Pete
Actually I've been up since 0500EST, just not at the computer.
My current expertise is keeping very old aircraft flying so I've some knowledge of what I'm saying aircraft ops and engineering wise. In a previous life I was a B747 FE so I know a little about them as well.
I've discussed purchasing and tendering with some potential operators but the problem is that to be both financially and operationally viable a minimum common fleet size is needed, probably beyond 3 +aircraft, say another 3 airframes for spares, damage, backup etc. On top of that specialised supporting road vehicles and a good engineering setup. That is why I'm suggesting the Trackers. They are cheap to purchase, have an established modification available, have overseas current operators who can train staff and use an industry standard power plant. If you want to look at what is required by a very professional operator look at Neptune Aviation web site.
To justify doing all that, an ongoing 10 year Govt contract is needed and so far no-one that I've spoken to has been able to get a committment for more than one season. Thats certainly no good for purchasing, converting and an annual down time of 8 months of the year.
Its also the current problem with the US operators who as a result of a couple of accidents and the resulting politics including some very interesting sideline operations involving shadowy organisations, have been only able to source work 1 season at a time and thus aren't in a position to modernise.Basically with the exception of 1 or 2 operators their aircraft are past their use by date or getting close
Also of interest is that in the US, their newer ( 1950/60s)heavy aircraft have been gifted out of the USAF/USN stockpile which makes it less costly to startup.That is the reason for the main US guys to use Orions and C130As verses the Canadians who use old civil aircraft like the L188 Electra which was the civil version of the Orion.
What started our discussion is the Vic Gov propsal to use a B747 or DC10 at $10,000,000 cost for the season. My original point was and is that that kind of money would be better spent on something more flexible and longer term than a 1 shot 100 ton drop only here for a limited time and certainly restricted by weight and handling requirements to big city runways.However the only way to get it is by a Gov. and probably the Federal Gov. funding the INITIAL operators via a long term contract. Once an industry is established it may be a different story
Wunwing
Last edited by Wunwing; 23rd Nov 2009 at 03:42.