Denver Post, on the air tanker issue

Tanker 42 at JEFFCO
Tanker 42 at JEFFCO
Tanker 42, a CV-580, at JEFFCO, June 9, 2012. Photo by Shane Hervey

Jeremy Meyer of the Denver Post has written a well-researched article about the current state of what is left of the federal air tanker fleet, cut by 80 percent over the last 10 years. He did something that few reporters have done. He actually read some of the largely ignored studies that well-respected experts have completed on how to improve the safety and efficiency of aerial firefighting.

One of the most authoritative studies was contributed by the Blue Ribbon Panel, convened after two museum-age air tankers literally fell apart in midair in 2002. That report as well as the other studies can be found on our Wildfire Documents page. The Blue Ribbon Panel was co-chaired by Jim Hall, former Chairman of the National Transportation Safety board who has an opinion about the current state of the air tanker fleet.

You should read the article, but here are some excerpts:

=========================================================

It’s impossible to know whether the High Park fire could have been stalled in its early stages on June 9 when the lightning-caused fire blew up.

First signs of the fire were called in to dispatchers about 6 a.m. A smaller single-engine air tanker, which can carry about 800 gallons of retardant, was over the fire by 9 a.m.

A heavy air tanker sent from Grand Junction was on the fire by noon, according to Steve Segin, spokesman for the Rocky Mountain Area Coordination Center.
[…]
The federal government convened the blue-ribbon panel to study the system, which resulted in a scathing report that blasted the Forest Service’s air tanker system, calling it “unsustainable” and the industry’s safety record of 136 dead pilots since 1958 “abysmal.” At least four large air tankers have crashed since then, killing 10 people, according to a website tracking the fatalities.

The 2002 panel recommended a host of fixes, including that the fleet be modernized, pilots receive more training, planes get more inspections and the contracting process be changed.
[…]
Hall, the blue-ribbon panel chair, said he has been dismayed by the lack of urgency in Congress as the threat of fire in the West has increased because of climate change and an epidemic of beetle-killed trees.

“We put out a report 10 years ago that is as current as if we had issued it yesterday,” Hall said. “This reliance on old military aircraft is not the way that the country needs to address a threat this serious. Why the Forest Service or anyone would think individuals who are putting their lives on the line to save homes and lives should be flying that type of aircraft is beyond me.”

Seven next-generation airplanes over the next two years is a good start but not adequate, said Gabbert, whose blog has been following every process.

“It doesn’t come close to fixing the problem,” he said. “Experts say we need 30 or 40 or even 50. This decision should have been made 10 to 20 years ago. They knew this day would come. Most of the Western U.S.’s fire season hasn’t even started yet.

“When the West really gets into the fire season, that will be the proof.”

=========================================================

More information:

 

Typos, let us know HERE, and specify which article. Please read the commenting rules before you post a comment.

Author: Bill Gabbert

After working full time in wildland fire for 33 years, he continues to learn, and strives to be a Student of Fire.

8 thoughts on “Denver Post, on the air tanker issue”

  1. If I occupied a Congressional seat I would be very hesitant to “sign off” on any forest/wildland fixed wing air tanker bill. Too many studies. What is the long term objective? As a congressperson (I’m not) I help make available eight (8) MAFF military fixed wing air tankers. You continue to ignored the VLAT companies and my military tankers sit ideal. (understand a VLAT is finally working-after-the fact) When the studies finally are complete give me a call, we’ll have lunch.

    0
    0
  2. USFS is negligent in more ways than just getting adequate air support to fires. Ground support and initial attack is sorely lacking also. I hope that Mr. Gabbert and Mr. Meyer will continue their research and excellent writing in these areas also. Before the West burns to a cinder.

    0
    0
  3. Those times, about 6 A.M. fire started, three hours later a SEAT (more like 600 gallons) around noon (luckey it was the same day) a LAT, sounds like the Station Fire. Another good example for the NEED of a National Aerial Fire Fighting Agency.

    0
    0
    1. Johnny – so we NEED a NAFFA? How about some specifics: types of aircraft (fixed wing and rotary, air tankers, helitankers, lead planes, SJ planes, SEATs???); who owns them? Are the pilots and support staff government and/or private? What do they do in the off-season? Who makes the decisions to commit an aircraft? And last but surely not least: how much $$ and who pays for it? Feds/States/Counties?USFA/FEMA/DHS? Give us you ideas please.

      0
      0
  4. One thing the 580 -ah the newest Convair is
    what 58 years or so old?
    But, they are jets….

    0
    0
  5. Excellent reporting in the Post by Jeremy Meyer. I hope his editors take note of the popularity of that piece and keep him on the issue.

    0
    0

Comments are closed.