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 should be prepared to assist Air Traffic Control (ATC) with emergency requests, such as searching for ELT signals, downed aircraft, or unusual observations like oil slicks or fires.
During fire season, pilots are encouraged to report any observed smoke or fires to ATC promptly, as this can be crucial for early detection and response, even if others may have reported it.
When flying in fire-prone areas, pilots must remain aware of current conditions, frequently refresh navigation apps for Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs), plan alternate destinations, and always avoid flying into smoke due to severe visibility and heat hazards.
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)
