Fire Spotter Used As Executive Shuttle

When the California Department of Forestry bought a King Air for $4.6 million back in 2001, it was supposed to be fitted with infra-red scanners and used to patrol the skies over the Golden State, looking for trouble. Now, the King Air (file photo of type, below) has found trouble alright, but back at the hangar instead of on the fire line.

Now, the FAA is investigating the CDF's aircraft because it's being used to ferry department executives to and fro, a task for which it may not be properly certificated. The Sacramento Bee reports the CDF made several modifications to the aircraft in an unsuccessful bid to make it a tool in the fight against forest fires.

The idea seemed like a good one at first. Using infra-red imaging technology, the aircraft was to peer down through smoke and clouds to find hot spots on the ground. The crew would then direct firefighters to strategic spots where they could best contain and douse the flames.

But it turned out that the King Air simply flew too fast for that application. Modifications were scrapped and the aircraft was turned into an executive shuttle.

Ahh, but what about the paperwork? The Bee reports the CDF failed to file the paperwork necessary to fly with the fire-spotting modifications.

"We are still determining all of this and we don't have all the answers yet, but until we do that, we recommended they not fly this plane," said Donn Walker, an FAA spokesman.

In the meantime, the CDF has agreed to ground the plane until the i's are dotted and the t's are crossed.

"Essentially that aircraft has been operated illegally since it was modified," said Jerry Geissler, a former assistant deputy director for fire protection at the CDF. Geissler said his comments about the aircraft cost him his job. He retired in 2001.

"The department does use this plane very efficiently," said CDF spokeswoman Karen Terrill. "It supports our mission, and it saves the taxpayers money."

The aircraft costs $400,000 a year to operate. On top of that, the state is making annual payments of $600,000. Critics say that money could be much better spent in cash-strapped California.

FMI: www.fire.ca.gov