Firefighting Helicopter

On October 7, 2002, Metro Fire conducted the ribbon cutting ceremony for its newest addition to the fleet.  Copter 1 was introduced to a large crowd of 300+ District personnel and community officials.  The aircraft has been painstakingly retrofitted from its former use as a military aircraft to a firefighting aircraft.  Bell Helicopter produced more than 9,000 Huey’s from the 1950s to the present. The Huey is still flown in over 40 countries today. The UH-1H helicopter is the ideal aircraft platform to base firefighting and rescue operations for the Sacramento area.

San Joaquin Helicopters in Delano, California, completed the retrofit on September 20, 2002.  The aircraft was purchased from military surplus for $1,500.  The airframe was first built in 1972 and only has 3,600 hours on the original airframe. The aircraft is normally staffed with a crew of three and can carry an additional eight personnel for transport.  The aircraft is staffed during fire season and is authorized to fly daylight hours. 

Additionally, the aircraft can be staffed for significant events or training during non-fire season. The water tank can carry 325 gallons and can deliver 4,000 to 6,000 gallons per hour to the fire.  The aircraft water tank can be filled by using the Hover fill system or using a water point staffed by trained District personnel. The aircraft is currently available for the following missions: wild land firefighting, personnel transportation, cargo transportation, aerial observation for MCI, MVA, water rescue, and structure fires

 Look for Copter 1 in the skies around Sacramento.

Helicopter Video

Helicopter Report

View pictures of the Metro Fire Helicopter Project