LOADING SEATS

A newly arrived SEAT must shut down for the first load in order to review procedures with the parking tender and loaders.

FWPT WILL CONFIRM AMOUNT PILOT WOULD LIKE TO LOAD SEAT PILOT MONITORS LOAD THROUGH PLEXIGLASS WINDOW INTO THE HOPPER LOADING SEATS

When the desired payload has been reached, a chopping motion of the arm by the pilot signals the loaders to stop loading. The pilot must keep in mind the loaders will need a few extra seconds to shut down the pump and close the loading valve prior to reaching the desired payload..

It is critical that the pilot, loaders and mixmaster communicate with one another and concentrate on their tasks. To be distracted could allow the SEAT to be overloaded

>>If the Micro Motion indicates the desired payload has been reached and the loaders have not shut down the pump or signaled the mixmaster to shut down, the MXMS will immediately shut down the pump and confer with pilot and loaders to insure no overloads.

REMEMBER: Individual Pilots may use different arm motions to indicate the level of retardant in their tank. Make sure to do a preview with the pilot of how they intend to inform you of when to stop loading

PROCEDURES FOR LOADING SEATS WITH MICRO MOTION METERS : There have been instances of discrepancies that have surfaced in the field between Micro Motion Meter readings and aircraft hopper measurements.The pilot must ensure that a complete briefing is received from the loaders and mixmaster concerning the loading procedures established for each base. The mixmaster is responsible to verify that the Micro Motion Meter, refractometer, and amount of retardant loaded into the SEAT correlate. If not operations will cease until the discrepancy is resolved.

Hot loading is the process were the aircraft will pull into the pit, put the engine into a flat pitch but not shut down during the loading process.

 Eye protection  Ear protection  Proper foot ware

SEAT HOT LOADING: The parking tender supervises the loading operation. The pilot will communicate with the FWPT over the radio how much retardant they will take. The FWPT will pass that information to the mixmaster and/or loading crew. SEAT HOT LOADING: The parking tender supervises the loading operation. The pilot will communicate with the FWPT over the radio how much retardant they will take. The FWPT will pass that information to the mixmaster and/or loading crew.

The pilot will then signal with the radio or hand motion that they are ready to begin loading. Only then will the parking tender order or motion the loaders to the aircraft to begin loading. The pilot will then signal with the radio or hand motion that they are ready to begin loading. Only then will the parking tender order or motion the loaders to the aircraft to begin loading.

Loaders always approach from the side and behind the wing in full view of the FWPT and MXMS. If the wing blocks the view, one will position out by the wing tip.

Loaders will exit the loading area the same direction the came in. They will then clear the pit area completely. The FWPT will then motion the aircraft to exit the pit after ensuring the loading crew and equipment are well clear.