1. Tracking as a Result of 2009 Bushfires
2. The Future of Tracking Your Aircraft for Firefighting
4. What is a Modern and Compliant Tracking Device
5. What is a Non-Compliant Tracking Device
With multiple agencies and organisations throughout Australia involved in managing the ever-present threat of bushfires, the ability to share a common view of a rapidly unfolding emergency situation is essential to a well-formed response. Since 2009, TracPlus has provided NAFC with a cost-effective and proven solution to this problem.
TracPlus' solution allows each operator to keep their existing tracking service provider, keep their preferred tracking equipment, and easily share their tracking data with NAFC and other agencies when operating on firefighting contracts. However, the tracking devices that NAFC recommend for contracts is tightening.
Since 2009, the information required from aerial firefighting has become more litigious. NAFC is increasingly looking for contractors to collect and distribute quality tracking and event data.
Andrew Matthews, Manager at NAFC, suggests operators look to modern trackers, as the data that NAFC is looking to acquire will increase in future. In time, modern and compliant tracking devices will be required to capture data securely and accurately for billing purposes and flight operations returns.
"In future, we fully expect to require tracking solutions to meet the ‘firebombing event’ requirements on any aircraft lifting 1000 litres or more – with a tank or a bucket," says Andrew Matthews.
NAFC except these requirements to increase, rolling out what will become mandatory flight and event data over time.
NAFC is asking operators to ensure their tracking device can detect flight and firebombing events. Poor quality trackers, as deemed by NAFC, will result in more work for pilots and operators, more opportunities for errors, inaccurate flight and engine time recording and inaccurate firebombing drops, volumes and data.
These errors from non compliant and antiquated tracking devices may result in your invoices being rejected.
Modern trackers can capture quality data. Most data is also prefilled, meaning less manual work for pilots and operators.
The following devices sold by TracPlus have been approved by NAFC:
Fully tested to DO160G standards, the RockAIR offers high-resolution tracking in both satellite and cellular, two-way messaging and user-defined forms across both satellite and cellular networks. The RockAIR is an affordable device and offers further savings for customers who regularly fly in cellular coverage.
DataVault is an open, high-performance data acquisition, telemetry, logging, tracking, and control solution.
The world’s smallest all-in-one solution for global voice, data, messaging and flight tracking. The DZMx offers dual tracking and reliable voice services.
NAFC have noted that the below devices will not be compliant with future requirements.
Spidertracks S3-S8
NAL Research 9601/9602
Shout Nano/TS
Here is the required data for the upcoming aerial firefighting season.
| Fixed Wing | Rotary | |
| Engine | On / Off | On / Off |
| Flight | Take off / Landing | Take off / Landing |
| Tank |
Fill - Volume Door - Open / Close |
Fill - Volume Door Open / Close (Drop Start / Drop Stop) |
| Bucket |
Fill - Volume Door Open / Close (Drop Start / Drop Stop) |
To ensure you're prepared for upcoming bushfire seasons, you will need to look ahead to a modern and compliant tracker. As time goes on, operators will need to provide more accurate tracking and event data. If you're looking to upgrade your tracking unit, make sure you're aware of what the future will hold.
TracPlus is an approved tracking provider for all aerial firefighting contracts in Australia. We've equipped hundreds of businesses with tracking for firefighting purposes across the globe.
"TracPlus has changed the reporting of intelligence completely. It registers the exact location of where we pick up water, and how many litres we’re picking up. It’s tracking us to and from the fire. That way, the command centre can see how effective we are as it determines what our turn around times are."
— Ray Cronin, Kestrel Aviation