Tanker 412

Tanker 412 is an Ayres Thrush SEAT, from Pierce Aviation. SEAT stands for Single Engine Ag (or Air) Tanker. These tankers are converted crop dusters used specifically for fighting fires. SEATs are frequently employed by the BLM and various state agencies, but Tanker 412 is unique in that it's the only SEAT on exclusive use contract by the Forest Service.

Tanker 412 doing a practice water drop

Tanker 412 is an extremely maneuverable aircraft, and with a payload of up to 475 gallons of retardant, is effective for hitting spot fires, cooling down hot areas, plugging holes in line, reinforcing line, and making short line extensions. The pilot can vary the dispersal of his load, ranging from a fine mist, to a heavy drop that can punch through tree canopies. For load and return missions, where the SEAT drops retardant on the fire, then returns back to base for another load, the tanker can be refilled and back in the air in under 8 minutes.

Rappel crew members are trained in tanker operations. Typically the three rappellers at the bottom of the rotation list staff the ramp. The ramp manager opens and closes the tanker facility (turns pumps on and off, checks water and retardant levels), directs the pilot in and out of the pit, records aircraft times, and oversees the rest of the crew. The hot-loader fills the aircraft with retardant. And the quality control person ensures there's a correct mix of retardant to water. During periods of increased initial attack, call when needed crews from the forest are used to free up the rappellers.

The SEAT is a versatile tool that has proved itself time and time again on the Malheur. You can expect to see them used on more Region 6 forests in the coming years.

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