rotormatic, your post has nothing to do wth this discussion, but don't let that stop you!
PT6ER, I think your membername tells me you are the UTC guy! If I speak in stong terms about the Black Hawk, it is because I have 2500 hours in it, and was an SIP who trained the first Amy pilots in it. For guys to prefer a 45 year old S61 to it is simply worth a strong post or two, and exposes us to ask why they make it a Fire Hawk issue when in reality, they have strong commercial interests to defend, and it has nothing to do with the aircraft.
If SASless and rotormatic had the contract, there would be no discussion, they would fly Wright Flyers on the contract, if it made them an extra buck. They would defame the Black Hawk if it made the an extra buck, just as fast.
This thread has little to do with Fire Hawk, and lots to do with stone cold business.