Story ID: 
Daher Joins New Aerial Firefighting Advocacy Group
By: Kerry Lynch
Caption: Daher, which has grown its family of utility Kodiak turboprop-singles, has become the first airframer member of the United Aerial Firefighters Association.
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Daher joined the United Aerial Firefighters Association (UAFA), helping to strengthen the voice of the newly formed specialized advocacy group as its first airframer member. The move comes as Daher builds on its Kodiak family of single-turboprop utility aircraft used in wildfire-suppression missions. This includes its Kodiak 100 Series II and the larger 900 introduced last year.
“UAFA’s goals are fully aligned with those of Daher: enhancing the safety, operability, and effectiveness of aircraft, especially in such challenging and unforgiving missions as combatting wildfires,” said Paul Carelli, director of Kodiak flight operations and special missions. “We intend to be an active UAFA member, bringing our expertise as a multi-role aircraft manufacturer, while also benefitting from the feedback of those who are on the front lines of aerial firefighting.”
Kodiak aircraft have been used in missions including spotting for firefighting crews and directing aerial tanker drops. Daher noted that the Kodiak, which is known for its ruggedness and ability to operate in difficult conditions and backcountry strips, is suited for the “air attack” function, guiding air tankers on the drop runs.
Among the UAFA founding members is Bridger Aerospace Group, one of the largest aerial firefighting companies in the U.S. and a Kodiak 100 operator. “We appreciate Daher’s proactivity in joining UAFA and look forward to benefitting from its aircraft manufacturer’s perspective as the association develops a strong and coordinated voice for the entire aerial firefighting community,” said Tim Sheehy, CEO of Bridger Aerospace and UAFA board member.
More than 320 Kodiaks have been delivered globally for a range of utility roles that include intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; aerial mapping; air ambulance transportation; parachute operations; resource analysis; wildlife management/anti-poaching; disaster/humanitarian relief; and training, in addition to firefighting. Several state and federal agencies, along with private contractors, operate Kodiaks to support wildland fire missions.