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 urgent requests, such as searching for ELT signals, downed aircraft, or environmental hazards, as these efforts are vital for emergency response.
Reporting observed fires from the air to ATC is crucial, especially during fire season, to enable early intervention and prevent significant damage, even if you suspect others may have already reported it.
When flying during fire season, pilots must prioritize safety by actively checking for Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs), planning alternate destinations, and strictly avoiding flying into smoke due to its severe 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)
