Date: May 15, 2014
Topic: Air Tanker Operating Bases in Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas
Issue: Organize a team to evaluate existing and potential airports in Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas for Portable Air Tanker Base operations. Also, have the team review Fayetteville Air Tanker Base in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
Background: With current and potential wildland fire activity in Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas; the Southern Area Coordinating Group recommends that a team of aviation subject matter experts be organized and review current and potential airports for Air Tanker Base operations.
Key Points:
Southern Area Coordination Center Manager devises a team of aviation subject matter experts to evaluate current and potential airports for Air Tanker Base operations.
The team will consist of interagency SMEs in Aviation Operations.
The team will coordinate with local agency representatives for local knowledge during their evaluations.
The team will create a charter that will line out the following tasks that will be accomplished:
Identify each airport capabilities utilizing the current contracted air tanker fleet specifications; e.g. runway length, ACN/PCN (Aircraft/Pavement Classification Rating based on airport taxiway loading), ramp capabilities, fuel, jettison areas, known hazards, etc. Provide a list of airports identifying acceptable contracted air tanker fleet. Also, in the list will include Portable Air Tanker Base support; e.g. electricity, water hydrant, phone service, internet service, parking, etc. Renew or create long term land use agreements with current and potential. Provide a final report to the Southern Area Coordination Center Manager. Air tanker base / Airport Task Group Team: Mark Goeller Oklahoma State 918-207-9492 [email protected] Calvin Miller SACC 404-909-0238 [email protected] Johnny Lindsey USFS – AR 479-970-2368 [email protected] Cynthia Foster Texas State 979-218-2313 [email protected] Doug Ivey NPS – TN 865-712-0689 [email protected] Greg House BLM - TX 832-278-3069 [email protected] Aaron Roper FWS - OK 580-678-0009 [email protected]
Contact: Kai Olsen, SACC Center Manager, 678-320-3001, [email protected]