In an ambitious move, Sen. Tim Sheehy proposed a revamp of federal wildfire management over a year ago. His plan suggested using private aircraft more extensively and cutting U.S. Forest Service airworthiness inspections. This proposal could personally benefit Sheehy, a Montana Republican, who founded Bridger Aerospace, a major aerial firefighting company. Since 2021, Bridger has earned over $235 million from the Forest Service contracts.
Unreported until now, in the same month as Sheehy’s proposal leak, a Forest Service inspection found a significant wing crack in a Bridger aircraft. The discovery highlights the importance of the very inspections Sheehy aims to eliminate. “Very seldom do you find a crack in a major component,” stated Paul Markowitz, a former national aviation maintenance manager for the Forest Service, emphasizing the critical role inspections play in safety.
Bridger Aerospace has often resisted these inspections, according to sources and documents obtained by ProPublica. Five former and current Forest Service officials, who requested anonymity, noted Bridger’s frequent presentation of inadequately maintained aircraft for service. Bridger, however, asserts safety as its core value, stating investments in maintenance and training exceed tens of millions annually.
Despite Bridger’s claims, the company’s aircraft have never been involved in crashes, as confirmed by the National Transportation Safety Board. While Sheehy’s office did not comment, his spokesperson defended eliminating inspections as removing outdated barriers. Although Sheehy’s assets are in blind trusts, concerns about potential conflicts remain due to ties with family-run businesses like Tallgrass.
The Forest Service’s extensive inspection program was driven by historical accidents, aiming to prevent such tragedies. Since the program’s 2010 implementation, accident rates have significantly decreased. Industry groups like the United Aerial Firefighters Association, co-founded by Sheehy, push for self-regulation, challenging the necessity of government-led inspections. The ongoing debate questions if transferring fire operations to the Interior Department will streamline processes or undermine safety efforts.
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