USFS AFF: Aerial Fire Updates for USA Operators

What is AFF and why is it important?

Automated Flight Following (AFF) is an online government application that automatically tracks the location and velocity of specially-equipped aircraft and mobile assets and provides this information in near-real-time to dispatchers, aviation managers, and other authorized users.

Utilizing geolocation and data communications devices installed in government-registered aircraft, AFF tracks position speed, altitude, and heading, and transmits the data via satellite to a ground-based flight-monitoring system. AFF tracks contract aircraft around the globe.

It is a requirement for all aircraft engaging in aerial firefighting to register their tracking devices and aircraft on the AFF portal. Sharing your tracking data to AFF and registering your aircraft enhances situational awareness, reduces radio traffic, improves detection and response to emergencies and reduces workload in aircraft and dispatch centers. 

How is TracPlus involved?

TracPlus is the tracking provider of choice for many of the leading aerial fire fighting operators around the world and has supported operations on some of the largest wildfires across the USA over the last 10 years. TracPlus customers include CAL FIRE, Coulson Aviation, HeliMax, and Erickson.

What do you need to do?

If your aircraft is already set up for this, then you don’t need to do anything. However, we do recommend you check any existing aircraft, tracking devices and sharing settings before going on contract. These changes only apply if you are registering new aircraft or have changed tracking devices. 

Our Support Team have put together a comprehensive knowledge-base with ‘how-to’ articles on how to ensure you’re prepared for the firefighting season and how to make those changes through TracPlus.

If you're interested in becoming compliant with USFS for AFF, reach out to us today.