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Old 7th Nov 2009, 19:20
  #15 (permalink)  
chimbu warrior
 
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Paradise
Age: 68
Posts: 1,553
Received 52 Likes on 20 Posts
I'm no expert either, but doubt that wide body jets are the answer for Australia.

If Tullamarine is the only airport it can use in Victoria (okay Avalon too), there are going to be lots of efficiency problems.

As for CL-215's or 415's, we seem to be a bit short of waterways of sufficient size to enable a decent scooping run.

Trackers or Convairs could be an option, but the AT-502 & 802 will always deliver the best bang for the buck in Australia -
  • lots of them already here (thus limited additional capital cost)
  • plenty of skilled and experienced crews (already spend their days close to terrain)
  • can land almost anywhere
  • quickest to turn around

It is my sincere hope that we do not ever see another fire season like last summer.
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