Tue, Apr 26, 2005
Promises To Reverse Budget Cuts To Reinstate Aerial Firefighter
Funding
California Governor
Arnold Schwarzenegger promised Monday to reverse deficit-mandated
budget cuts so that the state's aerial firefighting fleet can stay
in the air.
"We want the full fleet (out there)," Schwarzenegger told
reporters in Sacramento. "We want to
protect the people from fires." He was quoted by the Argus
newspaper in Pleasanton, CA.
Under the budget currently in place,
Schwarzenegger admitted he cut $7 million from the California
Department of Forestry budget. If those cuts stand, at least some
of the state's 23 aerial tankers would have been grounded and other
firefighting resources would have been curtailed.
The actor-turned-governor said he's
concerned about tanker safety, though -- especially about aging
warbirds flying firefighting missions for the US Forest Service. He
told reporters he's especially worried about those aircraft flying
over California's many populated areas.
The Russia Option
What about Russia's offer of an
Ilyushin tanker to help California out during this fire season?
Governor Schwarzenegger said he's been briefed by members of
Congress on the offer. Russia has offered an Il-76 to help
fight forest fires in the US and some California lawmakers believe
that's a good idea. Over the weekend, Congressman Dana Rohrabacher
(R-CA) told reporters that accepting the Russian offer may be the
best alternative in a fire season where aerial tanker choices are
slim to say the least.
"The Russian jet has four times the
capacity of the biggest US air tankers and would provide
much-needed assistance to California's fire departments," he
said.
There's also the Evergreen
International Boeing 747 outfitted as a tanker. But certification
of that aircraft has reportedly been delayed until at least June --
well into the fire season.
More News
From 2023 (YouTube Version): Legacy of a Titan Robert (Bob) Anderson Hoover was a fighter pilot, test pilot, flight instructor, and air show superstar. More so, Bob Hoover was an i>[...]
Get The Latest in Aviation News NOW on Instagram Are you on Instagram yet? It's been around for a few years, quietly picking up traction mostly thanks to everybody's new obsession >[...]
Aero Linx: B-52H Stratofortress The B-52H Stratofortress is a long-range, heavy bomber that can perform a variety of missions. The bomber is capable of flying at high subsonic spee>[...]
Altimeter Setting The barometric pressure reading used to adjust a pressure altimeter for variations in existing atmospheric pressure or to the standard altimeter setting (29.92).>[...]
"Knowing that we play an active part in bettering people's lives is extremely rewarding. My team and I are very thankful for the opportunity to be here and to help in any way we ca>[...]