U.S. Officials Debate Aerial Firefighting Policy | Aviation International News

Regulations and Government

Burning Questions at the Apex of Fire Fighting Season

U.S. officials are refiguring aerial firefighting requirements

CalFire Sikorsky Firehawk helicopter — Sikorsky’s Firehawk is a successful fire-suppression aircraft but much more expensive than surplus military Black Hawks. (Photo: Lockheed Martin)

By Mark Huber • Contributor

September 1, 2023

By early August, the worst Canadian wildfires on record had torched more than 32 million acres, created the most unhealthy air quality ever measured in several North American cities, and spewed more than 25 percent of the globe’s annual carbon dioxide (CO2) output into the atmosphere. Of the more than 1,000 fires burning, nearly 700 were labeled “OC” or out-of-control, charring an area the size of Greece, from Quebec to well north of the Arctic Circle.

Meanwhile, U.S. policymakers are grappling with the new reality of fire seasons that are longer, more volatile, and increasingly destructive. And more frequently, the solution involves more air attacks on fires, especially when they are in the nascent stages and before they can spread.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

Watchdog Warns of Lack of FAA Purchase Card Oversight

DOT OIG estimates as much as one-third of purchase card transactions did not have proper controls

Regulations and Government

FAA headquarters sign

Iran War Continues To Weigh on Gulf Bizjet Traffic

Lastest data from WingX shows further decline in traffic in region

Regulations and Government

MEBAA 2024 show business jets

Jury Sides with Aerosonic in Joby Trade Secrets Case

Probe maker wins $116.9 million verdict against eVTOL developer

Regulations and Government

Joby’s eVTOL flies at sunset

Charter Operators Grapple with Mexico’s FDR Requirements

Light to midsize jets typically aren’t equipped with FDRs

Regulations and Government

Delaware Court Overturns SmartSky Damages Award

Patent complaint was filed in 2022

Regulations and Government

Smartsky connectivity on a Citation CJ3

Mexico Ends Single-entry Charter Landing Permits

Operators should expect increased scrutiny and sanctions for permit violations

Regulations and Government

jets on ramp at Mexican airport

U.S. Marines Extend Regent’s Electric Seaglider Deal

Phase IV adds $5 million, bringing the contract’s total to $19.25 million

Regulations and Government

U.S. Marines trial Regent Craft seaglider

KanRus Owner Sentenced for Avionics Export Violations

Company sold controlled technology to Russian buyers without required export licenses

Regulations and Government