Yes lets get back to the origins of the thread although the discussions on ground resources has been illuminating.
What I still don't understand is why there is so much negative opinion on large aircraft? I understand that there are limitations on their use but the divide between the rest of the World and Australia is particularly glaring. As I understand the current Australian fleet is a DC10, 2 x B737 and an RJ in NSW and a C130 and RJ in Victoria. Only one of those seven is locally owned but even that is overseas operated. Why aren't there any in the rest of the states?
A quick search of US data shows CALFIRE alone has 23 Trackers and has just obtained 7 Hercs. The total fleet of private operators in Canada and the US is over 80 including MD80s, B737, Hercs,Electras, Orions, CV580s,B747 and Baes/RJs. Coulson has just purchased 7 C130H, just the same type that the RAAF recently scrapped. Airstrike are now using Orions of the type that we recently disposed of from the RAAF.
Wunwing