Indonesia Air Force details water-bombing safety rules

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesian Air Force Spokesman Air Commodore Feri Yunaldi outlined safety procedures for helicopter water-bombing missions against forest and land fires, including preflight checks, visual-flight rules and limits on water-pickup maneuvers.

Feri explained the procedures to ANTARA on Thursday in response to questions about safety standards for water-bombing operations.

Pilots, co-pilots and crew members must first inspect the helicopter, water bucket and weather conditions before takeoff, he said.

"Pilots must follow standard operating procedures, taking into account weather, terrain and conditions at the water collection site," Feri said in Jakarta.

Pilots may take off only after all preparations are complete.

When carrying a bucket, pilots must fly by sight under visual flight rules (VFR), rather than rely on instruments, Feri said.

"Pilots should not attempt to use instrument flight rules (IFR) while carrying a Bambi Bucket, so they can navigate effectively toward the water source," he said.

During low-level flights to collect water from rivers or the sea, pilots must assess several factors, including wind speed and direction and helicopter power.

"Pilots must maintain sufficient engine power when entering the water collection area," he said.

If the helicopter cannot safely carry water from the source, pilots must abort the maneuver.

Pilots should then repeat the low-level approach and collect a smaller amount of water than on the previous attempt, he said.

"A maneuver must not be forced when calculations show that conditions are unsuitable," he said.

Feri, a former Hawk fighter pilot, also stressed the need for crews to wear required safety equipment, including life vests, harnesses, gloves, goggles and helmets throughout missions.

The equipment is intended to protect personnel during operations, he said.

The Air Force has five helicopters on standby for forest and land firefighting operations, he said.

Its water-bombing missions have so far proceeded safely and smoothly, he said.

"These measures help the Air Force maintain personnel and equipment readiness in support of forest and land firefighting efforts," he said.

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Translator: Walda M, Fauzul Azhim Bin Fakhrurazi
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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