Regardless of the personal attacks, Rosemary is on the right track, just hasn't thought it through, IMHO.
Why on earth have we a Free Trade Agreement with the USA, when they won't let our aircraft operate there, yet we let them come over here? Local operators are at the rag end of any handouts from the Feds, and the treatment of John McD is shocking, considering the investment that he has made.
ISTR that his 214B's carry about 2700lt, not "heavy" against the Aircrane, but then how often do they lift the advertised 9000lt? Most seasons they average 7000lt a drop (even less with "Rocky"), so a couple of 214B's aren't far behind, and as already stated they're about 30% cheaper per litre on the flames!!
Getting to the article, why weren't McD's given a guernsey instead of $US5-600k squandered on airfreight charges to bring in 2 x Aircranes? Why don't our Fire Authorities (Fed and State) support local industry, and insist on our (supposed) allies and co signatories to the FTA to allow our machines over to the USA, thus giving half a chance of a return on investment to allow a home grown industry?
Rant over
