Originally Posted by
TBM-Legend
But if you also think that a few surplus airline pilots can step into a Large Air Tanker then read this:
No one was ever saying that surplus airline pilots could merely "step" into a LAT and immediately begin firefighting ops.
What was proposed was airline pilots using their endorsements and substantial experience on type could enter into an aerial firefighting role as SIC after having received specific aerial firefighting training, then hone their skills to proceed to the LHS once a commensurate experience level was reached. No one suggested getting two stood down airline pilots, shoving them into a tanker and saying "off you go and figure it out for yourselves"
Of course this would be better done as a long term project to create an Australian Aerial Firefighting Service and develop our own home grown capabilities. I could even imagine a reserve style system where some members would fly for an airline during the winter and then spend some time in firefighting role over summer.