Cal Fire

Sacramento, CA – On March 16, 2012, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) bestowed CAL FIRE and DynCorp International with the Diamond Award of Excellence for Aviation Maintenance. The prestigious honor for aircraft maintenance results from a rigorous program requiring 100 percent of a company's maintenance technicians pass specialized, continuous training in aircraft systems, regulations and FAA rules over a 12-month period.

“Firefighting aircraft play a pivotal support role in helping our firefighters suppress California’s devastating wildfires,” said Chief Ken Pimlott, CAL FIRE Director. “We are proud that our aviation management staff and DynCorp International mechanics maintain the largest wildland air fleet in the world with an award winning safety and maintenance program.”

CAL FIRE maintains 23 airtankers, 14 airtactical aircraft, 11 helicopters, and numerous other fixed-wing training and administrative aircraft. All the aircraft are maintained at the department’s maintenance base at McClellan Air Park in Sacramento County. Since the beginning of CAL FIRE’s air program in the 1970s, safety and superior maintenance has been a top priority. Along with CAL FIRE’s seasonal aviation experts, DynCorp International mechanics ensure that the state’s firefighting air fleet is kept in pristine condition.

“This award highlights the exceptional maintenance performed on all CAL FIRE aircraft by DynCorp International (DI) team members and reflects the strength of commitment by both DI and CAL FIRE working together in a public/private partnership,” said Jeffrey Cavarra, DynCorp International.

Over the next few months CAL FIRE will finish the winter maintenance and safety inspections on the firefighting aircraft and beginning staffing them at the department’s 13 airbases and nine helitack bases across the state.

For more information on CAL FIRE’s firefighting air program visit www.fire.ca.gov.