How Fast Can You Identify A Source For Really Big Helicopters?

[Canuckistanian]

Posted by Marty Schwimmer

After CNN reported today that helicopters were diverted from plugging the levee breach on Tuesday, in order to rescue individuals on rooftops, I wondered what is involved in securing sufficient helicopters in a national emergency. It took me two minutes of Googling to identify the Erickson Air Crane Company and obtain their email address and phone number. The Air Crane is one of the most powerful helicopters in the world (used for lifting trucks and putting out fires, for example). I emailed them today asking if anyone had contacted them about the levee. They replied immediately that while they had put out the word to government entities, and while they are a DOD-listed contractor, they had not been contacted by any Government entity as of Wednesday evening.

The levee broke on Monday night. I assume that a governor, or a general, or maybe a President would have gotten the CEO of this company (and other companies like them) on the phone and said "get over there ASAP."

http://www.corante.com/betweenlawyers/archives/2005/08/31/how_fast_can_you_identify_a_source_for_really_big_helicopters.php

[Tace]

1. Hey Bushco Wants To Take Their Time And Do Things Right

What's the big hurry? : (

[lpbk2713]

2. Obviously they're not a Haliburton subsidiary

So they won't be getting an exclusive emergency no-bid contract.

[Syncronaut Seven]

3. This is intentional

This is war.

[FloridaPat]

4. More unbelievable crap from the government. What is going on here?

[freeplessinseattle]

5. kick wtf!

[B Calm]

6. Maybe the Erickson Air Crane Company didn't donate enough

to the GOP or to Bush....