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CAL FIRE seeks contract increases for pilots and mechanics as fleet and year‑round operations expand
Summary
CAL FIRE told the Senate subcommittee it must expand contracted pilot and mechanic staffing for a modernized aviation fleet; the department said contractor pay pressures and a larger, more complex fleet require higher contract costs to ensure safe year‑round aviation readiness.
Jake Scholland, Deputy Director of Fire Protection at CAL FIRE, told the budget subcommittee that California’s aviation fleet has modernized and expanded and now requires more intensive, continuous maintenance and flight‑crew support. He said CAL FIRE’s aviation inventory includes 16 Hawk helicopters and seven C‑130 air tankers, for a total of 72 aircraft that require expanded mechanic and pilot capacity.
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