Originally Posted by
dr dre
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.
I have enough experience of Australian organisational ability, Australian politics, the Green movement, regulators, public servants and Australian unions to categorically state that what you propose, if implemented today, would be an absolute disaster for the country. Do you want me to spell it out? Let Coulson and company do the job and tell the AFAP to but out.