Helicopter Insurance in Firefighting

Helitack is the use of helicopters to combat wildland fires. The helicopters are used for aerial firefighting (or water bombing) and may be fitted with tanks or carry helibuckets. Helibuckets, such as the Bambi bucket, are usually filled by submerging the bucket into lakes, rivers, reservoirs, or portable tanks. Tanks fitted onto helicopters are filled from a hose while the helicopter is on the ground or water is siphoned from lakes or reservoirs through a hanging snorkel as the helicopter hovers over the water source. Helitack helicopters are also used to deliver firefighters, who rappel down to inaccessible areas, and to resupply firefighters. Common firefighting helicopters include variants of the Bell 205 and the Erickson S-64 Aircrane helitanker.

At Leading Edge Aviation Insurance we understand the insurance needs of private and commercial helicopter pilots working as helitack agents. We have relationships with chopper pilots who have years of experience with helitack operations and our resources in the aviation insurance market allow us to shop the market and guarantee the best rates with insurance customized to your operations. Give us a call at 1-800-896-5145 or submit a quote and let our experience go to work for you.

For detailed information regarding helitack proceedures please reference this helitack white paper or visit ahsafa.org.