GA pilots can play a vital role in supporting air traffic controllers by reporting fires and assisting in search operations. [Credit: Los Angeles County Fire Department]
Key Takeaways:
Pilots are often requested by Air Traffic Control (ATC) to assist in emergencies such as searching for ELT signals, downed aircraft, or reporting fires.
During fire season, it is crucial for pilots to promptly report any observed smoke or fires to ATC, as early detection can significantly aid in containment efforts.
Pilots must exercise caution when flying in fire-prone areas, avoiding smoke due to hazardous conditions, frequently checking for Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs), and planning alternate destinations.
Have you ever been flying and had the control tower or ATC ask if you see a fire or oil slick, ask you to check for an ELT signal in a certain area, or ask if you have seen a downed aircraft? When those types of questions are asked, someone is having—or is about to have—a very bad day.
It definitely gets your attention.
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Meg Godlewski has been an aviation journalist for more than 24 years and a CFI for more than 20 years. If she is not flying or teaching aviation, she is writing about it. Meg is a founding member of the Pilot Proficiency Center at EAA AirVenture and excels at the application of simulation technology to flatten the learning curve. Follow Meg on Twitter @2Lewski.
![GA pilots can play a vital role in supporting air traffic controllers by reporting fires and assisting in search operations. [Credit: Los Angeles County Fire Department]](https://www.flyingmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Gg3ttJLaIAAYuBH-1.jpg)
