Billings Flying Service (BFS) has marshalled support from California and Montana Senators and members of Congress in the inquest to expedite FAA certification of the six ex-RNethAF CH-47Ds it acquired two years ago. BFS said that on previous similar certifications, the time between application and the granting of a certificate has varied between 21 days and seven months, while in this case, the applications remain stalled. BFS said that the approval would have enabled it to double its CH-47D fleet available for firefighting operations.

“We deeply appreciate the support the FAA has given BFS over the years and continue to respond to them immediately to provide information when it is requested,” said BFS President and CEO Bridger Blain. “We are very grateful to these lawmakers for helping bring attention to the need for faster certification so we can ensure all of our firefighting assets are on fires, protecting people and property. We look forward to partnering with the FAA to ensure these aircraft are available for aerial firefighting in the near future.”

Image: BFS/Trevor Wert

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