Hollister is out until they build a new base there.
From STATE OF CALIFORNIA
Capital Outlay Budget Change Proposal ( http://web1a.esd.dof.ca.gov/Documents/bcp/1920/FY1920_ORG3540_BCP2692.pdf )
"The paved pad area is inadequate at Hollister Municipal Airport to refuel aircraft separately from
the retardant refilling pads. If an air tanker is out of service due to maintenance or refueling, it
must be parked on one of the existing three loading pads, eliminating that pad from use and
significantly slowing fire attack operations, as well as requiring unsafe maneuvering of larger
aircraft. Operating in such a tight area is hazardous for fuel trucks, air tankers, mechanics,
loaders, and parking tenders. The base has handled the reloading of up to 14 air tankers and
parking of 13 while supporting multiple major incidents. At such times the available space has
proved inadequate to maintain desired standards for air base operating safety and resource
deployment efficiency.
The loading ramp is inadequate for the larger tankers or for large fire operations. Only loading
Pad 3 is available to reload Type II air tankers. This pad is situated so that any tanker on that
pad cannot taxi to the runway if an air tanker is being loaded on Pad 2. The dirt island in front of
Pad 3 restricts the ease of movement of aircraft around the loading area. This pad is also not
paved to weight-bearing limits."
