Baker Aviation Services, LLC has been awarded a contract by Aero Union Corporation of Chico, CA to support certification flight testing and airworthiness approval of the Bombardier Q400 multi-role air tanker.

The aircraft, a response to the aging worldwide aerial fire-fighting fleet, will be delivered to the Government of France and used for passenger, freight and aerial fire control purposes.

“Featuring highly advance technology, impressive performance and modern safety features, the rugged Q400 turboprop is a very good choice for conversion to the fire fighting role,” says Baker Aviation owner Rick Baker.

The conversion of the airplane includes installation of a 2,640 US Gallon externally-mounted fire retardant and delivery system. Baker Aviation Services will oversee the performance, handling qualities and systems evaluation flight test program and retardant drop clearance of the airplane for the fire fighting mission.

Flight testing is scheduled to begin in March of 2005. Transport Canada certification of the modified aircraft is expected by May of 2005 with first delivery to the operator, Direction de la Defense Securité Civiles (DDSC), in Marignane, France in early summer 2005. Baker Aviation Services specializes in the certification flight testing, engineering data analysis and airworthiness approval of modified and special missions airplanes.

FMI: www.bakerav.com