Elvis has not left the building

[mickjoebill]

Media are suggesting that "Elvis" the Erikson Skycrane should have been dispatched to Tasmania from Victoria to combat the fire that obliterated most of a small town on the south coast on the weekend.

The Tasmanian fire chief says that there was no adequate support for the craft so it remained in the hanger in Victoria, 650km from the action.

Under these circumstances what support is needed for a one or two day gig in a Skycrane?


Mickjoebill

[spinwing]

Mmmmm...

.... what support is needed for a one or two day gig in a Skycrane?..

I would suggest ...

A ****LOAD of Jet A1 fuel ... (and their ground crews tools etc of course!) to keep the big bugga flying !!

:E

[Maverick Laddie]

Mickjoebill

"Under these circumstances what support is needed for a one or two day gig in a Skycrane?"

From Experience, Two fire seasons with Elsie N218AC in Italy all we had was a 20ft container, One Main Blade box, a man rider, a load of Foam, Oh and yes a S**t load of Jet A1.

MAV

[Never in Balance]

I think it would have been easier to send one of the S61, logistics wise it would have been better.

Not sure how much fuel the crane burns, but they would've had to have a fuel truck at Wilsons Prom and then a stop off in Launceston, for a top off.
There are at least 2 engineers (in a truck) and also a dedicated fuel truck that follows them.

I believe a 412 with a belly tank left yesterday from Victoria to help assist.

All the best to the boys and girls down that way.

NiB