Tormas, albeit new to PPrune, did let you know hes the man. One good point he brings out that was not touched on earlier as to transitions etc.
Once someone is a licensed Pilot, and in this situation Commercially licensed, it is not necessary for one to re-learn the whole commercial program to get checked out. Its just a simple transition to another aircraft...A familiarization as he mentioned. The pilots who will be getting the contracts probably wont be hired unless they have the experience. Sounds to me like the game is being played by the rules.
As to Glmmerman, also new to PPrune.(Funny how folks get registered if something really bugs them). "Wheres the Fires" Thats something that Fire Aviation assets all over the world have to deal with. In the states they spend a lot of fire season sitting around waiting. When it happens its balls to the wall and long hours of work. One can only predict fires, based on available fuel, weather etc.
AS to the company in the Cape that has access to "four hueys" .if they are the four that started this thread, I dont think they should be considered airworthy and not part of the equation.. If they in fact are civilian B205A1 Aircraft that also brings up some thoughts. As in the states the jealousy of those with Civilian B205s versus those who have STCd the UH-1 is enormous. The used B205s cost usually over $1M wheras the UH-1 were usually picked up for say $250k and STCd for a few thousand more. It made a lot of folks unhappy. Could this be the case in Glimmermans post??