I went and read the story. Bizarre. CEO contribute to the wrong party?
You are probably dead on. The Shitcago way. Sort of the old mob protection racket.
7/29/11
Forest Service cancels air tanker contract
*snip*
Gourley said the FAA in April expressed some concerns about the company’s flying certificates, which he equated to a driver’s license, so Aero Union voluntarily grounded its fleet while the issue was sorted out. Soon after, the aircraft received permission to fly for the rest of the wildfire season.
His aircraft were last inspected six weeks ago, he said. “And midseason, it was ‘Oops, we changed our mind,’” he said. “We’re kind of sitting here befuddled when everything has been approved.”
Gourley said he believes the termination of his company’s contract is part of a larger effort by the Forest Service to own a fleet of aircraft rather than rely on private contractors.
“So what they’re doing is precipitating a crisis. They’ve trumped up this maintenance issue, which doesn’t exist, and decided to use that against us,” he said.
http://www.mercurynews.com/news/ci_18580461?nclick_check=1