Kurt Atkins, Air Tactical Group Supervisor (ATGS, aka “Air Attack”)
B.S., University of New Hampshire
USDA Forest Service
Air attack is essentially air traffic control over a fire’s airspace. We coordinate all aircraft to safely provide support to the firefighters on the ground. We also provide a bird’s eye view and critical information for the ground personnel.
Critical thinking, organization, operational experience, and, in all honesty, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can be used as an asset in a very complex environment that requires multitasking and rapid shifts in what requires your attention.
Six radios on different frequencies all needing to talk to you at the same time to provide information or request your assistance.
A twin-engine airplane with powerful Global Positioning System (GPS) and radio equipment, both of which you need to know how to program, utilize, and troubleshoot.
Weather and fuel type matter most. Also, the people are amazing.
I moved to northern California after college, and I got picked up on my first handcrew when they were down one person. When I went to my first fire, I came out covered in dirt, soot, and ash, and was hooked.
