Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Document the starting and ending fuel amounts and notify the COR and the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA)/Air program.

If possible, have the crew come on prior to the start time and complete the proficiency flight. If they choose to not come in early and the airtanker receives a dispatch prior to the proficiency flight, the airtanker would be unavailable until the proficiency flight is completed. Call the airtanker COR (Contracting Officers Representative) listed on the most current Schedule of Items for additional clarification on proficiency flights.

Unavailability is assessed until either the aircraft is returned to contract availability by the AMI or at the end of the 14-hour availability period, whichever comes first. If the aircraft is unavailable for any part of the 14 hours, even if the aircrews are not on site, or even if it is well past sunset, UA will be assessed until the airtanker is returned to contract availability by the AMI.

State airtankers would be sent to state fires and may load and return without the federal airtankers being included in the rotation. Federal airtankers would be sent first to federal fires and the state airtankers may be added to the rotation. There is no requirement saying that either state or federal airtankers must be included in the rotation of the other agencies’ fires. You may contact your local GACC and request additional Alpha numbers for airtankers to be included in the rotation, but the ordering agency has the authority to deny the request.

Reference the Interagency Standards for Fire and Fire Aviation Operations, Chapter 16 for Airtanker Rotation information.

Contact the applicable Contracting Officer or Program Manager for the appropriate code.

Utilize the DLA rate at the location the airtanker is leaving to go to company headquarters. Contact the National DLA Air Card Coordinator to identify the rate.

You can find the Appendices on the SABO attributes page.

Utilize the Forest Service Contracted Airtanker Status Notification Form QR Code for any airtanker under a Forest Service Contract that is out of service. For the DOI/BLM notify dispatch, local Geographic Area Coordination Center (GACC), Aircraft Maintenance Inspector (AMI), SECO, and COR. Dispatch and the GACC should be notified immediately, and the remainder of the notifications need to happen as soon as practical. A group text or email will suffice. The same notifications need to be made when the airtanker has been returned to contract availability by the AMI.