A
erial firefighting teams often find themselves operating in less-than-ideal conditions when faced with strong, gusty winds and unpredictable
mountainous terrain, all exacerbated by extreme heat. These challenging circumstances are further intensified by the presence of multiple helicopters, fixed-wing spotter aircraft and bombers in close proximity. Add the reduced visibility and low altitudes, and it’s clear that aerial firefighting jobs are among the most perilous in the industry.
Kishugu Aviation is a key provider of aerial support to South Africa’s Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment through its Expanded Public Works Program (EPWP) initiative called Working on Fire (WoF). Based in Mbombela, Mpumalanga, Kishugu Aviation offers an extensive array of aerial services to both public and private sectors that encompasses aerial firefighting, game relocation, anti-poaching, disaster relief, drone operations, and charter work.
Previously known as Forest Fire Association, Kishugu Aviation started in 1989 with two aircraft and has grown into an industry leader that today boasts a fleet of more than 40 aircraft.
As a division of the Kishugu Group, Kishugu Aviation works alongside Kishugu Training, Kishugu Fleet Solutions, and Working on Fire to deliver comprehensive integrated fire management services to a diverse clientele that ranges from governmental, environmental, and military agencies to forestry and agricultural companies, NGOs, national and multinational development agencies, industry associations, and fire protection associations.
Their services encompass all aspects of wildfire management including aviation and fleet services, ground firefighter training and incident management teams. Beyond its firefighting expertise, Kishugu also provides disaster relief, wildlife darting and airlifting, anti-poaching, game capture services, aerial inspections, and other aerial work.
Kishugu Aviation’s fleet primarily consists of highly effective AT-802 fixed-wing bombers, UH-1H Huey helicopters (globally regarded as efficient, cost-effective firefighting helicopters), and Cessna 182s, 206s, and 210s that serve as command-and-control aircraft.
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