Notwithstanding Code Section 34-9-1 or any other provision of law, this chapter shall not be deemed to apply to any airplane pilots or their assistants flying patrols for the Georgia Forestry Commission or for any county or counties participating in the forest fire protection program, where the flying services were procured by contracts awarded pursuant to bid. The state does not consent to be sued in any respect, whether at common law or otherwise, with respect to such pilots or contractors employing them. However, nothing in this Code section shall be construed as relieving the contractor from any workers' compensation or other liability which may be owing to such pilot or his beneficiaries under law.