South Dakota’s Wildland Fire Division conducted its annual wildland fire helicopter recertification with the South Dakota National Guard Aviation Unit on May 20.
The certification allows for South Dakota Army National Guard Black Hawk helicopters to respond to wildland fires.
The yearly certification is required by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Interior.
Flight operations training took place at a helibase located at the Hot Springs airport.
Aerial water delivery practice occurred on the east end of Sheps Canyon with National Guard helicopters dipping water buckets in Angostura Reservoir.
South Dakota Firefighter Helicopter Recertification
South Dakota Wildland Fire Division completed its annual recertification for helicopter operations on a wildfire with the SD Army National Guard at the Angostura Reservoir
Annual recertification for helicopter operations on a wildfire with the SD Army National Guard