Services. Other FIREBIRDS are managed by Department of Parks and Wildlife.

VH-YUQ / FIREBIRD 623 Eurocopter AS355F-1 Twin Squirrel (MSN 5057) owned by McDermott Aviation, contracted to WA Government, at Warradale Park, Landsdale - Wed 23 November 2016. Assisting firefighters in fighting a suspiciously-lit bushfire in Lexia, at the Gnangara pine plantation, that burnt through 100 hectares. The FIREBIRD aerial command and control helicopters coordinate firefighting operations. Built in 1981, ex N281AP, N117LB. Photo © David Eyre — VH-YUQ / FIREBIRD 623 Eurocopter AS355F-1 Twin Squirrel (MSN 5057) owned by McDermott Aviation, contracted to WA Government, at Warradale Park, Landsdale – Wed 23 November 2016.
Assisting firefighters in fighting a suspiciously-lit bushfire in Lexia, at the Gnangara pine plantation, that burnt through 100 hectares. The FIREBIRD aerial command and control helicopters coordinate firefighting operations. Built in 1981, ex N281AP, N117LB. Photo © David Eyre

VH-XRG / FIREBIRD 625 Eurocopter Bo-105LS-A3 (MSN 2037) of Heliwest, on contract to the WA Department of Fire and Emergency Services, at Jandakot Airport – Thurs 1 Jan 2015.
Photo © Matt Hayes

HELITACK

Medium (Bell 214) and heavy (Skycrane) fire fighting helicopters are operated for the Department of Fire and Emergency Services for the fire season (October – April). Four Bell 214 helicopters are based at Jandakot and two are based at Busselton. The Sikorsky S-64E Skycrane is based at Serpentine Airfield, south of Perth.

P2-MBH at Woodmans Point – 23 Dec 2014 — P2-MBH Bell 214B1 BigLifter (MSN 28063) of McDermott Aviation at Woodmans Point – 23 Dec 2014. Firefighting demonstration. Photo © Keith Anderson

N49732 / HELITAK 672 Bell 214B-1 BigLifter (MSN 28005) of McDermott Aviation, at Landsdale – Sun 5 April 2015. After a busy day fighting a fire at the Gnangara pine plantation, N49732 is making a sunset landing at Warradale Park in Landsdale to refuel before heading back to Jandakot Airport. It is being operated for the WA Department of Fire and Emergency Services, for firefighting. Built in 1976. Ex N49732, 101 (Royal Air Force of Oman), 751 (Royal Air Force of Oman). Photo © David Eyre — N49732 / HELITAK 672 Bell 214B-1 BigLifter (MSN 28005) of McDermott Aviation, at Landsdale – Sun 5 April 2015.
After a busy day fighting a fire at the Gnangara pine plantation, N49732 is making a sunset landing at Warradale Park in Landsdale to refuel before heading back to Jandakot Airport. It is being operated for the WA Department of Fire and Emergency Services, for firefighting. Built in 1976. Ex N49732, 101 (Royal Air Force of Oman), 751 (Royal Air Force of Oman).
Photo © David Eyre

N234PH / HELITAK 673 Bell 214B-1 BigLifter (MSN 28050) of McDermott Aviation, at Warradale Park, Landsdale – Sun 5 April 2015. Filling up with water from the lake, whilst fighting a fire at the Gnangara pine plantation. N234PH is being operated for the WA Department of Fire and Emergency Services, for firefighting. Built in 1977. Ex N5750L, N234PH, 756 (Royal Air Force of Oman), VH-LYH. Photo © David Eyre — N234PH / HELITAK 673 Bell 214B-1 BigLifter (MSN 28050) of McDermott Aviation, at Warradale Park, Landsdale – Sun 5 April 2015.
Filling up with water from the lake, whilst fighting a fire at the Gnangara pine plantation. N234PH is being operated for the WA Department of Fire and Emergency Services, for firefighting. Built in 1977. Ex N5750L, N234PH, 756 (Royal Air Force of Oman), VH-LYH. Photo © David Eyre

P2-MLJ / HELITACK 674 Bell 214B1 BigLifter (MSN 28066) owned by McDermott Aviation, contracted to the WA Government, at Warradale Park, Landsdale - Wed 23 November 2016. Refilling its 2,700-litre water tank. Assisting firefighters in fighting a suspiciously-lit bushfire in Lexia, at the Gnangara pine plantation, that burnt through 100 hectares. Built in 1981, ex N2179R, JA9304, N4410N, C-GTWG, F-GJKZ, N214JL. Photo © David Eyre — P2-MLJ / HELITACK 674 Bell 214B1 BigLifter (MSN 28066) owned by McDermott Aviation, contracted to the WA Government, at Warradale Park, Landsdale – Wed 23 November 2016.
Refilling its 2,700-litre water tank. Assisting firefighters in fighting a suspiciously-lit bushfire in Lexia, at the Gnangara pine plantation, that burnt through 100 hectares. Built in 1981, ex N2179R, JA9304, N4410N, C-GTWG, F-GJKZ, N214JL. Photo © David Eyre

N154AC at Woodmans Point – 23 Dec 2014 — N154AC / HELITACK 739 Sikorsky S-64E Skycrane MSN 64-037) of Erickson Air-Crane, named ‘Georgia Peach’, operated for Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) at Woodmans Point – 23 Dec 2014. Firefighting demonstration. Photo © Keith Anderson

SPOTTER

Department of Parks and Wildlife uses American Champion 8GCBC Scouts as fire spotter aircraft for forest patrols in the south-west of WA, flying across areas set according to fire weather conditions. They fly more during the hotter months (about 3,500 hours) due to the increased fire risk. They also supervise waterbombing operations in the south-west, relaying information on fire behaviour to fire controllers. Aircraft rotate around bases at Jandakot, Bunbury, Dwellingup and Manjimup. SPOTTERS are managed by Department of Parks and Wildlife, which holds an Air Operators Certificate (AOC).

VH-DXZ / SPOTTER 641 American Champion 8GCBC Scout (MSN 512-2008) of the Department of Parks and Wildlife, at Jandakot Airport - Mon 9 March 2015. Built in 2008. One of a fleet of American Champion 8GCBC Scout aircraft used as fire spotter aircraft for forest patrols in the south-west of WA. They are based at Jandakot, Bunbury, Dwellingup and Manjimup, and fly across areas set each day according to the forecast fire weather conditions. Photo © David Eyre — VH-DXZ / SPOTTER 641 American Champion 8GCBC Scout (MSN 512-2008) of the Department of Parks and Wildlife, at Jandakot Airport – Mon 9 March 2015.
Built in 2008. Photo © David Eyre

VH-KTG / SPOTTER642 American Champion 8GCBC Scout (MSN 546-2011) of the Department of Parks and Wildlife, at Jandakot Airport – Fri 24 October 2014. The Department of Parks and Wildlife uses a fleet of American Champion 8GCBC Scout aircraft as fire spotter aircraft for forest patrols in the south-west of WA. They are based at Jandakot, Bunbury, Dwellingup and Manjimup, and fly across areas set each day according to the forecast fire weather conditions. The aircraft fly more hours during the hotter months (around 3,500 hours) due to the increased fire risk. They also supervise waterbombing operations in the south-west, relaying information to fire controllers regarding the fire’s behaviour to assist in firefighting and ensuring the safety of fire crews. VH-KTG was built in 2011. Photo © David Eyre — VH-KTG / SPOTTER642 American Champion 8GCBC Scout (MSN 546-2011) of the Department of Parks and Wildlife, at Jandakot Airport – Fri 24 October 2014.
Built in 2011. Photo © David Eyre

VH-DXM / SPOTTER 643 (MSN 504-2008) American Champion 8GCBC Scout of the Department of Parks and Wildlife, with Western Power sponsor logos, at Bunbury Airport – Fri 9 May 2014. Photo © David Eyre — VH-DXM / SPOTTER 643 (MSN 504-2008) American Champion 8GCBC Scout of Department of Parks and Wildlife, with Western Power sponsor logos, at Bunbury Airport – Fri 9 May 2014.
Built in 2008. Photo © David Eyre

VH-PWL / SPOTTER 644 American Champion 8GCBC Scout (MSN 571-2015) operated by the Department of Parks and Wildlife, at Jandakot Airport - Fri 28 October 2016. Wearing new-style titles. Used as fire spotter aircraft for forest patrols in the south-west of WA. They also supervise water bombing operations in the south-west, relaying information to fire controllers regarding the fire’s behaviour to assist in firefighting and ensuring the safety of fire crews. Built in 2015, registered 29 Feb 2016. Photo © David Eyre — VH-PWL / SPOTTER 644 American Champion 8GCBC Scout (MSN 571-2015) operated by the Department of Parks and Wildlife, at Jandakot Airport – Fri 28 October 2016.
Wearing new-style titles. Built in 2015, registered 29 Feb 2016. Photo © David Eyre

VH-KYH / SPOTTER 645 American Champion 8GCBC Scout (MSN 566-2014) of the Department of Parks and Wildlife, at Meekatharra Airport - Fri 30 September 2016. Built in 2014. Part of a fleet of American Champion 8GCBC Scout aircraft used as fire spotter aircraft for forest patrols in the south-west of WA. Photo © Geoff Carberry — VH-KYH / SPOTTER 645 American Champion 8GCBC Scout (MSN 566-2014) of the Department of Parks and Wildlife, at Meekatharra Airport – Fri 30 September 2016.
Built in 2014. Part of a fleet of American Champion 8GCBC Scout aircraft used as fire spotter aircraft for forest patrols in the south-west of WA. Photo © Geoff Carberry

VH-DXL / SPOTTER 646 American Champion 8GCBC Scout (MSN 516-2009) of the Department of Parks and Wildlife, at Jandakot Airport - Fri 28 November 2014. The Department of Parks and Wildlife fleet of Scouts are used as fire spotter aircraft for forest patrols in the south-west of WA, from bases at Jandakot, Bunbury, Dwellingup and Manjimup. They fly across areas set each day according to the forecast fire weather conditions. They also supervise waterbombing operations in the south-west, relaying information to fire controllers regarding the fire’s behaviour. VH-DXL was built in 2009, and is seen here taxying out for another patrol flight. Photo © David Eyre — VH-DXL / SPOTTER 646 American Champion 8GCBC Scout (MSN 516-2009) of the Department of Parks and Wildlife, at Jandakot Airport – Fri 28 November 2014.
VH-DXL was built in 2009. Photo © David Eyre

VH-LKV / SPOTTER 647 American Champion 8GCBC Scout (MSN 529-2010) owned by Department of Parks and Wildlife, at Jandakot Airport – Sat 19 March 2016. Landing on runway 06L. Built in 2010. Used as fire spotter aircraft for forest patrols in the south-west of WA. They also supervise waterbombing operations in the south-west, relaying information to fire controllers regarding the fire’s behaviour to assist in firefighting and ensuring the safety of fire crews. Photo © David Eyre — VH-LKV / SPOTTER 647 American Champion 8GCBC Scout (MSN 529-2010) owned by Department of Parks and Wildlife, at Jandakot Airport – Sat 19 March 2016.
Landing on runway 06L. Built in 2010. Photo © David Eyre

VH-KUE/SPOTTER 648 American Champion 8GCBC Scout (MSN 554-2013) owned by Department of Parks and Wildlife, with Western Power logo, at Jandakot Airport – Sat 22 February 2014.
Built in 2013. Photo © David Eyre

VH-DXU / SPOTTER 649 American Champion 8GCBC Scout (MSN 520-2009) of the WA Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW), at Jandakot Airport - Sat 10 December 2016. Used as fire spotter aircraft for forest patrols and for supervising waterbombing operations in the south-west of WA. Photo © David Eyre — VH-DXU / SPOTTER 649 American Champion 8GCBC Scout (MSN 520-2009) of the WA Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW), at Jandakot Airport – Sat 10 December 2016.
Used as fire spotter aircraft for forest patrols and for supervising waterbombing operations in the south-west of WA. Photo © David Eyre

Firefighting Aircraft Callsigns and Registrations

Grey text callsign/registration combinations not yet confirmed.

BOMBER 601 / VH-DUQ	Air Tractor AT-802	Dunn Aviation	‘Ballidu’.
BOMBER 602 / VH-EOG	Air Tractor AT-802	Dunn Aviation	‘Tumblin Dice’.
BOMBER 603 / VH-NIN	Air Tractor AT-802A	Dunn Aviation
BOMBER 604 / VH-DUN	Air Tractor AT-802A	Dunn Aviation	‘Ian Leslie’.
BOMBER 605 / VH-FED	Air Tractor AT-802	Dunn Aviation	‘Big Block’. Based at Jandakot
BOMBER 606 / VH-NIY	Air Tractor AT-802A	Dunn Aviation	‘Forever Young’.
BOMBER 607 / VH-DUJ	Air Tractor AT-802	Dunn Aviation
BOMBER 608 / VH-DUA	Air Tractor AT-802	Dunn Aviation	‘Magic’
BOMBER 609 / VH-DUW	Air Tractor AT-802A	Dunn Aviation
BOMBER 610 / VH-JID	Air Tractor AT-802	Dunn Aviation	‘Chop’
BOMBER 611 / VH-NIP	Air Tractor AT-802A	Dunn Aviation
BOMBER 612 / VH-NID	Air Tractor AT-802A	Dunn Aviation	‘The Boss’
BOMBER 614 / VH-FEC	Air Tractor AT-504	Dunn Aviation	‘Blacky’. Used as firefighting training aircraft, has two side-by-side seats.
FIREBIRD 620 / VH-EGU	Eurocopter AS350B2 Squirrel Soloy SD2	Helicopter Logistics	Based at Jandakot. Also uses callsign ‘AIR ATTACK 1′
FIREBIRD 621 / VH-LGG	Eurocopter AS350B2 Squirrel Soloy SD2	Helicopter Logistics	Based at Jandakot.
FIREBIRD 622 / VH-JTQ	Eurocopter AS350BA Squirrel	Helicopter Logistics	Based at Jandakot
FIREBIRD 623 / VH-YUQ	Eurocopter AS355F1 Twin Squirrel	McDermott Aviation	Based at Jandakot. Also uses callsign ‘AIR ATTACK 5′
FIREBIRD 624 / VH-JRI	Bell 206B JetRanger III	Helicopter Logistics	Based at Jandakot
FIREBIRD 625 / VH-XRG	Eurocopter Bo-105LS-A3	Heliwest	Based at Jandakot. AIR INTEL. Wescam MX-15i high definition FLIR turret, laser mapper, microwave transmitter
SPOTTER 640 / VH-LKQ	American Champion 8GCBC Scout	Dept of Parks and Wildlife	Base rotated between Bunbury/Jandakot/Manjimup/Albany
SPOTTER 641 / VH-DXZ	American Champion 8GCBC Scout	Dept of Parks and Wildlife	Base rotated between Bunbury/Jandakot/Manjimup/Albany
SPOTTER 642 / VH-KTG	American Champion 8GCBC Scout	Dept of Parks and Wildlife	Base rotated between Bunbury/Jandakot/Manjimup/Albany
SPOTTER 643 / VH-DXM	American Champion 8GCBC Scout	Dept of Parks and Wildlife	Base rotated between Bunbury/Jandakot/Manjimup/Albany
SPOTTER 644 / VH-PWL	American Champion 8GCBC Scout	Dept of Parks and Wildlife	Base rotated between Bunbury/Jandakot/Manjimup/Albany
SPOTTER 645 / VH-KYH	American Champion 8GCBC Scout	Dept of Parks and Wildlife	Base rotated between Bunbury/Jandakot/Manjimup/Albany
SPOTTER 646 / VH-DXL	American Champion 8GCBC Scout	Dept of Parks and Wildlife	Base rotated between Bunbury/Jandakot/Manjimup/Albany
SPOTTER 647 / VH-LKV	American Champion 8GCBC Scout	Dept of Parks and Wildlife	Base rotated between Bunbury/Jandakot/Manjimup/Albany
SPOTTER 648 / VH-KUE	American Champion 8GCBC Scout	Dept of Parks and Wildlife	Base rotated between Bunbury/Jandakot/Manjimup/Albany
SPOTTER 649 / VH-DXU	American Champion 8GCBC Scout	Dept of Parks and Wildlife	Base rotated between Bunbury/Jandakot/Manjimup/Albany
HELITAC 418 / VH-SMI	Bell 214B1	McDermott Aviation	Based at Jandakot. NSW Rural Fire Service titles.
HELITAC 671 / P2-MBH	Bell 214B	McDermott Aviation	Based at Jandakot. Australian flag on tailboom
HELITAC 672 / N49732	Bell 214B1	McDermott Aviation	Based at Jandakot
HELITAC 673 / N234PH	Bell 214B1	McDermott Aviation	Based at Jandakot
HELITAC 674 / P2-MLJ	Bell 214B	McDermott Aviation	Based at Jandakot
HELITAC 676 / P2-MSA	Bell 214B1	McDermott Aviation	Based at Busselton
HELITAC 677 / C-FXNI	Bell 214B1	McDermott Aviation	Based at Busselton. White/Gunmetal/Red livery, with maple leaf.
HELITAC 739 / N154AC	Sikorsky S-64E Skycrane	Erickson Air-Crane, USA	Based at Serpentine. ‘Georgia Peach’