James B. Hull

“ Although these aircraft are awarded FAA type certificates, the associated certification processes do not require testing and inspection to ensure that the aircraft are airworthy to perform their intended missions. The Forest Service and the BLM are recognized as the premier land management agencies in the world, while the FAA is the recognized premier aviation agency in the world. It makes no sense for these agencies to swap responsibilities. ”

“ Within a 90-day period, the panel identified eight key findings that we believe to be critical for planning a safe and effective future firefighting aviation program.
FINDING 1 – SAFETY The safety record of fixed-wing aircraft used in wildland fire management is unacceptable. The level of safety for both contractor and government aerial firefighting operations is lower than can be justified. The disparity in safety standards stems from a government contracting process that assumes the airworthiness of large air tanker has been assured by the FAA’s type certification process. ”

“ The Blue Ribbon Panel encourages the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management to undertake an immediate and aggressive effort to ensure that there is a safe and effective fleet of air tankers that builds upon the findings identified in our report and that operate with appropriate certification, inspection, maintenance and oversight. ”

“ Little data on the status of air tankers is available because damage-resistant voice and data recorders are not available, nor are they required by Forest Service or BLM policy. The absence of rigorous engineering analysis backed by flight test data and FAA review make it impossible to ensure aircraft airworthiness. ”