Lone Firebomber Deemed Too Expensive To Operate

The North Carolina Division of Forest Resources plans to retire its CL-215 firefighting aircraft on account of operational expenses. The "Super Scooper" is costing the state approximately $10,500 an hour to fly, according to The Raleigh News & Observer. Officials said the plane, which was bought for $4 million ten years ago, is simply too old and expensive to operate.

David Lane, head of forest protection for the division, said the CL-215 (file photo of type shown above) costs up to $1.2 million a year, which is 35% of the division's aircraft budget. Despite the huge cost, the aircraft has successfully protected many firefighters and properties from raging fires. "That airplane has more than paid for itself" says Lane.

The aircraft is based in Hickory, NC. Between 1999 and 2004, the "Super Scooper" was used on 135 fires, and was also leased to other states for firefighting purposes. Bought from Canadair in 1998, the CL-215 initially sat motionless for months as the state waited for FAA approval, and searched for qualified pilots.

Eventually Canadian pilots were found to pilot the aircraft, and it began firefighting operations.

The CL-215 "Super Scooper" was Canadair's first firefighting aircraft. The twin-engine amphibian was built to fly well at slow speeds and in gusty circumstances. According to Airliners.net, the CL-215 is capable of scooping up 1,440 gallons of water in 12 seconds, and is equipped with two 2100 horsepower Pratt & Whitney R-2800 radials for power. The newer Canadair CL-415 builds on the 215's success with turboprop engines, an EFIS avionics suite, and a higher payload.

Division officials said they would continue through the current fire season with the CL-215, and will then decide on plans to sell the aircraft. The Division of Forest Resources is currently researching alternative replacement aircraft, and currently has several smaller aircraft for fire control.

FMI: www.dfr.state.nc.us/