Welcome to VAFFU

We are an organization dedicated to simulating real world aerial firefighting operations on the VATSIM Network. We strive to be as realistic as possible in our procedures, and value the teamwork that makes aerial firefighting possible.

OUR MISSION

Our mission is to provide a realistic and fun environment for pilots to learn about the complexity and excitement of aerial firefighting. Our operations focus mostly on the United States, and we aim to replicate the real world AirAttack, Lead Plane, and Air Tanker companies that operate in this region. We take training very seriously and understand that while it may feel overwhelming to immediately be met with training obligations, it makes the experience much more enjoyable overall. We highly recommend that you have an understanding of basic VATSIM procedures before joining us, but we are happy to provide some basic training to get you flying as soon as possible!

LEARN MORE

Upcoming Events

Tue, Dec 31
AUSTRALIA 2025 FIRE SEASON
VATSIM + VAFFU
DETAILS
Dec 31, 2024, 7:00 PM – Feb 28, 2025, 11:00 PM
In this period of time VAFFU will be ferrying tankers and resources to Australia for the 2025 Fire Season
Share
Sat, Jan 25
VAFFU TRAINING EVENT - IVES PEAK DRILL FIRE
168.650 (MAIN DISPATCH)
DETAILS
Jan 25, 2025, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM MST
Attention to all units, the Ives Peak Fire near coordinates N46° 29'51" W121° 29' 19" has grown significantly and is now estimated at approximately 150 acres. Dry conditions are fueling the rapid expansion, with the fire spreading uphill through dense forest and rugged terrain. Visibility is heavily
Share
Sun, Jan 26
VAFFU TRAINING EVENT - BELLBIRD CREEK DRILL FIRE
168.650 (MAIN DISPATCH)
DETAILS
Jan 26, 2025, 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM MST
Attention to all units, the Bellbird Creek Fire, located near coordinates 33° 34' 24.8" S, 150° 36' 32.0" E, has expanded significantly and is now estimated at approximately 600 acres. Extremely dry conditions and strong winds are driving the fire’s rapid growth, with flames spreading uphill through
Share

ACTIVE FIRE CALLS

HOW TO JOIN

Become a VATSIM Member

All applicants MUST have active VATSIM memberships and be in good standing in order to join.

Sign Up On Our Website

Use the Login button at the top to login to your VAFFU account, or to make one! Applicants will receive an email from the VAFFU staff with more information, and a link to our official discord server.

Join Our Discord Server

Once in the server, you can receive training from our training staff, and eventually join our regular operations!

Simulators & Plugins Used At VAFFU

LORBY SI, FIREFIGHTER X

This Organization Is Proud To Be In Association With The VATSIM Network, FS3D, & SATO

Over the weekend our members had the chance to train on the summit ridge drill fire with new phraseology and standards. Here are some of the photos from that event.
#vatsim #vatsimnetwork #vaffu #aerialfirefighting #flying #flightsim

Yesterday, VAFFU members successfully dropped five loads of retardant on the Upper Applegate Fire in Oregon, located 10 miles southwest of Medford airport. This amounted to approximately 20,000 gallons of retardant. The operation was challenging because the simulators lacked the capability to display the actual fire. In VAFFU, we strive to replicate all FTA procedures as accurately as possible using available resources like ForeFlight and various fire maps from websites and news channels. The most difficult aspects of flying with VAFFU are often target descriptions and drop points. However, these challenges ultimately enhance our aerial firefighting techniques and descriptions.

#aerialfirefighting #vatsim #vatsimnetwork #vaffu #upperapplegatefire2024

This evening both TNKR304 (fictional) and Air Attack 51 worked to lay 18,800 Gallons of retardant on the right flank and head of the Post Fire. Each line of retardant tied into each other and anchored into Interstate 5. As depicted in the photos multiple tankers were on scene and many of our members had the chance to learn new procedures. Stay tuned because we have yet to see the end of the fire session as we are just getting started.

#postfire #aerialfiremagazine #aerialfirefighting #vaffu #fsexpo24 #vatsimnetwork #vatsimspecialoperstions

Post Fire day 2. What was supposed to be a training event turned into a day of surveillance. This morning AirAttack 224 assumed control of the Post fire. During the down time waiting for tankers the air attack officer was able to plot the fire lines for the incoming tankers before heading into KWJF for fuel and a lunch break. Operations will resume later this evening.

#aerialfirefighting #vatsimnetwork #vaffu #postfire

Hello everyone, This past weekend, one of our team members took TNKR120 to the skies for a run on the Post Fire. Join us for a training session on Friday, June 21st, at 9am MST. We wish all personnel involved in the Post Fire a safe and successful fire season this year!

VAFFU is committed to maintaining realism in our virtual operations to educate those interested in aerial firefighting techniques and procedures.

#postfire #aerialfirefighting #calfire #calfireairops #vatsim

We are thrilled to announce that we are just one person away from passing our VATSIM VSOA audit. Here are some photos taken by our members during their hour on the network. Once the audit is complete, we will hold training and mission events every two weeks to keep operations running smoothly. We’re excited for the new year on VATSIM and eagerly anticipating what @msfsofficial will bring. To all the real-world firefighters, stay safe and carry on.

#aerialfirefighting #vatsimspecialoperstions #vatsimnetwork #vaffu

CPTR4AK working on they McDonald’s Fire in Alaska yesterday.

#helicopter #aerialfirefighting #vatsim

.pro-gallery-wix-wrapper {display: block !important;} .pro-gallery-wix-wrapper .gallery-item-container {opacity: 1 !important; display: block !important;}

CHECK OUT OUR INSTAGRAM

Back to The Top

Background Photo Credit | MIKE V.