LAT/VLAT Tasking

Scope

This Operational Guideline provides guidance on the process and associated checklist for the tasking of the Large or Very Large Air Tanker (LAT/VLAT). All reference to LAT in this Operational Procedure and Guideline (OPG) is applicable to VLAT aircraft and operations as well.

Fundamental Protocols underpin the actions of all RFS members and must be adhered to at all times. They outline the Principles of being an RFS member and provide guidance on conduct to support the safety and wellbeing of members.

Guiding Principles

• The State Air Desk (SAD) will coordinate all tasking of LAT resources in consultation with the State Operations Controller (SOC)/Deputy State Operations Controller (DSOC).
• The SAD may appoint a specific LAT Coordinator (LATCO) or, the role may be combined with other SAD functions depending on operational activity.
• A dedicated LATCO will be appointed on days of heightened fire danger/activity (Extreme FBI and above) in consultation with the SOC/DSOC.
  • The primary role of the LATCO is to coordinate requests and taskings of the LAT/VLAT.
• LAT Taskings may be classified as ‘Initial Attack’ or ‘Extended Operations’.
• Initial Attack is defined as a response to a developing fire situation. In these circumstances the fire is likely to be running and therefore the ability to develop accurate and timely maps and tactics is limited. Under an Initial Attack response, the tasking information will outline an intent or strategy, but the tactics will be confirmed upon the arrival of the Airtanker Air Attack Supervisor (AAS) and/or LAT in consultation with the Incident Controller (IC), Incident Management Team (IMT) and or the Incident Air Attack Supervisor (IAAS). Often Initial Attack operations are used to slow or stop the fire spread, or to protect assets from fast-moving fires.
• Extended Operations are defined as LAT deployments which allow greater planning and consideration of longer-term containment or fire management options. In such instances, the fire is not growing rapidly allowing IMTs to develop maps and strategies pre-deployment in consultation with the SAD, SOC/DSOC, and potentially Airtanker AAS and Aircrew. Extended operations often involve the creation or extension of strategic containment lines.
• All LAT taskings and re-taskings must be approved by the SOC/DSOC.
• The IC or delegate requesting the LAT will provide:
  • The intent or strategy regarding the use of the LAT;
  • The timing and/or number of loads requested;
  • The product required for the strategy;
  • Local conditions; and
  • Confirmation that existing IAAS and/or Aircraft are notified of LAT operations.
• In addition to a standard dispatch within ARENA, specific details of the tasking requirements will be documented by the SAD. These dispatch requirements will be forwarded to the Air Tanker base to be provided to the relevant personnel involved in the operation.
• After receiving approval for dispatch of the LAT/VLAT, a tasking is to be generated in ARENA and the attached Air Tanker Dispatch Form completed specifying:
  • The aircraft approved for tasking;
  • The details of the incident including a Latitude/Longitude reference for the aircrew;
  • Incident communications arrangement; and
  • Strategy and required firefighting product.
• The Air Tanker Dispatch Form should be emailed to the relevant Air Tanker ABM at the time of dispatch to ensure accurate information on the tasking is available to relevant personnel involved in the operation.
• The LATCO is to promote and ensure adherence to RFS OPG – Dispatch of Aviation Resources and RFS OPG - Rejection of an Aviation Dispatch/Tasking.
• The appropriate party (Requestor or IMT) has been consulted and is aware of all aircraft deployments.

Special Considerations

• This procedure is to be read in conjunction with the Operating Guidelines For Air Tankers Operations.

Related Information

• Air Tanker Dispatch Form
• Operating Guidelines For Air Tankers Operations
• RFS OPG - Dispatch of Aviation Resources
• RFS OPG - Rejection of an Aviation Dispatch/Tasking