Section 4: Flight Operations
Bambi Bucket Operations Manual 11
Variable Fill Capability
The pilot can vary the bucket’s capacity by the speed at which it is pulled from the water. As the
submerged bucket is lifted, water pressure expands the fabric bucket shell and its internal fiberglass
battens flex outward, increasing the bucket’s volume. The greater the pressure, the more volume the
bucket holds. Volume can also be regulated using the cinch strap on various bucket models. Also,
PowerFill accessories can be used to regulate loads.
Varying the speed of the lift is often the best way to adjust volume. This allows the pilot to vary the
load at each fill to best suit the fuel load and prevailing lift conditions. Most pilots find it takes a dozen
or so fills to get the feel of variable fill action on the Bambi Bucket.
Cinch Strap
The cinch strap, located inside the bucket on models 6072-4453 and outside on models 5566-HL9800,
allows the pilot to reduce the volume of the bucket to a pre-set position. The cinch strap is marked with
percentage settings that denote several load levels. The cinch strap allows you to reduce the volume of
the bucket to lower levels than by straight lifting speed alone.
Use of the cinch strap at minimal bucket volume may result in some loss of the secondary seal because of
the sidewalls of the bucket being more vertical (ideal sealing results from the angle between the sidewall
of the bucket and the valve fabric being close to 90°). It is important to note that the top of the bucket is
always the spill line. The moment that the bucket breaks the surface of the water, it is ready to fly.
High Elevation Operations
In some areas, fire conditions require the reduction of bucket loads to accommodate weight restrictions
caused by high elevation operations. In these circumstances, a smaller bucket or the use of a Bambi
MAX or Bambi Torrentula bucket should be considered.
The lowest fill setting for all models is 70%. Always check the cinch strap to determine the correct
setting.
Do not tighten the cinch strap past the smallest load marking. Over tightening can damage the bucket
shell or prevent the valve from dumping.
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