Nick: Wake up! Sasless and Rotormatic are right on. The government needs to stay out of the commercial helicopter business. We can't afford them. Have you turned your TV on yet and watched the Army Helicopters moving the sand bags? Last weekend we watched one of Carson's S-61 lap the entire field every turn. If I am a tax payer I want the S-61. Save the Army for war which is what they are suppose to be doing. Did you see the Army with the water bucket? I think they close their eyes before the drop. Not their fault but it's not what they are trained for. The government needs to stay out of the EMS and Fire business. Leave it to the pros.
I wish your son the best in Iraq. I can also tell you some are bidding on contracts in Iraq. And yes there are privately owned Gunships......
Open your eyes!