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{{Short description|Firefighting aircraft operation company}}
{{for|the Mexico City-based cargo airline|AeroUnion}}
{{For|the Mexico City-based cargo airline|AeroUnion}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2022}}
{{Infobox company
{{Infobox company
| name = Aero Union Corporation
| name = Aero Union Corporation
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[[Image:Fox-firebase-aero union-N716AU-030724-01adj.jpg|thumb|right|Aero Union P-2 Tanker 16 at [[Fox Field]] in 2003, without jet engines]]
[[Image:Fox-firebase-aero union-N716AU-030724-01adj.jpg|thumb|right|Aero Union P-2 Tanker 16 at [[Fox Field]] in 2003, without jet engines]]


'''Aero Union Corporation''' was an [[aircraft]] operation and maintenance company based in [[Chico, California]], [[United States]]. They were known for operating fire fighting aircraft, training crews in aerial firefighting and making custom designed fire fighting systems tailored to specific aircraft requirements. After years of controversies regarding the operation of the company and the safety of their planes the U.S. Forest Service canceled its contract and the company was forced to shut down operations soon after.
'''Aero Union Corporation''' was an [[aircraft]] operation and maintenance company based in [[Chico, California]], [[United States]]. It was known for operating [[aerial firefighting]] aircraft, training crews and making custom designed firefighting systems tailored to specific aircraft requirements. After years of controversies regarding the operation of the company and the safety of its aircraft, the [[U.S. Forest Service]] (USFS) canceled its contract, and the company was forced to shut down soon after.


==History==
==History==
In 1960 Dale Newton and Dick Foy participated in their first fire season with a surplus [[B-25 Mitchell]]. Newton & Foy operated for that season under the name '''Western Air Industries'''. The following year they purchased their first two [[B-17 Flying Fortress]]es and changed their name to '''Aero Union'''. In 1962 the company moved their operations from [[Redding, California]] to Chico.<ref name="Neptune">[http://p2vneptune.com/f01.shtml P2VNeptune.org]</ref>
In 1960 Dale Newton and Dick Foy participated in their first fire season with a surplus [[B-25 Mitchell]]. Newton & Foy operated for that season under the name '''Western Air Industries'''. The following year they purchased their first two [[B-17 Flying Fortress]]es and changed their name to '''Aero Union'''. In 1962, the company moved their operations from [[Redding, California]] to Chico.<ref name="Neptune">{{Cite web|url=https://p2vneptune.com/f01.shtml|title=P2VNEPTUNE.COM: Aero Union Firebombers|website=p2vneptune.com|accessdate=16 April 2023}}</ref>
Between 1975 and 2000, the company used [[Douglas C-54]] aircraft as tankers and as general support aircraft,<ref>Roach & Eastwood, 2007, P. 214</ref> nine being in use in April 1990.<ref>Wheeler, 1990, P. 161</ref>
Between 1975 and 2000, the company used [[Douglas C-54]] aircraft as tankers and as general support aircraft,<ref>Roach & Eastwood, 2007, P. 214</ref> nine being in use in April 1990.<ref>Wheeler, 1990, P. 161</ref>


==Move from Chico==
==Move from Chico==
In June 2010 Aero Union announced plans to move the majority of its operations to [[McClellan Airfield]] (formerly [[McClellan Air Force Base]]) just outside [[Sacramento, California|Sacramento]].<ref>[http://www.airportbusiness.com/web/online/Top-News-Headlines/Aero-Union-plans-to-move-from-Chico-to-Sacramento/1$37154 AirportBusiness mirror of Chico Enterprise-Record article: Aero Union plans to move from Chico to Sacramento]</ref> Reasons stated for the move include needing larger, more consolidated facilities, access to a larger labor pool and being closer to its primary customers.<ref>[http://www.allbusiness.com/government/government-bodies-offices-government/14591497-1.html AllBusiness.com mirror of Chico Enterprise-Record article: Aero Union confirms move to Sacramento from Chico]</ref><ref>[http://www.khsltv.com/mostpopular/story/Aero-Union-Leaving-Chico/DfC3-cDSV061rpHRQQe3PA.cspx KHSL TV Report: Aero Union Leaving Chico]{{dead link|date=October 2016 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> A smaller scale Chico operation continued to be maintained for several months to provide additional storage and flexibility. The relocation began in September 2010 but ended abruptly with the closure of the company.
In June 2010, Aero Union announced plans to move the majority of its operations to [[McClellan Airfield]] (formerly [[McClellan Air Force Base]]) just outside [[Sacramento, California|Sacramento]].<ref>[http://www.airportbusiness.com/web/online/Top-News-Headlines/Aero-Union-plans-to-move-from-Chico-to-Sacramento/1$37154 AirportBusiness mirror of Chico Enterprise-Record article: Aero Union plans to move from Chico to Sacramento]</ref> Reasons stated for the move include needing larger, more consolidated facilities, access to a larger labor pool and being closer to its primary customers.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.allbusiness.com/government/government-bodies-offices-government/14591497-1.html|title=AllBusiness.com mirror of Chico Enterprise-Record article: Aero Union confirms move to Sacramento from Chico|accessdate=16 April 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.khsltv.com/mostpopular/story/Aero-Union-Leaving-Chico/DfC3-cDSV061rpHRQQe3PA.cspx|title=KHSL TV Report: Aero Union Leaving Chico|accessdate=16 April 2023}}</ref> A smaller scale Chico operation continued to be maintained for several months to provide additional storage and flexibility. The relocation began in September 2010 but ended abruptly with the closure of the company.


===Airtanker scandal===
===Airtanker scandal===
{{Main|U.S. Forest Service airtanker scandal}}
{{Main|U.S. Forest Service airtanker scandal}}
Aero Union was one of the contractors involved in the U.S. Forest Service airtanker scandal. With the grounding of the U.S. Forest Service's aging [[C-119 Flying Boxcar]] fleet in 1987 (some of which were operated by Aero Union) due to safety concerns the Forest Service found its aerial fire fighting capability greatly reduced. In order to quickly replace the retired aircraft and modernize the fleet the USFS organized a deal with the [[United States Department of Defense|Department of Defense]] and the [[General Services Administration]] to exchange the grounded planes with more modern [[C-130 Hercules|C-130A Hercules]] and [[P-3 Orion]] aircraft. The unpublicized exchange program eventually allowed six different contractors to acquire twenty-eight aircraft at no cost, without a bidding process or public access. The exchange of these aircraft was found to have been illegally carried out by the USFS and instead of merely allowing the contractors to operate the aircraft many of their titles were transferred, effectively giving many of the aircraft away for free. At least four of the planes transferred were dismantled for parts by Aero Union and TBM. Aero Union exchanged planes with the USFS, with the government retaining the titles and ownership, and was charged with maintaining and operating them for firefighting duties. Instead Aero Union dismantled some of their planes and sold the parts for a profit.<ref name=riverside>{{cite web|url=http://www.csun.edu/CommunicationStudies/ben/news/cia/980405.eitel.html |title=Whistleblower case takes aim at reputation of Forest Service |accessdate=2007-10-05 |last=Hendrix |first=David E. |date=April 5, 1998 |work=Riverside Press-Enterprise |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060514062541/http://www.csun.edu/CommunicationStudies/ben/news/cia/980405.eitel.html |archivedate=May 14, 2006 }}</ref> Aero Union made an out of court settlement with the government over its actions but this was later challenged in court.<ref>Aero Union Corp. v. United States, 47 Fed.Cl. 677, 681 (2000)</ref>
Aero Union was one of six contractors involved in the U.S. Forest Service airtanker scandal. The aging U.S. [[C-119 Flying Boxcar]] firefighting fleet, including some Aero Union aircraft, was grounded in 1987 due to safety concerns; this greatly reduced the USFS's aerial firefighting capability. To quickly replace retired aircraft and modernize, the USFS organized a deal with the [[United States Department of Defense|Department of Defense]] and the [[General Services Administration]] to exchange the grounded planes for more modern [[C-130 Hercules|C-130A Hercules]] and [[P-3 Orion]] aircraft. The exchange program eventually allowed the contractors to acquire twenty-eight aircraft at no cost, but an absence of publicity or a public bid process led to accusations of [[cronyism]], and the exchange was illegally carried out by the USFS: instead of merely allowing contractors to operate government-owned aircraft as per the interagency agreement, many titles were transferred, effectively giving aircraft away for free. At least four such aircraft were dismantled for parts by Aero Union and TBM. Aero Union also exchanged other planes with the USFS, with the government retaining the titles and ownership, and was required to maintain and operate them for firefighting duties. Instead, Aero Union dismantled some of them, selling parts for profit.<ref name=riverside>{{cite web|url=http://www.csun.edu/CommunicationStudies/ben/news/cia/980405.eitel.html |title=Whistleblower case takes aim at reputation of Forest Service |accessdate=2007-10-05 |last=Hendrix |first=David E. |date=April 5, 1998 |work=Riverside Press-Enterprise |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060514062541/http://www.csun.edu/CommunicationStudies/ben/news/cia/980405.eitel.html |archivedate=May 14, 2006 }}</ref> Aero Union made an out of court settlement with the government over its actions but this was later challenged in court.<ref>Aero Union Corp. v. United States, 47 Fed.Cl. 677, 681 (2000)</ref>


===Closure===
===Closure===
On July 29, 2011 the U.S. Forest Service announced that it had canceled its six-plane contract with Aero Union after the company's planes failed their required safety inspections.<ref>[http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2011/releases/07/airtanker.shtml US Forest Service Cancels Airtanker Contract with Aero Union]</ref><ref>[http://www.sacbee.com/2011/07/30/3804968/california-cancels-sacramento.html U.S. Forest Service cancels Sacramento firm's contract to provide firefighting planes]{{dead link|date=October 2016 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> In April 2011 Aero Union had voluntarily disclosed that its planes were not current on inspections and were in violation of the contract.<ref>[http://anewscafe.com/2011/07/31/former-redding-chico-airtanker-firm-loses-u-s-forest-service-contract/ Former Redding, Chico Airtanker Firm Loses U.S. Forest Service Contract]</ref> The contract, worth about $30 million a year, made up about 95% of the company's income.<ref>[http://www.bizjournals.com/sacramento/print-edition/2011/08/26/aero-union-fighting-to-survive.html?page=all Air-tanker firm fighting to survive]</ref> Less than a month later Aero Union informed its employees that they were out of work and that the company was shutting down operations.<ref>[http://anewscafe.com/2011/08/14/aero-union-closes-2-weeks-after-canceled-forest-contract/ Aero Union Closes, 2 Weeks After Canceled Forest Contract]</ref> That August Aero Union failed to make its lease payments to the [[Chico, California|City of Chico]] and the lease was declared invalid by the city that September due to concerns that the city would be unable to re-lease the facilities if they became tied up in [[bankruptcy]] proceedings.<ref>[http://www.chico.ca.us/finance/FinancialReports.asp City of Chico Quarterly Report Fiscal Year 2011–12, 1st Quarter (July—September): Airport Fund Spotlight]</ref><ref>[http://www.krcrtv.com/news/29125350/detail.html Aero Union Misses Lease Payment to Chico]{{dead link|date=October 2016 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Reduced to a staff of 5 people after the last round of layoffs, down from approximately 230 in 2008, CEO Brett Gourley claimed “The company is in sort of hibernation mode” and was looking for other sources of income. Aero Union has since completely shutdown all of its facilities, websites and other points of contact and is assumed to be out of business. In February 2012 PMI held an auction of Aero Union's aircraft assets, including 8 P-3 Orion aircraft, various spare parts and their intellectual property (MAFFS II and FIREHAWK firefighting systems).<ref>{{cite web|author=PMI |url=http://pmi.vihn.net/auction/Files/2_40634_Aero%20Union%20Corporation%20Final%20Brochure.pdf |title=$50,000,000+ OF AIRCRAFT, SPARE PARTS & INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY |publisher=PMI |accessdate=July 3, 2012 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120123153058/http://pmi.vihn.net/auction/Files/2_40634_Aero%20Union%20Corporation%20Final%20Brochure.pdf |archivedate=January 23, 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Bill Gabbert |url=http://wildfiretoday.com/2012/01/01/aero-union-to-auction-their-p-3-air-tankers/ |title=Aero Union to auction their P-3 air tankers |publisher=Wildfire Today |date=January 1, 2012 |accessdate=July 3, 2012}}</ref> Only two aircraft were bid upon and those bids were rejected as being too low. In May 2012 another auction of tools and equipment, but no aircraft, parts or intellectual property, went through with the majority of it selling.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://bidcal.auctionflex.com/showlots.ap?co=25927&weid=12711&weiid=0&lso=timeleftasc&pagenum=1&lang=En |title=Aero Union Surplus Auction |publisher=BidCal.com |date=May 22, 2012 |accessdate=July 3, 2012 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140810132149/http://bidcal.auctionflex.com/showlots.ap?co=25927&weid=12711&weiid=0&lso=timeleftasc&pagenum=1&lang=En |archivedate=August 10, 2014 }}</ref>
On July 29, 2011, the U.S. Forest Service announced that it had canceled its six-plane contract with Aero Union after the company's planes failed their required safety inspections.<ref>[http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2011/releases/07/airtanker.shtml US Forest Service Cancels Airtanker Contract with Aero Union]</ref><ref>[http://www.sacbee.com/2011/07/30/3804968/california-cancels-sacramento.html U.S. Forest Service cancels Sacramento firm's contract to provide firefighting planes]{{dead link|date=October 2016 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> In April 2011 Aero Union had voluntarily disclosed that its planes were not current on inspections and were in violation of the contract.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://anewscafe.com/2011/07/31/redding/former-redding-chico-airtanker-firm-loses-u-s-forest-service-contract/|title=Former Redding, Chico Airtanker Firm Loses U.S. Forest Service Contract – anewscafe.com|accessdate=16 April 2023}}</ref> The contract, worth about $30 million a year, made up about 95% of the company's income.<ref>[http://www.bizjournals.com/sacramento/print-edition/2011/08/26/aero-union-fighting-to-survive.html?page=all Air-tanker firm fighting to survive]</ref> Less than a month later Aero Union informed its employees that they were out of work and that the company was shutting down operations.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://anewscafe.com/2011/08/14/redding/aero-union-closes-2-weeks-after-canceled-forest-contract/|title=Aero Union Closes, 2 Weeks After Canceled Forest Contract – anewscafe.com|accessdate=16 April 2023}}</ref> That August Aero Union failed to make its lease payments to the [[Chico, California|City of Chico]] and the lease was declared invalid by the city that September due to concerns that the city would be unable to re-lease the facilities if they became tied up in [[bankruptcy]] proceedings.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.chico.ca.us/finance/FinancialReports.asp|title=City of Chico Quarterly Report Fiscal Year 2011–12, 1st Quarter (July—September): Airport Fund Spotlight|accessdate=16 April 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.krcrtv.com/news/29125350/detail.html|title=Aero Union Misses Lease Payment to Chico|accessdate=16 April 2023}}</ref> Reduced to a staff of 5 people after the last round of layoffs, down from approximately 230 in 2008, CEO Brett Gourley claimed “The company is in sort of hibernation mode” and was looking for other sources of income. Aero Union has since completely shutdown all of its facilities, websites and other points of contact and is assumed to be out of business. In February 2012 PMI held an auction of Aero Union's aircraft assets, including 8 P-3 Orion aircraft, various spare parts and their intellectual property (MAFFS II and FIREHAWK firefighting systems).<ref>{{cite web|author=PMI |url=http://pmi.vihn.net/auction/Files/2_40634_Aero%20Union%20Corporation%20Final%20Brochure.pdf |title=$50,000,000+ OF AIRCRAFT, SPARE PARTS & INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY |publisher=PMI |accessdate=July 3, 2012 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120123153058/http://pmi.vihn.net/auction/Files/2_40634_Aero%20Union%20Corporation%20Final%20Brochure.pdf |archivedate=January 23, 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Bill Gabbert |url=http://wildfiretoday.com/2012/01/01/aero-union-to-auction-their-p-3-air-tankers/ |title=Aero Union to auction their P-3 air tankers |publisher=Wildfire Today |date=January 1, 2012 |accessdate=July 3, 2012}}</ref> Only two aircraft were bid upon and those bids were rejected as being too low. In May 2012 another auction of tools and equipment, but no aircraft, parts or intellectual property, went through with the majority of it selling.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://bidcal.auctionflex.com/showlots.ap?co=25927&weid=12711&weiid=0&lso=timeleftasc&pagenum=1&lang=En |title=Aero Union Surplus Auction |publisher=BidCal.com |date=May 22, 2012 |accessdate=July 3, 2012 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140810132149/http://bidcal.auctionflex.com/showlots.ap?co=25927&weid=12711&weiid=0&lso=timeleftasc&pagenum=1&lang=En |archivedate=August 10, 2014 }}</ref>
Former Aero Union Tanker 23 acquired by [[Airstrike Firefighters]], with plans for 6 more P-3's.<ref>[http://fireaviation.com/2018/08/24/colorado-signs-cwn-contract-for-p-3-air-tankers "Colorado signs CWN contract for P-3 air tankers" //], accessed 28 August 2018 at [[Fire Aviation]].</ref>
Former Aero Union Tanker 23 acquired by [[Airstrike Firefighters]], with plans for 6 more P-3's.<ref>[http://fireaviation.com/2018/08/24/colorado-signs-cwn-contract-for-p-3-air-tankers "Colorado signs CWN contract for P-3 air tankers" //], accessed 28 August 2018 at [[Fire Aviation]].</ref>


==MAFFS II==
==MAFFS II==
[[File:MAFFS II tank 080507-F-7564C-025.JPG|thumb|right|A MAFFS II tank on display in 2008]]
[[File:MAFFS II tank 080507-F-7564C-025.JPG|thumb|right|A MAFFS II tank on display in 2008]]
One of the company's last projects was an improved version of the [[Modular Airborne FireFighting System]] under contract to the [[U.S. Forest Service]]. Originally designed for C-130J model aircraft and later modified to fit on C-130H models, the new MAFFS II system has a capacity of up to 3,400 gallons, replacing the five retardant tanks with one large tank, and has an on-board air compressor. The original MAFFS has to be pressurized by a compressor on the ground as a part of the loading process. The ability to pressurize the system in the air will cut turn-around time but yet, add substantial weight.<ref name=usfs4>[http://www.fs.fed.us/fire/aviation/fixed_wing/maffs_II/index.html MAFFS 2 information from USFS] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091230115441/http://www.fs.fed.us/fire/aviation/fixed_wing/maffs_II/index.html |date=December 30, 2009 }}</ref> The new system discharges the retardant through a special plug in the paratroop drop door on the side of the aircraft, rather than requiring the cargo ramp door to be opened; this allows the aircraft to remain pressurized during the drop sequence.<ref name=au1>[http://www.aerounion.com/Files/Forest_service_accepts_MAFFS_II.pdf?article.asp?article=articleRotation/president_message.asp&nav=nav1 Aero Union press release, July 27, 2007]</ref>
One of the company's last projects was an improved version of the [[Modular Airborne FireFighting System]] under contract to the USFS. Originally designed for C-130J model aircraft and later modified to fit on C-130H models, the new MAFFS II system has a capacity of up to 3,400 gallons, replacing the five retardant tanks with one large tank, and has an on-board air compressor. The original MAFFS has to be pressurized by a compressor on the ground as a part of the loading process. The ability to pressurize the system in the air cuts turn-around time, but adds substantial weight.<ref name=usfs4>[http://www.fs.fed.us/fire/aviation/fixed_wing/maffs_II/index.html MAFFS 2 information from USFS] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091230115441/http://www.fs.fed.us/fire/aviation/fixed_wing/maffs_II/index.html |date=December 30, 2009 }}</ref> The new system discharges the retardant through a special plug in the paratroop drop door on the side of the aircraft, rather than requiring the cargo ramp door to be opened; this allows the aircraft to remain pressurized during the drop sequence.<ref name=au1>{{Cite web|url=http://www.aerounion.com/Files/Forest_service_accepts_MAFFS_II.pdf?article.asp?article=articleRotation/president_message.asp&nav=nav1|title=aerounion.com|website=www.aerounion.com|accessdate=16 April 2023}}</ref>


Aero Union delivered the first production unit to the USFS in July, 2007, with flight testing that following August.<ref name=au1/> MAFFS II was used for the first time on a fire in July 2010.<ref>http://wildfiretoday.com/2010/07/16/new-maffs-ii-used-for-first-time-on-a-fire/</ref>
Aero Union delivered the first production unit to the USFS in July, 2007, with flight testing that following August.<ref name=au1/> MAFFS II was used for the first time on a fire in July 2010.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://wildfiretoday.com/2010/07/16/new-maffs-ii-used-for-first-time-on-a-fire/|title=New MAFFS II used for first time on a fire|access-date=16 April 2023|website=wildfiretoday.com|date=16 July 2010|author=Bill Gabbert}}</ref>


==Aircraft fleet==
==Aircraft fleet==
Line 68: Line 70:
* [[Douglas DC-6]]
* [[Douglas DC-6]]
* [[Douglas DC-7]]
* [[Douglas DC-7]]
* [[Aero Spacelines Mini Guppy]] <ref>[http://www.allaboutguppys.com/ All About Guppys]</ref>
* Aero Spacelines Mini Guppy<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.allaboutguppys.com/|title=All About Guppys|website=www.allaboutguppys.com|accessdate=16 April 2023}}</ref>


== See also ==
== See also ==
Line 78: Line 80:


==Bibliography==
==Bibliography==
* {{cite book|last=Roach J and Eastwood A.B.|title=Piston Engined Airliner Production List|year=2007|publisher=The Aviation Hobby Shop|asin=B00AGFSJCK}}
* {{cite book|last=Roach J. and Eastwood A.B.|title=Piston Engined Airliner Production List|year=2007|publisher=The Aviation Hobby Shop|asin=B00AGFSJCK}}
* {{cite book|last=Wheeler|first=Tony|title=Airline Fleets 1990|year=1990|publisher=Air-Britain (Historians Ltd)|isbn=0-85130-182-7}}
* {{cite book|last=Wheeler|first=Tony|title=Airline Fleets 1990|year=1990|publisher=Air-Britain (Historians Ltd)|isbn=0-85130-182-7}}


==External links==
==External links==
{{commons category|Aero Union Corporation}}
* [http://www.maffs.com/ MAFFS website]
* [http://www.maffs.com/ MAFFS website]
* [http://www.airliners.net/search/photo.search?airlinesearch=Aero%20Union&distinct_entry=true Aero Union on Airliners.net]
* [http://www.airliners.net/search/photo.search?airlinesearch=Aero%20Union&distinct_entry=true Aero Union on Airliners.net]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20110719032205/http://www.orovillemr.com/news/ci_15249658 Oroville Mercury Register re: move to Sacramento]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20110719032205/http://www.orovillemr.com/news/ci_15249658 Oroville Mercury Register re: move to Sacramento]


{{Portalbar|California|Aviation|Companies}}
{{Portalbar|United States|California|Aviation|Companies}}
{{Airlines of the United States|state=collapsed}}

[[Category:Firefighting equipment]]
[[Category:Firefighting equipment]]
[[Category:Aerial firefighting]]
[[Category:Aerial firefighting]]

Latest revision as of 07:48, 3 May 2024

For the Mexico City-based cargo airline, see AeroUnion.

Aero Union Corporation
Company typePrivate
IndustryAviation
Founded1961
FounderDale Newton and Dick Foy
Defunct2011
Headquarters
Chico, CA
,
USA
Key people
Terry Unsworth, President Brett Gourley, CEO
Websitehttp://www.aerounion.com/ (defunct)
Douglas C-54 Tanker 02 of Aero Union at Chico in 1992
Aero Union P-3A Orion taking off from Fox Field, Lancaster, California, to fight the North Fire.
Aero Union P-2 Tanker 16 at Fox Field in 2003, without jet engines

Aero Union Corporation was an aircraft operation and maintenance company based in Chico, California, United States. It was known for operating aerial firefighting aircraft, training crews and making custom designed firefighting systems tailored to specific aircraft requirements. After years of controversies regarding the operation of the company and the safety of its aircraft, the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) canceled its contract, and the company was forced to shut down soon after.

History[edit]

In 1960 Dale Newton and Dick Foy participated in their first fire season with a surplus B-25 Mitchell. Newton & Foy operated for that season under the name Western Air Industries. The following year they purchased their first two B-17 Flying Fortresses and changed their name to Aero Union. In 1962, the company moved their operations from Redding, California to Chico.[1] Between 1975 and 2000, the company used Douglas C-54 aircraft as tankers and as general support aircraft,[2] nine being in use in April 1990.[3]

Move from Chico[edit]

In June 2010, Aero Union announced plans to move the majority of its operations to McClellan Airfield (formerly McClellan Air Force Base) just outside Sacramento.[4] Reasons stated for the move include needing larger, more consolidated facilities, access to a larger labor pool and being closer to its primary customers.[5][6] A smaller scale Chico operation continued to be maintained for several months to provide additional storage and flexibility. The relocation began in September 2010 but ended abruptly with the closure of the company.

Airtanker scandal[edit]

Main article: U.S. Forest Service airtanker scandal

Aero Union was one of six contractors involved in the U.S. Forest Service airtanker scandal. The aging U.S. C-119 Flying Boxcar firefighting fleet, including some Aero Union aircraft, was grounded in 1987 due to safety concerns; this greatly reduced the USFS's aerial firefighting capability. To quickly replace retired aircraft and modernize, the USFS organized a deal with the Department of Defense and the General Services Administration to exchange the grounded planes for more modern C-130A Hercules and P-3 Orion aircraft. The exchange program eventually allowed the contractors to acquire twenty-eight aircraft at no cost, but an absence of publicity or a public bid process led to accusations of cronyism, and the exchange was illegally carried out by the USFS: instead of merely allowing contractors to operate government-owned aircraft as per the interagency agreement, many titles were transferred, effectively giving aircraft away for free. At least four such aircraft were dismantled for parts by Aero Union and TBM. Aero Union also exchanged other planes with the USFS, with the government retaining the titles and ownership, and was required to maintain and operate them for firefighting duties. Instead, Aero Union dismantled some of them, selling parts for profit.[7] Aero Union made an out of court settlement with the government over its actions but this was later challenged in court.[8]

Closure[edit]

On July 29, 2011, the U.S. Forest Service announced that it had canceled its six-plane contract with Aero Union after the company's planes failed their required safety inspections.[9][10] In April 2011 Aero Union had voluntarily disclosed that its planes were not current on inspections and were in violation of the contract.[11] The contract, worth about $30 million a year, made up about 95% of the company's income.[12] Less than a month later Aero Union informed its employees that they were out of work and that the company was shutting down operations.[13] That August Aero Union failed to make its lease payments to the City of Chico and the lease was declared invalid by the city that September due to concerns that the city would be unable to re-lease the facilities if they became tied up in bankruptcy proceedings.[14][15] Reduced to a staff of 5 people after the last round of layoffs, down from approximately 230 in 2008, CEO Brett Gourley claimed “The company is in sort of hibernation mode” and was looking for other sources of income. Aero Union has since completely shutdown all of its facilities, websites and other points of contact and is assumed to be out of business. In February 2012 PMI held an auction of Aero Union's aircraft assets, including 8 P-3 Orion aircraft, various spare parts and their intellectual property (MAFFS II and FIREHAWK firefighting systems).[16][17] Only two aircraft were bid upon and those bids were rejected as being too low. In May 2012 another auction of tools and equipment, but no aircraft, parts or intellectual property, went through with the majority of it selling.[18] Former Aero Union Tanker 23 acquired by Airstrike Firefighters, with plans for 6 more P-3's.[19]

MAFFS II[edit]

A MAFFS II tank on display in 2008

One of the company's last projects was an improved version of the Modular Airborne FireFighting System under contract to the USFS. Originally designed for C-130J model aircraft and later modified to fit on C-130H models, the new MAFFS II system has a capacity of up to 3,400 gallons, replacing the five retardant tanks with one large tank, and has an on-board air compressor. The original MAFFS has to be pressurized by a compressor on the ground as a part of the loading process. The ability to pressurize the system in the air cuts turn-around time, but adds substantial weight.[20] The new system discharges the retardant through a special plug in the paratroop drop door on the side of the aircraft, rather than requiring the cargo ramp door to be opened; this allows the aircraft to remain pressurized during the drop sequence.[21]

Aero Union delivered the first production unit to the USFS in July, 2007, with flight testing that following August.[21] MAFFS II was used for the first time on a fire in July 2010.[22]

Aircraft fleet[edit]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b "P2VNEPTUNE.COM: Aero Union Firebombers". p2vneptune.com. Retrieved April 16, 2023.
  2. ^ Roach & Eastwood, 2007, P. 214
  3. ^ Wheeler, 1990, P. 161
  4. ^ AirportBusiness mirror of Chico Enterprise-Record article: Aero Union plans to move from Chico to Sacramento
  5. ^ "AllBusiness.com mirror of Chico Enterprise-Record article: Aero Union confirms move to Sacramento from Chico". Retrieved April 16, 2023.
  6. ^ "KHSL TV Report: Aero Union Leaving Chico". Retrieved April 16, 2023.
  7. ^ Hendrix, David E. (April 5, 1998). "Whistleblower case takes aim at reputation of Forest Service". Riverside Press-Enterprise. Archived from the original on May 14, 2006. Retrieved October 5, 2007.
  8. ^ Aero Union Corp. v. United States, 47 Fed.Cl. 677, 681 (2000)
  9. ^ US Forest Service Cancels Airtanker Contract with Aero Union
  10. ^ U.S. Forest Service cancels Sacramento firm's contract to provide firefighting planes[permanent dead link]
  11. ^ "Former Redding, Chico Airtanker Firm Loses U.S. Forest Service Contract – anewscafe.com". Retrieved April 16, 2023.
  12. ^ Air-tanker firm fighting to survive
  13. ^ "Aero Union Closes, 2 Weeks After Canceled Forest Contract – anewscafe.com". Retrieved April 16, 2023.
  14. ^ "City of Chico Quarterly Report Fiscal Year 2011–12, 1st Quarter (July—September): Airport Fund Spotlight". Retrieved April 16, 2023.
  15. ^ "Aero Union Misses Lease Payment to Chico". Retrieved April 16, 2023.
  16. ^ PMI. "$50,000,000+ OF AIRCRAFT, SPARE PARTS & INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY" (PDF). PMI. Archived from the original (PDF) on January 23, 2012. Retrieved July 3, 2012.
  17. ^ Bill Gabbert (January 1, 2012). "Aero Union to auction their P-3 air tankers". Wildfire Today. Retrieved July 3, 2012.
  18. ^ "Aero Union Surplus Auction". BidCal.com. May 22, 2012. Archived from the original on August 10, 2014. Retrieved July 3, 2012.
  19. ^ "Colorado signs CWN contract for P-3 air tankers" //, accessed 28 August 2018 at Fire Aviation.
  20. ^ MAFFS 2 information from USFS Archived December 30, 2009, at the Wayback Machine
  21. ^ a b "aerounion.com" (PDF). www.aerounion.com. Retrieved April 16, 2023.
  22. ^ Bill Gabbert (July 16, 2010). "New MAFFS II used for first time on a fire". wildfiretoday.com. Retrieved April 16, 2023.
  23. ^ "All About Guppys". www.allaboutguppys.com. Retrieved April 16, 2023.

Bibliography[edit]

  • Roach J. and Eastwood A.B. (2007). Piston Engined Airliner Production List. The Aviation Hobby Shop. ASIN B00AGFSJCK.
  • Wheeler, Tony (1990). Airline Fleets 1990. Air-Britain (Historians Ltd). ISBN 0-85130-182-7.

External links[edit]

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