Well, well, well we all must have missed the "smilie face" did'nt we!
So now that the scrum has started and the attack is on, I stand by my statement made, to illustrate a point. And to all those that are professionals you will know how to take "clowns" in or out of text! I mean it in a seroius/humourous light, take it as you want! Nuff said by me on that point and text.
Just because something has been done for 50 years does not make it right, safe or efficeint!
For those who were not equipped with the right aircraft, operational equipment, or training this obviously does not apply and was not intended too!
But I find it frustrating seeing known seismic and logging aircraft and pilots bucketing off the bellie hook! (and this is with reference to the last two decades, not just one issue of Vertical) When guys tell me they bucket off the bellie ( and the longline is coiled up under the tarp) so there is more fire for them to put out tomorrow, and they want to keep flying "eight's"...tell that to all the people that lost there houses and personal property!!!

You have no idea how proud some people are of there "milking it " stories and the stuff they wrecked that day! :angry:
I would never go flying IFR with a partial panel, I would never heliski without low gear and stakes! So why would one fight a fire without a longline when so equipped and capable of?
Fighting fires should be done just as efficiently as any other job, there is a customer, and there best interests must be looked after as well. Just because its government does not mean its a free ride and you get to screw them! You are pissing away all our tax dollars, so enjoy!
Different point...
Cyclic, nothing is stopping you from putting the duels and bubble window in your AFS rap ship! (unless the contract specifications have been changed lately?).
Back to origional point...
So now we know who the clowns are refering too don't we!