Distributed across the state and among the Florida Forest Service's 14 field units are 12 airplane and seven helicopter pilots that are also Certified Firefighters. Aircraft maintenance support is provided by two aircraft mechanics/inspectors and five aircraft mechanics.
The airplane fleet consists of 19 single-engine (Piper PA 28, Cessna 182 and Kodiak 100) airplanes. The helicopter fleet consists of four medium (Bell 212 Eagle Single) and six light (AugustaWestland 119) helicopters.
Florida Wildfire Aviation Plan
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Kodiak 100
The Florida Forest Service uses 2 eight-seat single-engine turbine airplanes as multifunctional firefighter aircraft. These aircraft are used for fire patrol, transportation, and as an Air Tactical Group Supervisor platform for coordination of large-scale fire aviation operations. These aircraft also utilize an advanced multipurpose FLAIR camera for mapping fires and locating hot spots.
Single-Engine Patrol Aircraft
The Florida Forest Service uses 17 single-engine patrol aircraft to provide aerial fire detection and intelligence to firefighters. Aircraft and pilots are assigned strategically within the 14 administrative districts with two spares.
AW-119 Helicopters
The Florida Forest Service operates six AugustaWestland 119 light helicopters. They are used for aerial-ignition prescribed burning and reconnaissance and utilize a 180-gallon water bucket for fire suppression.
Bell 212 Eagle Single
Four medium Bell 212 Eagle Single helicopters in the Florida Forest Service fleet drop up to 320 gallons of foam or water, transport up to seven firefighters, or aerially ignite prescribed burns.
