I dont know your involvement with these aircraft or what you base your statements on. I was involved with obtaining Helicopters and Parts for my agency.
I can tell you that the airframes we received were flown to us by the U.S. Army, were in great shape and average Airframe time was 2-3000 total hours. Today I fly Tour Aircraft with average airframe time of around 10,000 hours.
Albeit the OH-58 is not a B206 or a Huey is not a B205, at least in the eyes of Bell. However they use virtually all the same parts. (except for the Huey tailrotor and assembly). Many of the new surplus parts I obtained were right out of the package from Bell and for either the B206, or B205. If you see one of these Aircraft, look at the data plate, it might surprise you.
Bell would not allow a new Huey or Kiowa part on a B205/B206 but WOULD sell you a new B205/B206 part for YOUR Huey or Kiowa.
I always say I believe Bell lost Millions of dollars in Aircraft sales because of their stubborn attitude towards those who finally had the ability to get into the Airborne side of law Enforcement due to the surplus program. Eurocopters is kicking their butts bigtime.
Im sure MD Helicopters were not happy on the Litigation, but this is the US of A , We have more Lawyers than People. Blood in the Water attracts Sharks.
If you check on the accidents that occured when Law Enforcement first obtained these aircraft, Im sure you will find that the majority had little or nothing to do with their age or condition. More to do with Pilot Qualifications, Hazards of the Missions and Maintaining things properly.
As to the other "Emergency Services" as you mention, most are from larger agencies with extremely Deep Pockets. They can afford new toys. The Surplus program was the best thing that ever happened to some smaller agencies that could not afford the initial jumpsart that was needed. Many are doing quite well today. Go to
www.alea.org and check it out.
No matter what is said, the Taxpayers got their money back twice, as the alternative was to scrap all this stuff. I also think that if the taxpayer was aware of the amount that was destroyed, they would call for prosecution.
Lets beat this around some more, its always been a Burr in My Saddle.