Anyone know if the 6 Convairs that the USFS is using to cover for Aero Union closing have to meet the same standards as US tankers? I ask because I know of 3 well maintained DC-7s that are sitting in central OR which the USFS won't touch because they are "civilian" platforms and don't have an airframe service limit like the P2V and P3.
I'd be curious to know whether these aircraft have to meet the same standards as US companies, or if they are exempt because they are certified though the Canadian system. Seems to me that Convairs are also civilian platforms too.
Don't get me wrong about Conair. I know a few of their pilots and they do great work. I've even flown on many a fire in which they came south of the border and saved homes. I just get an uneasy feeling watching US tanker companies struggle to remain in operation while seeing our US tax dollars go to Canada...especially in this economy.
I'd be curious to know whether these aircraft have to meet the same standards as US companies, or if they are exempt because they are certified though the Canadian system. Seems to me that Convairs are also civilian platforms too.
Don't get me wrong about Conair. I know a few of their pilots and they do great work. I've even flown on many a fire in which they came south of the border and saved homes. I just get an uneasy feeling watching US tanker companies struggle to remain in operation while seeing our US tax dollars go to Canada...especially in this economy.
