This evening, President Trump put out a statement on social media saying he will decertify “all aircraft made in Canada.” This statement could have wide reaching consequences for the wildfire aviation world.
Numerous aircraft made in Canada are widely used in wildfire operations, including the Canadair CL-215 (Scoopers), De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter (Smokejumper Plane, Cargo, Crew Transport), De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver (Float Plane used for crew transport, supply, water drops, and recon), and the De Havilland Dash 8 Q400 (Tanker).
The President's statement says this decertification will remain in place until U.S. made Gulfstream aircraft are certified in Canada.
What does it mean if you decertify an aircraft in the United States?
It basically grounds it. In the United States, decertifying an aircraft typically means deregistering it with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or revoking its airworthiness certificate.
In addition to decertifying all Canadian aircraft, the president says that if the situation drags on, a 50% tariff will be imposed on all aircraft purchased from Canada. I’m not sure if this would also include parts, but that would have huge implications for the fixed-wing wildfire aircraft. Also, Bell Helicopters has manufacturing in Quebec, even though it is a Texas company.
