Report on 2019 Night Operations Trials

Report Front PageThe CoE has released a report on 2019 Night Helicopter Operations Trials.  This document reports on Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC) night helicopter operations training and trials conducted during 2019. The goal is to share what we have learned and discuss what additional research is needed to advance the program.

Background

Night aerial firefighting using helicopters with buckets has never before been attempted in Colorado. DFPC conducted night flying trials in 2019 to (1) evaluate if it can be done safely, (2) train personnel in night bucket operations, and (3) build a basis of operations before performing further evaluation to determine if night operations benefit firefighters and communities.

Read the full report here.

For more information contact Dave Toelle.