By Andrew de Souza

Sask. Environment shows off upgraded airplanes

Apr 21, 2011 | 4:38 PM

A newly modified CL-215T amphibious aircraft landed in the Prince Albert Airport giving people the opportunity to check out its $20 million upgrades.

It’s part of a program that’s been in the works since the early 2000’s, to modernize and extend the life of the province’s firefighting airplanes.

The one that landed in Prince Albert on Thursday was the first of the fleet to be converted.

The largest change is to the airplane’s propulsion, which has been changed from an internal combustion propeller to a turboprop.

The change is not as simple as just switching the units on the wing.

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According to executive director of wildfire management, Steve Roberts, more than 12,000 parts were changed on the airplane needing more than 85,000 man hours to complete.

Even though the cost is $20 million, he said it’s a wise investment for the province.

“To buy an aircraft like this new it would cost over $30 million so it is a significantly cheaper for the province to maintain our quality aircrafts and then convert them instead of putting them aside,” he said.

With the upgrades, the planes would last at least another 20 years and increase flying efficiency by at least 20 per cent.

As well, it allows them to use the more readily available jet fuel, instead of regular airplane fuel which is becoming scarcer in the country.

Roberts said two years ago, the fuel was so scarce, commercial and private pilots were barred from buying it during fire seasons to avoid a shortage.

In addition to the engine changes to the water bombing airplanes, the province is also replacing its smaller land-based airplanes, which fill up at various airports instead of from bodies of water.

Guiding planes, or Bird Dogs, are also being replaced.

Aside from the actual aircrafts, the entire tracking system is being upgraded to GPS, so air bombing runs can be better co-ordinated.

Roberts said everyone in the division is happy with the results and ready to put them to work.

“We’re excited to get this into production into fire-line work,” he said.

He added he was also looking forward to flying the planes because their new paint job means they’re flying Roughriders colours all year round.

For the pilots who will actually be flying the aircraft, the upgrades are a welcome relief, especially now that scooping the water is expected to be easier.

“It’ll be a non-event now,” said pilot Bob Stallard. “Before the old girl used to shake when we were filling up but now it’s a much smoother ride.”

Roberts said he expects the planes to see a lot of action this year. While it was wet throughout much of the province, he said the north still has some high risk areas.

adesouza@panow.com