Safety issue
| Safety issue description |
Australian states and territories that engage in Large Air Tanker (LAT) operations have developed their own separate standard operating procedures (SOPs) for LATs and aerial supervision assets. This can result in safety requirements being omitted or misunderstood by the different tasking agencies, such as a minimum drop height, resulting in inconsistencies in the development and application of LAT SOPs. |
|---|---|
| Issue number | AO-2023-008-SI-05 |
| Issue owner | Australasian Fire and Emergency Services Authorities Council through the National Aerial Firefighting Centre Strategic Committee |
| Transport function | Aviation: General aviation |
| Issue status | Open – Safety action pending |
| Date issue released | 06/11/2024 |
| Issue status justification |
The ATSB acknowledges the commitment to safety action by the Australasian Fire and Emergency Services Authorities Council through the National Aerial Firefighting Centre Strategic Committee. The ATSB will monitor the progress of the Aviation Safety Group in the development of national LAT SOPs and will re-assess the safety issue once completed. |
Safety action
| Action type | Proactive action |
|---|---|
| Action number | AO-2023-008-PSA-284 |
| Organisation | Australasian Fire and Emergency Services Authorities Council |
| Action description |
On 24 September 2024, the Australasian Fire and Emergency Services Authorities Council advised the ATSB that the safety issue was accepted through the National Aerial Firefighting Centre Strategic Committee. The National Aerial Firefighting Centre Strategic Committee has delegated the action to address the safety issue to the Aviation Safety Group, and it falls within the purview of the Consistent Doctrine working group. |
| ATSB response |
The ATSB acknowledges the update to this safety issue provided by AFAC/NAFC and will continue to monitor. |
| Action status | Monitor |
Organisation response
| Date received | 21/05/2025 |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Australasian Fire and Emergency Services Authorities Council through the National Aerial Firefighting Centre Strategic Committee |
| Response text |
Work has been progressing on a National Large and Multi-Engine Air Tanker Standard Operating Procedure, overseen by the most senior aviation representatives in the country. An initial document has been drafted using information from existing doctrines globally. Consultation by states and territories through the NAFC Aviation Safety Group is underway. It is intended that the document be agreed and finalised before September 2025. |
| ATSB response |
The ATSB acknowledges the update to this safety issue provided by AFAC/NAFC and will continue to monitor. |
| ATSB response date | 22/05/2025 |
Organisation response
| Date received | 10/10/2025 |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Australasian Fire and Emergency Services Authorities Council through the National Aerial Firefighting Centre Strategic Committee |
| Response text |
Progress on the National Large Airtanker doctrines continues. A national group of agency safety experts met in person at the AFAC offices in Melbourne on 1-2 October to review the initial draft and identify areas where differing doctrines could be consolidated. The next steps include creation of a revised draft, review, industry consultation, and approval. |
| ATSB response |
The ATSB acknowledges the update to this safety issue provided by AFAC/NAFC and will continue to monitor. |
| ATSB response date | 10/10/2025 |
Organisation response
| Date received | 15/05/2026 |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Australasian Fire and Emergency Services Authorities Council through the National Aerial Firefighting Centre Strategic Committee |
| Response text |
The NAFC’s Aviation Safety Group (ASG) members have produced a draft consultation document on nationally consistent doctrine for Large Air Tanker (LAT) operations. The ASG members, the Australian Aerial Application Association, and contractors to the NAFC that provide LAT and LAT birddog services, have been invited to provide final feedback, which is due at the end of May 2026. |
| ATSB response |
The ATSB acknowledges the update to this safety issue provided by AFAC/NAFC and will continue to monitor. |
| ATSB response date | 15/05/2026 |