Bode Aviation

Aerial firefighting operators play a vital role in controlling wildfires and protecting nature and communities. Achieving safe and strategic operations demands unparalleled situational awareness and seamless coordination with ground crews.

Bode Aviation stands at the forefront of aerial firefighting, integrating modern technology and advanced aircraft to provide superior services.

It leverages its experience with the Department of Defense (DoD) and various government agencies to achieve greater effectiveness. Beyond ariel firefighting, it specializes in a range of services, including full-service maintenance repair and overhaul, aircraft modification, private charter, and flight training.

“For over 20 years, we have been a key player in aerial supervision, providing airplanes and pilots to the U.S. Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the U.S. Department of the Interior,” says Creig Rice, vice president of corporate development and director of operations. “These agencies oversee vast tracts of land and rely on our expertise to protect the areas from the devastating impact of wildfires.”

Soaring Above the Flames

Bode Aviation has integrated military-grade technology into civilian firefighting operations. It has introduced PC-12 turboprop aircraft equipped with 15-inch electro-optic and infrared sensors akin to those used by the U.S. Air Force. These sensors allow for precise fire mapping both day and night.

“The aircraft’s sophisticated mission system software, linked to these sensors, ensures that all data is geo-referenced for accurate identification of fire locations,” says Rice.

Bode Aviation employs geo-referenced video technology that captures both infrared and electro-optical formats, providing real-time monitoring of fire hotspots. This technology offers critical insights into the most intensely burning areas, verifies fire lines established by firefighters, and assesses whether the fire has breached these defenses. The information is transmitted via radio or high-speed internet through a lower earth orbit satellite system, allowing ground personnel to download geo-rectified images on mobile devices or at command centers.

Real-time situational awareness is crucial, especially when smoke obstructs visibility. Bode Aviation's infrared cameras can penetrate smoke to deliver precise, geo-referenced visuals of a wildfire's behavior. This ensures ground crews are informed of a fire's location and movement despite limited visibility, enabling them to make informed decisions based on up-to-the-minute data.

Innovative Strategies and Technological Advancements

In a recent wildfire in Northern New Mexico, Bode Aviation’s use of the intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) platform proved pivotal. The rapid spread of fire and heavy smoke hampered ground visibility and traditional firefighting methods. Real-time imagery and videos allowed ground crews to “see” through the smoke. This data helped the incident commander track the progression of fire and deploy resources strategically, resulting in efficient containment.

The adoption of new technologies reflects Bode Aviation’s commitment to enhancing response capabilities. A significant one is the introduction of the Citation jet as an air attack platform. The shift from traditional low-altitude turboprop aircraft to faster jets addresses the critical need for speed and efficiency in command-and-control missions.

The Citation offers enhanced visibility due to the absence of obstructive propellers and features high-speed internet capabilities and multiple radios for seamless communication and command functions. This innovation sets a new standard in the industry.

Bode’s Wings of Success

At Bode Aviation, excellence in aerial firefighting is driven by a team of dedicated professionals.

All pilots are certified by the Forest Service and receive specialized training for low-altitude and mountain flying, as well as advanced flying instruments. The company’s rigorous training curriculum also ensures they are proficient in coordinating tactical missions during firefighting.

Mission systems are operated by individuals with deep knowledge of fire behavior and wildland firefighting protocols, enhancing real-time situational awareness for effective airborne operations over fire-prone landscapes.

“Our team is comprised predominately of former military and law enforcement individuals, driven by a service mentality to contribute to the greater good,” says Rice.

This ethos fosters a culture of purposeful service, attracting experts committed to safeguarding communities and national security.

Commitment to Safety and Quality

In 2023, a major milestone was reached by the integration of a low-earth orbit, high-speed data satellite communication system into one of its PC-12 aircraft. The SATCOM system provides fiber-like speeds in the air, enabling system operators to deliver the firefighters on the ground near-real-time critical information, such as geo-referenced infrared snapshots. The data enhances situational awareness, safety, and asset utilization, making firefighting operations more efficient and effective.

The introduction of Citation 550 as a command-and-control platform adds to the milestones. Modified to meet Forest Service requirements, it features six radios for comprehensive communication capabilities. The Citation's speed and advanced visibility offer faster response times, for a vast improvement over the previously used turboprop aircraft.

A commitment to safety and quality is evident in Bode Aviation’s 145 repair stations and certifications under AS9100 and AS9110 quality management systems. As an early adopter of the FAA's Safety Management System (SMS) voluntary program, it has demonstrated a proactive approach to safety, achieving the certification well ahead of industry mandates.

Flight into the Future

Set to expand its operations, focusing on enhancing wildfire response capabilities for government applications, Bode is scaling its fleet of fire ISR aircraft and Citation jets swiftly combat fire threats.

It aims to harness AI-driven tools and state-of-the-art sensor technologies to ensure agile responses and informed decision-making. These advancements are positioning Bode Aviation to proactively address the challenges of wildfires, protecting communities and natural resources.