Kestrel awarded Industry leader recognised internationally

The Aerial Firefighting (AFF) awards aim to honour diligence, dedication and conscientiousness in aerial firefighting and the ceremony was held on March 19 in Nîmes, France.

The international award highlights the achievements of Kestrel in their fire-bombing program with Emergency Management Victoria and is a humbling award for the Mangalore team.

‘‘You put a lot of effort and concentration into the task so it’s nice to be recognised,’’ managing director Ray Cronin said.

‘‘It’s great to know people are giving credit where credit’s due and it’s nice for the team.

‘‘The conference in Europe highlights the work in innovation, and advancement in equipment and technology in the industry and the AFF awards are seen as a prime award.

‘‘Where we come in is that we’ve adapted our technology to suit the Australian market.’’

While in other areas, LA County in the US for example, to fill up their helicopters when they’ve landed, the sparse area of Victoria means this is not practical here.

‘‘Kestrel has been able to develop their technology to cater to our region.

‘‘We are able pick up water from farmers’ dams while hovering, to then bomb this water on fires,’’ Mr Cronin said.

‘‘We’re hoping we’ll be able to expand our capabilities for more rural regions.

‘‘We’ve done quite a few big fires this year, from Gippsland to Mt Buller.’’

Having evolved from the introduction of light single-engine helicopters and water buckets, Kestrel now operates 15 medium and large helicopters with an all-weather capability.

Innovation remains at the core of Kestrel’s values with the design and application of leading edge delivery systems, advanced flight crew training and the successful development and integration of night aerial firefighting.

In January of 2019, Kestrel created Australian history when its night helicopter firebombing capability was used by the Victorian Government for operational fire suppression. Kestrel’s phased development program and safety management plan engendered the confidence of the domestic aviation regulator, paving the way for the successful operational testing and implementation of capability to government services.

In February 2019, Kestrel was approved to carry out initial proving trials for both night fire bombing and snorkel filling. This developed into a full operational approval being issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority in March 2018.

Kestrel is the first Australian owned company to gain approval to conduct night aerial firefighting which includes the ability to conduct hover fill operations from natural or man-made water sources. Hover fill is considered an essential capability given the unique operational landscape within Australia and its successful application is considered an international first.

Kestrel continues to dominate the industry and improve the outcomes for bushfires in the Victorian community.

And with growing demands to continue increasing the fleet size, it is onwards and upwards for Kestrel.

‘‘For now we will stay the same size but within the next five years hopefully we’ll have grown. But we’re ensuring we expand at a controllable pace,’’ Mr Cronin said.

‘‘We’re always looking for something better for the community.

‘‘We’ll continue to build from here.’’