Equipment Operation & Maintenance Flashcards

Plastic sphere dispensers (PSDs) used for aerial ignition rely on a chemical reaction between which two substances?

Answer: Potassium permanganate and ethylene glycol

The machine injects ethylene glycol into spheres holding potassium permanganate, causing delayed ignition after release.

A helitorch dispenses which type of fuel?

Answer: Gelled (thickened) gasoline

Helitorches drop burning gelled gasoline mixed with a thickening agent so it falls as globs.

During PSD operations, a sphere jams and begins to smoke inside the machine. What should happen?

Answer: Follow the emergency procedure to stop the machine and jettison or extinguish per the operator's plan

In-machine fires are a known hazard, so crews follow pre-briefed shutdown, extinguish, or jettison procedures.

Why are PSD spheres and glycol stored separately and away from heat?

Answer: Contact between the chemicals or heat can cause unintended ignition

Potassium permanganate is a strong oxidizer that can ignite on contact with glycol or other organics.

A fusee is used to ignite fuel during a burn. Approximately how long does a standard fusee burn?

Answer: About 10 to 30 minutes, depending on type

Common fusees burn roughly 10 to 30 minutes, making them handy for spot ignition.

A terra torch is best described as which type of tool?

Answer: A vehicle-mounted device that projects a stream of burning gelled fuel

Terra torches are ground-based, truck- or ATV-mounted, and throw burning gelled fuel to ignite from a distance.

Before an aerial ignition operation, which is required?

Answer: A briefing that covers ignition pattern, communications, and emergency procedures with the aircraft and ground personnel

Aerial ignition requires coordinated briefings so the aircraft and ground crews share the plan and contingencies.