Australia standardises rules for large firefighting aircraft after 2023 crash

Following the 2023 crash of a Coulson Boeing 737-300, Australia has established standardized operating procedures (SOPs) for large firefighting aircraft. Australian fire agencies collaborated to create this SOP document, directly responding to concerns raised by the incident. Prior to the crash, no height rules were in place when the aircraft conducted downslope retardant drops into rising terrain. This new standardization aims to improve safety protocols during aerial firefighting operations across the country. The adoption of these SOPs represents a significant step forward in managing risks associated with heavy air tankers.