firefighting assets are needed. Because of this demand, most GSP bases are equipped with short lines and Bambi Buckets and can be set up to fight fires in a matter of minutes.


THE CURRENT CHALLENGE In order to provide a high level of serv-


ice to the State in a cost effective manner,


the GSP has relied heavily over the years on the purchase and use of military surplus aircraft. This worked well in the early days of the Division when aircraft and parts were plentiful. However, as the years have gone by, the landscape has changed. Not only are surplus parts more difficult to ob- tain, but also the agency has found itself with an aging mixed fleet. Even though they are operating all Bell products, they


are still operating a variety of 5 models. This poses real challenges when it comes to maintenance and pilot training. As a matter of policy, GSP pilots are only al- lowed to be checked out on two models of aircraft. In an effort to standardize and modern-


ize its helicopter fleet, the GSP has begun to replace some of the older UH-1’s and B206’s with Bell 407’s. The three year fleet upgrade plan is to turn in/sell the UH-1’s and 206’s, retain 5 OH-58’s for the marijuana program, and bring the 407 fleet to 8 aircraft.


left: Getting their fleet of OH-58’s ready for this year’s Marijuana Eradication Program


below: Inside the hangar of their current headquarters at the Cobb County/McCollum Airport in Kennesaw


opposite: GSP’s newest acquired hangar is located at the Fulton County/Brown Field Airport (FTY) in Atlanta. This will be their new aviation headquarters beginning sometime in July 2012


32 June 2012


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