Hey Guys.
I know it doesn't make this any easier for you, but think this over a
minute.
The Feds grounded an entire fleet of restricted category aircraft. The
problems with
air attack tankers having thructural failures and aging aircraft issues was
well known.
Virtually NONE of those planes were certificated for the roles they were
used in and
that is the center of your issue. In the Feds eyes, you are operating an
aircraft in a
manner that it was never tested for and they are minimizing their risk
exposure by
saying no. PERFECTLY understandable. The approach needs to be a bit
different.
Instead of asking for a 337 for a one time deal, put together a cert plan
the same as you
would for an stc. It should be a no brainer. The biggest thing they will
look for is
the flight manual addendum listing the towing process and the emergency
procedures
to be used. Their standard is to maintain "continued safe flight to a
landing" as long as possible.
In the Medevac Chopper world, loss of an alternator will cause the need to
shed electrical loads.
The Feds have you turn off the patient first because they only care about
continued safe
flight and landing.
Work it like a STC and you should get there. Your local MIDO guys or a DAR
should get it done for you.

Scott.