Most of the repair work on that damaged fifth water bomber in the Newfoundland and Labrador fleet has been done, and its return to service is on schedule.
The plane sat idle for years as government wondered whether to try to fix it or sell it.
The void felt by its absence intensified last summer during the outbreak of wildfires on the Avalon Peninsula and in central Newfoundland.
Barry Petten, the minister of transportation and public works, says the aircraft is expected to be back up and running May 1st, which will help strengthen emergency response.
