Buffalo Airways, based in the Northwest Territories, has introduced a new initiative to train northern pilots for wildfire suppression.
The program includes a two-seat training version of the Air Tractor AT-802, known as the Fire Boss, and an advanced flight simulator.
As reported by Cabin Radio, Buffalo Airways CEO Joe McBryan aims to attract local pilots to this specialized field: “I’m aiming this at northern pilots that are up here now, flying through Yellowknife or through the Mackenzie Valley, through the Beaufort Delta and the Sahtu.”
The training will include five hours on the simulator, 10 hours in the aircraft, and 40 hours of ground school.
The simulator allows pilots to practice emergency scenarios and refine their skills, tailored to conditions in the Northwest Territories.
McBryan emphasized the importance of training pilots who are familiar with the northern environment.
“Right now, we import a lot of pilots when we could be training our local pilots who have local knowledge of the terrain,” he said.
Buffalo Airways plans to use the new training aircraft to offer sessions in Hay River, Fort Smith, Fort McMurray, and other locations.
McBryan noted that training in the North better equips pilots for the unique challenges of the boreal forest compared to training in other regions, such as Florida’s swamps.
The skills developed through this program can also enable pilots to work internationally during the off-season.
Buffalo Airways has also partnered with simulator developer Daren Piggott to create customized training solutions.
Piggott builds simulators from actual aircraft parts, incorporating digital components to replicate cockpit experiences.
The AT-802 simulator allows pilots to practice scenarios based on the Northwest Territories’ severe fire seasons.
According to Piggott, feedback from experienced pilots ensures the simulator mimics real-life conditions: “When they say, ‘Wow, that was really close,’ we know we’re getting close.”
A second simulator for the Canadair CL-215 is under development, and future projects include a Boeing 737 simulator.
Buffalo Airways’ program aims to preserve the expertise of senior pilots while preparing a new generation for wildfire aviation.
More than 50 Buffalo employees are already involved in wildfire operations each summer, including mechanics specializing in firefighting aircraft.
McBryan highlighted the critical role of these aircraft during the 2023 wildfire season, recalling efforts to protect Hay River and its hospital.
He said, “The efficiency of the airplane – and the training of the crews – helped save the town twice and save the hospital three times.”
The Buffalo School of Aviation is growing into a comprehensive training hub, described by McBryan as “sort-of our own university out here.”
Buffalo Airways has launched a wildfire pilot training program in the Northwest Territories, offering hands-on experience with the AT-802 aircraft and a customized flight simulator.
Local pilots will benefit from tailored training designed for the boreal forest environment, preparing them for both regional and global firefighting efforts.
The initiative aims to develop northern expertise while preserving the knowledge of experienced aviators, with plans to expand training offerings across multiple locations in Canada.
