Sure is entertaining reading the 44 page question-and-answer on the new USFS CWN contract coming out this fall.

"Question: Can you please be realistic?"

"Answer: Thank you for your question.  No."

Although I am curious what happens if everyone just doesn't bid and call their bluff. And good luck to anyone pursuing an aeriel observation type 3. Or a 212. Or figuring out how to deal with personal electronic devices by 2025... The online event should be entertaining. 

In all seriousness though, it's going to change the entire fire world. I'm just curious what aircraft and operators will make the cut with the 2000 manufacture date, added avionics and equipment, etc etc. 

I can't imagine an aircraft inspector being able to overlook the lack of a loudspeaker or a Traffic system and issue a card.  I don't think there's much of a bluff to be called... I think they're going to have to do an annual "on-ramp" because only the big investor-backed companies will be able to make equipment requirements this year.

I'm glad McClellan is getting some HELCO ships that mirror Blue Thunder.

Gonna be a dump of 212s and Type III's on state fire availability next year... might just save my pennies to finally get a cheap Bell medium in a few years.

It seemed to me that all of them(283-300)  are directly from Sikorsky asking for special treatment/ bonus points for Blackhawk. Talk about tooting one's own horn.   

Next Gen means it's time for manufacturers to actually give a crap about selling their new aircraft to Utility companies again.  I don't think I'll ever buy a brand new S70 though.  Especially with 412's down at the local Subaru dealer.