Zinke, Daines, Sheehy, Downing, and Members of the California Delegation Urge FAA to Expedite Certification Process for Firefighting Helicopters to Assist in Los Angeles Fires

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, Congressman Ryan Zinke (MT-01) and the entire Montana delegation, as well as California members Ken Calvert (CA-42), Tom McClintock (CA-05), Young Kim (CA-40), David Valadao (CA-21), Doug LaMalfa (CA-01), and Vince Fong (CA-20) sent a letter to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) expressing frustration over the ongoing delays in certifying six of the Billings Flying Service (BFS) CH-47D Chinook helicopters and called for the immediate consideration of the aircraft. These helicopters are desperately needed to assist in the battle against the raging wildfires in Los Angeles and for the remainder of fire season.

BFS have been helping with firefighting efforts in Southern California since 1998 and have been contracted directly by the State of California since 2018. BFS currently has four helicopters on the ground in Los Angeles, however, they are unable to deploy their full firefighting capability due to bureaucratic delays and backlogs in a basic certification process for retired military aircraft. Standard certification times BFS has experienced from similar aircraft range from 5 months to 21 days. BFS purchased the helicopters from the Royal Netherlands Air Force almost two years ago and the FAA has yet to complete the certification. Further delay would not only exacerbate the current crisis in Los Angeles but will create a shortage of available vehicles as fire season ramps up in the new year.

“Government and bureaucratic delays should never get in the way of saving people’s lives and livelihoods. Every day these choppers are on the ground more lives are ruined or lost,” said Zinke. “I urge the FAA to expedite this process and immediately consider these aircraft for certification so they can get to work fighting fires and saving lives in Los Angeles.”

“Time is of the essence not just for Montanans, but for much of the West as we’ve witnessed with California’s merciless wildfires,” said Daines. This delay needs to be resolved immediately so that these aircraft can do their job and help communities in dire need of assistance.”

“The families that are being affected by catastrophic wildfires cannot afford to wait around on government inaction or delays caused by bureaucratic red tape,” said Senator Sheehy. “It is critical for the FAA to move quickly in certifying these aircraft so they can respond to the California fires and other new starts to ensure we are protecting our communities.”

 "For years, the Billings Flying Service has been working tirelessly providing support to first responders, most recently in Southern California combatting ongoing wildfires," said Congressman Downing. "When federal red tape and ridiculous bureaucracy prevent groups like the BFS from expanding their reach, it's time for Congress to take action. I was proud to join my fellow Montana Delegation and Representatives from the California Delegation on this initiative. I expect the FAA to deliver results not just for Montana, but to help all of our neighbors suffering horrific wildfires."

The Letter Reads:

Dear Mr. Fields,

We write to share our concerns with the ongoing delay in the issuance of a restricted category type certificate for CH-47D Chinook helicopters purchased by Billings Flying Service (BFS). Issuance of this certificate is necessary to deem the helicopters airworthy. They cannot perform their mission without it. With more and more wildfires flaring up year-round rather than just seasonally, it is imperative that quick action be taken to get these firefighting assets in the air and into communities in need.

Based in Billings, Montana, BFS is an aerial firefighting company that supports federal, state, and local governments via its heavy lift helicopters. BFS is a known leader in this space and has worked well with the FAA in the past to obtain several type certificates in a timely manner for the same type of aircraft. Despite this working relationship, the current project has languished for nearly two years without resolution. Given the tragic wildfires in California and the immediate need for additional firefighting assets, we urge you to work with BFS to quickly resolve any outstanding concerns so that these aircraft can begin protecting lives and property across the country.

Should the FAA see fit to continue delaying issuance of type certification, we ask that the agency explain the reasoning behind the delay, what additional actions or information is needed from BFS, and the expected timeline to complete the process.

Background:

Known for their reliability and innovation, Billings Flying Service is a third-generation family-owned business founded in 1983 in Billings, Montana. It evolved from its agricultural roots to become a leading solutions provider in the aviation industry, specializing in CH-47 aerial firefighting and heavy lift services.

See the full letter here.