Many of the retired "Hueys" are enjoying a second life an a general utility helicopters in the civilian world. During recent fire fighting efforts I talked to DNR officials about their use of Hueys. He said they can be acquired cheap but are expensive to bring up to federal certification for fire fighting support. Also, they are expensive to operate but given the prohibitive cost of new aircraft, re-utilizing military surplus way the only cost effective means to have an aviation element.
Private aerial fire bombers have experimented with using Cobra's as water bombers. A water tank is installed in the machine gun and ammo storage areas. Only certain versions of the Cobra can be re-utilized as they have sufficient transmission/engine power to be successful weight lifters.
An outfit is using surplus Blackhawks in Florida but they have been expensive to equip for fire fighting support. They are much more capable/faster than a Huey and may earn their keep under contract to the USFS.
It is sad to see Hueys depart. I have several hundred hours riding around in them.
FWIW....Geno