Part Shipped, Waterbomber Expected Back In Service Monday

News Discussion
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The part needed to fix a CL-415 water bomber damaged in a drone strike in Los Angeles on Thursday was on its way to L.A. on Friday. The aircraft could be back in the air as soon as Monday. DeHavilland Canada, which holds the type certificate for the so-called Super Scooper and supports the worldwide fleet apparently had the piece of wing structure in stock and air freighted it within hours of the collision. "De Havilland Canada remains on standby 24/7 to support crews and keep the fleet flying."

This is a companion discussion topic for the original entry at https://www.avweb.com/aviation-news/part-shipped-waterbomber-expected-back-in-service-monday
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Good news, nice work.

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need more investigation into what kind of drone and who was the pilot.

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Do you think it might be a little bit too late for the “Super Scooper” to have even the slightest meaningful impact on the current status of these wild fires? Do you think just maybe 50 years of building homes in areas that are prone to wild fires naturally given the laws of nature, that nature may be telling Californians something that just maybe they should listen too?

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TOMMYl, you’re not wrong that California’s been playing with fire by building homes in places that are naturally prone to burn. Nature does have a way of reminding us who’s boss. But here’s the thing: millions of folks already live in these areas, and we can’t just pack up and leave them to fend for themselves.

That’s where the Super Scooper comes in. Sure, it’s not going to stop every wildfire in its tracks, but it’s a lifesaver, literally. These planes can drop a whole lake’s worth of water on a fire, giving ground crews time to protect homes and help people get out safely. Without tools like that, we’d be looking at even bigger disasters.

Now, you’re right that we need to start listening to nature. Smarter building codes, clearing brush, and planning where and how we build in the future are part of the answer. But right now, we’ve got to fight the fires that are already burning, and the Super Scooper is one of the best tools we’ve got for that. It’s not about picking one approach or the other, it’s about tackling the problem from all sides.

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No Tommy,

You are dead wrong and here is why.

  1. When California had proper wildfire management, these fires were not a problem.

  2. Go look up the last time this area burned. The super scoopers were able to put out the fires in record time because of you guess it, proper widfire management.

Until people start ignoring the environmental wackos and go back to prescribed burns, and selective logging, we will have these problems.

Building homes in these areas was not a problem when you did not have one-party rule in California, and a coastal commission that roadblocks anything that could help in these situations.

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to the System! Just signed-up so I could post this Question?

What? Huh? What you talkin’ bout Willis?

Why in the world under these circumstances would it take 48 to 72 hours, once part is in hand, to have the aircraft again flying? Surely it’s not sitting in UPS receiving? Or, what company is not willing to call staff in on a Saturday and Sunday? Biden is only a phone call away - it can’t be FAA red-tape? Seriously; ever hour the fire rages, homes and property are destroyed, lives are at risk, etc.? What explains what appears to be a “Business as Usual” approach - “it’ll be done Monday”? Who’s keeping their factory or shop closed until Monday? Just asking…looking to understand. Thanks!

From Russ:
Looks to me like they have to open up the wing to put that in but I’m not a mechanic. Bound to take a little time.

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Does anyone know if the “Super Scooper” is up and flying yet? What is its current status? Are there any more “Super Scoopers” anywhere in the world that could be flown in to deal with this current situation? One would think if there were more than one “Super Scooper,” they would be showing up on site given the present need. Or, is this just more incompetence on full display for the world to see?

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On a side note, the fires are just the beginning of a catastrophe that has been unfolding in stealth for decades. Putting out the fires, or, letting them burn out is just the first phase. Trying to rebuild is the next stage of enlightenment. Even if you have the funds required via insurance , or, other means, there are not enough trades people in the work force anywhere in the continental U.S. to provide the skilled labor required to even begin to attempt to put California back together.

Even if you can find the skilled labor required, the premium one would have to pay will be through the roof. You’re not going to hire a bunch of unskilled anybodies to put this place back together. Anyone can slap together an house , or, building and make it look good in the short term. That’s just a setup for the next disaster. There’s a lot of liability involved in reconstruction. Insurance companies do not have carpenters, electricians, plumbers, architects, engineers, inspectors etc. just sitting around waiting to be called upon for service.

Then there is the cost of materials, if, you can find what you need. You think you’ve seen inflation? Think again. There will be shortages, supply disruptions and rationing. The industry has just begun to put Florida back together after two major hurricanes and were only four months away from the start of the next hurricane season.

In addition, California does not currently have the capacity to handle the voluminous influx of drawings, specifications etc. that have to be reviewed and approved. And, we have not even addressed the level of competence required versus the level of competence present in the affected municipalities. You want to talk about wait time and delays? You have no idea what’s coming down the road.

If you lost everything, you’re quickest way back to anything resembling normal is to pickup what you have, move anywhere else and start over.

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Given the significant number of total aircraft already here, abd of course, we can’t deplete other communities who may just be a spark away…

What i can’t understand for life of me, is that this website “reports” that the part was in-hand on Friday, and company committed and said they were standing-by 24/7 to support.

How does it not get installed immediately, especially with favorable flying conditions??? Why not til Monday?

( I think that any excuse which includes the word ‘weekend’ is unacceptable…but ill listen.)

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Sounds like some building developer talk, “sell & move elsewhere” Tommy…hmmm… But none of your logic includes the advancements we’ve made in all of the things you believe are challenges…you write as if nothing has changed with regard to permitting process…heck, i dont think you mentioned AI - do you not appreciate how absolutely such a system will be implemented - this is made for a I; plan & regulatory checks - and even the deviation process that is supported at every level of government, up to at least the current president, is fully behind.

To anyone who has suffered a loss, i encourage you to find both sides of the argument - especially when some are reminding how bad california is, and how easy it is to move; not that anyone would want to buy up california real estate. Right? Here’s one easy litmus test as to someone’s knowledge & credibility: do they believe humans today have much to do with the change in climate? Or do they even offer non responsive misdirection like, “The earth’s climate is alwsays changing.”

Rebuilding won’t be for everybody, that’s for sure - but don’t get stuck in the pessimism of those who insist there is no happy future by offering fallacys of the past, or facts that ignore that which has been a great upward trend… Don’t be scared off - los angeles will be great again, and my guess, safer than ever.

— just learned im only allowed 3 posts per topic. This may be a little duplicative, but I drafted it in response:

Would love some evidence that either lack of controlled burns or the Smelt fish nonsense had anything to do with these fires…or water issues.

The climate is changing. Martial islands is sinking - did they just plan poorly too?

There are many reasons this occurred - sadly some of the most significant, might be reason of arson by those who have been indoctrinated with hate and distrust. Be it by mental illness or engaging in criminal conspiracy, the result is the same - those who continue to be purveyors of misinformation, division & distrust are also responsible for the likely consequence of their actions… i.e. incitement of violence or fire.
Don’t be a purveyor of such rhetoric - and, no, not all media should be distrusted, nor all politicians; If you believe otherwise, i kindly.
And respectfully assert, your critical thinking has been impacted by those with agendas contrary to what had been America’s dignified journey for all.

ALSO…RUSS… That was really no answer… Of course it’s gonna take some time… but three days? Homes burning daily… There cannot possibly be a shortage of personnel…nor should a clock nor calendar…24/7 till its done and 24 hours is planty of time. (The only thing that can possibly take time would be bonding isues of epoxy for example, but I don’t buy it… I bet theres very little of that. But yes, a lot of people in a nice calm pilot tone will eke out a few words, “takes time” - which in my opinion, is just normalization of resignation. Nobody should be closed when POTUS is on your side. Not mad at you Russ, just those who aren’t taking extraordinary effort - or those who are not reporting about it.

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Why do people think the CL-145 is the only air asset fighting these fires?
Google CAL Fire.

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Time to repair once part is in hand depends on complexity of work, including access to back of ribs. Note complex shape, unless they just cut a rectangle out of the new part and use pop rivets - which may or may not be feasible.

Do you know the airplane? Not likely thus you should think critically instead of criticizing and speculating.

You should save your rant about need for politicians who did not properly prepare for the inevitable:

  • yearly event fanned by Santa Ana winds
  • which are stronger this year than last but not the first time they were
  • LA reduced funding of fire department
  • authorities did not have adequate resources on contract. (Fortunately the operator of 10Tanker was able to get two back into operation quickly, over five times the drop of CL415.)
  • Authorities who weren’t prepared for drones which are a frequent problem, FBI is now showing up with serious countermeasures.

Yes, hopefully US Immigration has already given permission for Quebec’s maintenance staff to do such work, some will already be on site for routine maintenance, help from other companies like Bridger may be available.

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BTW, I now realize that ‘Russ’ - presumably Niles, is sticking his nose in by editing posts instead of replying to them.

**From Russ: **
We have always edited posts. I’ve just started putting my replies to comments in the posts themselves. You bet I’m sticking my nose in. Remember who the guest is here, Keith.

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Note re the CL415 mini scoopers being praised for fighting the fires in LA.

They are picking up water from the ocean, which is calm enough now though I see effect of swells in one video - airplane contacted water after liftoff but lifted off again and climbed out.

Drop capacity 1600 USG.

Two of Quebec’s were in SoCal on yearly contract, I gather Quebec is sending more.

Sadly, B.C. politics put Martin Mars out of the business, one fought fires in California several times, operating out of lakes, 7200 USG capacity.

Other assets now in the fight include:

  • three of Coulson Aviation’s big helicopters plus its S76 Bird Dog (Canadian term) which is probably used as a monitor for night operations that at least one of the Chinooks is performing.
  • an RJ was able to come from northern US (capacity between 3000 and 4000 USG).

But Coulson’s 4000 USG tankers are in the Southern Hemisphere now.
Conair I don’t know about, other than it usually has at least one turboprop (capacity between 3000 and 4000 USG) in Australia in its fire season.

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OEM ships spare part. I wonder where the news is in that.

It’s like when an MRO loudly proclaims via a press release that they have completed a repaint or performed a C-check, wait for it… ON SCHEDULE! I oft wonder to myself why I never get a similarly glowing press release for simply doing my 'kin job.

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Ground firefighters are also coming from Canada and Mexico

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Honestly, since these planes are a special category, I would have expected them to just patch the small non-structural hole with sheet aluminum and pop rivet it on and keep flying.

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AJF:
You do not know what is behind it, you are assuming structural strength, you are assuming ‘anything goes’ regarding special category airplanes (do you even know what category the CL415 is in? It was designed and built to fight forest fires - it is NOT a conversion of a former military airplane).

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