Contracting causes cost cuts
One of the problems the contractors in the USA face is dealing with the contracting procedures with the government agency. They are limited in what they can provide in maintenance by the amount designated in the proposal of the contract. If more mechanics are required in during a heavy season it is hard to get the funds to pay them. With the negociated bidding procedure operators have to budget their resources based on the previous few years accounts. The contracting system needs some repair to enable the operator to provide what is needed, when they need to do it.
As the system is today, the cost of buying new aircraft (ie, CL-414 or other new aircraft) is prohibitive. The bottom line is that operators can not operate in 2002 with a 1975 budget!!
NOTE: Chuck Ellsworth... I think the Mars can pack 7000gal or 60,000lbs of water instead of 6000 lbs. I may be worng! I love your part of the world up there!