Helicopters to fight veld fires and spray crops
KARIBIB - The versatility of a helicopter in today's modern world can be virtually unlimited, depending on the requirements of a client.
Tsumeb-based Expedite Aviation recently demonstrated how a helicopter can within minutes be converted from ferrying passengers to an insecticide crop-spraying aircraft, or to one that can be used to fight veld fires that are common in Namibia during the dry season.
Though the use of helicopters to fight veld fires could be new to Namibia, it has been used successfully for many years in countries like New Zealand and Canada to fight forest fires, said Gary Fox, helicopter pilot and instructor who gave the demonstration.
Endless
The demonstration carried out in the presence of Directorate of Civil Aviation (DCA) officials went smoothly, but not before officials carried out a close inspection and verification on the insecticide crop spraying tanks and sprayers installed under the aircraft.
Though the tank was designed for crop spraying, Fox said the utilities for the system is endless and could be ideal for spraying mosquitoes and other plagues like locusts and ball worms to mention a few, in Namibia's most remote areas.
“The helicopter is ideal for areas where it is too wet to go into the lands with any other vehicles,” Fox said.
He explained that unlike a fixed wing aircraft that needs a run-way, a helicopter can land on the farm and operate from there.
This is a saving on flight time, costs and maintenance, Fox said.
Factors like the weather and wind must also be considered, said Fox, to prevent pesticides being blown away or landing on neighbouring farms that have not asked for the service.
Reliable
Expedite Aviation pioneered this venture in Namibia as they believe it is fast and reliable, and also cost-effective due to the helicopters' versatility to literally land and take off from anywhere the service is needed.
As to putting out or controlling veld fires, the helicopter uses a “bambi-bucket” or “heli-bucket”. This device operates like a huge bucket hanging from underneath the chopper. Though the system looks simple to operate to an untrained eye, it needs an expert to install and operate.
The buckets' capacity range from 400 to 10 000 litres and are carried according to the helicopter's lifting and operating capabilities.
Though Namibia has limited water resources, the “bambi bucket” can be filled at small dams on farms, swimming pools and even water containers if there is a need to put out a veld fire to protect properties and lives.
Fire-fighting and crop spraying teams operating with helicopters consist of a ground crew that transports various applications and provides backup service and maintenance once on site.
- Nampa
Tsumeb-based Expedite Aviation recently demonstrated how a helicopter can within minutes be converted from ferrying passengers to an insecticide crop-spraying aircraft, or to one that can be used to fight veld fires that are common in Namibia during the dry season.
Though the use of helicopters to fight veld fires could be new to Namibia, it has been used successfully for many years in countries like New Zealand and Canada to fight forest fires, said Gary Fox, helicopter pilot and instructor who gave the demonstration.
Endless
The demonstration carried out in the presence of Directorate of Civil Aviation (DCA) officials went smoothly, but not before officials carried out a close inspection and verification on the insecticide crop spraying tanks and sprayers installed under the aircraft.
Though the tank was designed for crop spraying, Fox said the utilities for the system is endless and could be ideal for spraying mosquitoes and other plagues like locusts and ball worms to mention a few, in Namibia's most remote areas.
“The helicopter is ideal for areas where it is too wet to go into the lands with any other vehicles,” Fox said.
He explained that unlike a fixed wing aircraft that needs a run-way, a helicopter can land on the farm and operate from there.
This is a saving on flight time, costs and maintenance, Fox said.
Factors like the weather and wind must also be considered, said Fox, to prevent pesticides being blown away or landing on neighbouring farms that have not asked for the service.
Reliable
Expedite Aviation pioneered this venture in Namibia as they believe it is fast and reliable, and also cost-effective due to the helicopters' versatility to literally land and take off from anywhere the service is needed.
As to putting out or controlling veld fires, the helicopter uses a “bambi-bucket” or “heli-bucket”. This device operates like a huge bucket hanging from underneath the chopper. Though the system looks simple to operate to an untrained eye, it needs an expert to install and operate.
The buckets' capacity range from 400 to 10 000 litres and are carried according to the helicopter's lifting and operating capabilities.
Though Namibia has limited water resources, the “bambi bucket” can be filled at small dams on farms, swimming pools and even water containers if there is a need to put out a veld fire to protect properties and lives.
Fire-fighting and crop spraying teams operating with helicopters consist of a ground crew that transports various applications and provides backup service and maintenance once on site.
- Nampa
Kommentaar
Republikein
Geen kommentaar is op hierdie artikel gelaat nie