THE Rural Fire Service is flying the first C130 Hercules water bomber to visit Australia over Nowra for the next three days.
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As bushfire season approaches, firefighters have been sent to HMAS Albatross to learn water-bombing techniques in the new aircraft.
RFS aviation training and planning officer Sam Crothers asked residents to be aware of low flying aircraft until Sunday.
Thor, the C130 aircraft, carries 15,000 litres of fire suppressant and will be used in practical demonstrations over Berry Mountain from 8.30am to 3pm on Friday to Sunday.
“Air attack supervisors from NSW, Queensland, South Australia and Victoria are here to learn how to fly fixed-wing and rotary-winged aircraft for the upcoming fire season,” he said.
Thor will be based at Richmond Airport.
An 802 Air Tractor, which can hold 3000 litres – complete with floats, will also be seen scooping water from the Shoalhaven River for mock water drops.
“We ask boat users and the general public to keep clear of the aircraft for safety precautions and be aware we will be taking water from the river at various times of the day,” Mr Crothers said.
Volunteers from Sussex Inlet, Kangaroo Valley and Beaumont will train over the weekend in ways to assist pilots of water bombers on foot.
“There may be minor disturbances as these practical demonstrations are carried out, but we ask the community to be patient as we train our firefighters to help our communities in the lead-up to this year’s bushfire season.”
