Retired with Dignity!

Randie

Agree with you 100%. There are a lot of a/c down there(both helo and fixed wing) that could be used for fire-fighting, thwn need to bring them out of mothballs and do so.

What an amazing transition and level of labor that went into that project. It would be outstanding to see more mothballed aircraft brought out like this, but I'm afraid that the sheer costs of private aviation nowadays is what limits it.
The Marine Corps emblem and "Retired" logo is a nice touch.

AH1Wsnake wrote:

The Marine Corps emblem and "Retired" logo is a nice touch.

That's the picture I was referring to.  I thought that was very, very appropriate.

And, I have to agree.  The cost has some to do with it.  But, the main thing that is holding a lot of the private purchaser's back is the bureaucratic bull excrement that has the release, for sale, of these air worthy birds on hold.  That's why more concerned citizen's need to get involved and voice their opinions about OUR money sitting in the desert not doing anything. 

They seem to think that  all that is their's.  Well, I've got news for them.  That's OUR money that built those planes and helicopters and despite what 'They' think?  They still work for us!!!!  But, that's for another forum/thread.

I hope everyone enjoys the pictures.

Randie, Randie,  

Actually, AMARC is one of the only government agencies that operates in the black every year.  Also, the aircraft stored there are not just sitting there rotting away.  They are used as spare parts for the rest of the flying fleet.  Furthermore, many helos and aircraft have been pulled out of mothballs recently and refurbished, then sent back out to the fleet.  With the losses we have experienced in OIF and OEF, they are being used again, just as the AMARC facility is intended for.  Some aircraft are bought by private investors as well, but the high cost of refurbishing and getting them back to museum or flying status is prohibitive for most private organizations.

AMARC website:  http://www.dm.af.mil/AMARC/

grandadjohn wrote:

Aren't there Federal Agencies, such as the Forest Service they could be transfered to and leased to private companies for fire fighting duties. Not all are needed back in military service for OIF or OEF. Or couldn't some go to reserve units for fire fighting, know the AF has some already

Sure, and some have.  The priority right now though is to get them back to the fleet.

Gino

There are a/c down at D-M AFB that will never go back into military service and those are the one's I'm talking about

  Yeah, but if we used all of them, where would I wander around for hours on end ???  (one of my favorite spots to loiter...fascinating stuff)

    very cool link, and a good use for a great chopter !!!

             greg

They won't use them all and some are not suited for fire fighting.

Greg, do you live in Tucson?

grandadjohn wrote:

Gino There are a/c down at D-M AFB that will never go back into military service and those are the one's I'm talking about

Exactly what I was getting at too, Gino.

I know what AMARC does is a good and money saving service.  I chose the wrong words to describe the storage.  I also know that they are not rotting away.  Just my way of making a point.  I guess I should have engage what little bit of gray matter I have left before I started typing.  But then?  Why start something new and untested!!

And I have been by D-M so many times, it's insane and not once got to go check out the 'Boneyard'!!