Regulations and Government
Los Angeles Fire Department Takes First Bell 505
The Los Angeles Fire Department will use a Bell 505 for command and control during aerial firefighting operations.
Los Angeles Fire Department Bell 505 atop large boulder in creek surrounded by mountains
The Los Angeles Fire Department will use a Bell 505 for training and command and control during aerial firefighting operations. (Photo: Bell)

The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) has taken delivery of its first Bell 505 turbine single light helicopter that it plans to use for training and helicopter coordinator (HLCO) during aerial firefighting operations. The HLCO assists incident commanders with tactics and strategy while simultaneously managing aircraft separation.

Dubbed “Fire-7,” the helicopter will also serve as a flight training and water drop training platform for LAFD’s pilots. In the coming months, the LAFD plans to add an Isolair fire tank to the aircraft to train pilots on precision aerial water drops.