The BAe 146-100 aircraft is scheduled to arrive Saturday at Minden-Tahoe Airport and will be tested for about two weeks, according to Tim Christy, chief pilot for Minden Air Corp.
Built in the 1980s, the plane designed to carry passengers will be evaluated by company officials, U.S. Forest Service and British Aerospace representatives to determine if it can be converted and used safely to fight fires.
Christy said Minden Air has an option to buy the aircraft from a private owner.
``We believe this model will serve as an excellent air tanker. Our goal is to have one in service for the next fire season,'' Christy said.
Minden Air's two Lockheed Martin P2v air tankers _ built in the late 1950s _ were among 33 tankers grounded earlier this year by federal officials because of safety concerns.
Three of the aging tankers crashed between 1994 and 2002, killing seven crew members.
In July, federal officials allowed seven of the 33 tankers to fly.
Last month, one of Minden Air's tankers and another owned by a Montana company were cleared for service for the remainder of the year but with special equipment.
