RT-372 HELICOPTER PROGRAM UPDATES 2007 Aviation Management

RT-372 HELICOPTER PROGRAM UPDATES 2007

Aviation Management Council Larry Brosnan, USFS Mark Bathrick, AMD Interagency Aviation Training Steering Committee Aviation Governance Wildland Fire Leadership Council (WFLC) Fire Executive Council (FEC) National Fire & Aviation Executive Board (NFAEB) National Multi-Agency Coordinating (NMAC) National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) National Interagency Aviation Council (NIAC) SMJ Aircraft Screening & Evaluation Board (SASEB) Interagency SEAT Steering Committee Interagency Airtanker Board Interagency Aerial Supervision Steering Committee Interagency Airspace Steering Committee Automated Flight Following Steering Committee Interagency Helicopter Operations SC (IHOps)

IHOps Working Groups IHOps Steering Committee Brad Gibbs - BLM 208 -387 -5182 IHOG Working Group Dianne Mac. Lean, FWS 907 -260 -5994 Rappel Working Group Ken Ross, USFS 541 -504 -7265 Carl Romnes, BIA 505 -759 -3963 Training Working Group Glen Claypool, BLM 208 -387 -5160 ACETA Working Group Vince Welbaum, AMD 907 -271 -5258 Short Haul Working Group John Ziegler, NPS 559 -565 -3168 Aerial Ignition Working Group

Training WG Updates l A-219 external load operations l Approved for IAT training l Available for Fire Training, working on incorporating into S-271 l S-372 WG (NWCG) in process of re-writing the course l RT-372 Field Managers Course Guide l Language added to specify the requirements of a RT-372 class http: //www. nwcg. gov/pms/training/fmcg. pdf

Training WG Updates l IAT/NWCG l IAT is a Non-Fire aviation qualifications system l NWCG governs fire aviation qualifications l NWCG quals cross-over to IAT (reverse of that is not true) l IAT currency requirements have been relaxed; many modules need be taken only once.

Aerial Ignition WG Updates l New chair (Carl Romnes, BIA) l Continued evaluation of equipment l Northern Torch (Hockey Stick) l SEI dispenser (Red Dragon) l SEI Dragon Eggs l Australian dispenser (Rain Maker) l Flash 21 liquid gelling agent l 2007 IAIG Revision pending l Revised PSD emergency procedures l New secondary restraint language

ACETA WG Updates l New chair (Vince Welbaum, AMD) l Program activity continues in a variety of locations l Revised ACETA Handbook Pending (11/07) l Total Re-Write l Revised standards of training and qualifications for ACETA participants (mugger, animal handler, etc)

Rappel WG Updates l New Chair (Ken Ross, FS R-6) l Revised Rappel Guide May 2006 l Continued efforts towards standardization l Adopted 300’ cargo letdown line l New BD bag buckles will be phased in l Adopted shoulder strap retainer for rappel harness (Trout Strap) l Adopted Miller Spotter Harness (Class 3 fall protection OSHA approved)

Shorthaul WG Updates l New Chair (John Ziegler, NPS) l 2007 Shorthaul Handbook revision in process l Establishes standardized Practical Test Course l Hoist Operations oversight added to WG duties

IHOG Updates l New IHOG revision March 2006 l New Binder & New Color l Revisions reflect new CWN Type I & Type II Contract changes l Electronic IHOG and forms package @ http: //www. nifc. gov/ihog/ l Accepting comments throughout field season l Agency Reps listed in facing page of IHOG l Complete list of revisions available on-line at: http: //www. nifc. gov/ihog/pdf/2006 Revisions. pdf

IHOG Updates l Forms Package consists of three parts: l Helicopter Management (HCM) l Helibase Management (HBM) l Helibase Job Aids (HJA) l All forms revised and some renumbered l Forms no longer available from the cache as hardcopies (except as part of Helibase Support Kit) download and print your own l All forms capable of electronic completion (Microsoft Excel)

IHOps WG Updates l IHOW l GS-07 meeting in Boise, March 19 th - 21 th squad leader PD in for classification……… l HELM – HELB consolidation effort ongoing l Hazard Pay clarification pending l IHOps website pending

IHOps WG Updates Updated Ch 70 of Military Use Guide JULY 2006 – NFES 2175 l Does not apply to National Guard under State direction http: //www. nifc. gov/nicc/logistics/references. htm l Deleted Military Helicopter Manager (MHEM) replaced with HELM l Minimum of 1 HELM required per 4 aircraft if there is a crew chief assigned and aircraft working off of the same base l Cargo transport in accordance with military protocol, not IHOG l Deleted Military Aviation Operations Coordinator (MAOC) replaced with ASGS/HEB 1 l Deleted Military Helicopter Manager Supervisor (MMS) l HECM’s are not required l

Helicopter Cost Efficiency Program (HCEP) l l On-line program ranks helicopters by cost per pound efficiency Aircraft Performance Data input into database (Requirement for many contracts) Program to continue testing in 2007 by NICC Program developed to maximize cost-efficiency and match performance to user requirements during the ordering process. l Ordering unit may provide supplemental info: Highest operating elevation and temperature l Operating restrictions: landing area size, etc. l Intended missions: IA, pax, bucket, cargo, etc. l Ordering by “Type” is optional l

Utilization of HCEP l Used in conjunction with: l Ross l AFF l Wildcad l Most Efficient “Price Per Pound” Aircraft may not be the Right Tool based on a variety of factors: l Urgency l Location l Availability l Contract Type

Airspace Updates l Revised Fire Traffic Area (FTA) depiction l Principles remain the same l Call by 12 nm, Hold at 7 nm, etc l Power Point available at: http: //www. blm. gov Airspace, Airspace Education FTA. ppt l Handout – 2007 BLM Airspace Update 01. doc l Handout – 01 -11 -07 FTA PROFILE 2. 0. bmp

Airspace Updates

Airspace Updates l Initial Attack Management System (IAMS) l Done/Dead/Gone a victim of IT Security l Some of it’s capabilities transferred to AFF l MTR overlays and scheduler contact #’s l Numerous Web Addresses listed on the handout l Airspace. nifc. gov l Best graphical TFR info available l Current Aeronautical Charts l NOTAMs l Flight Planning l Etc, etc

Helicopter Manager Position Standards l HELM and HELB - pre-requisite and training qualifications listed in 310 -1 l Resource (Project) Helicopter Manager - prerequisite and training qualifications listed in IHOG l Exclusive Use – pre-requisite and training qualifications listed in Redbook chapter 17 (USFS, BLM, NPS, FWS), Bluebook (BIA) and 5109. 17 (FS) l 2007 changes to the Redbook:

Narrow Band Radio Issues l NB is now required for all Fed radio systems. l Local agreements may cover cooperators still using wideband. l Clipping of transmissions occurs when wideband equipment is used on narrowband repeaters. l Very loud on the receiving end of a WB transmission if using NB. l Digital Aircraft radios required 2010 (moving target)

RADIO HEADS-UP l 2005 STAT team Review identified multiple – widespread radio issues l Handout – Safety Alert 05 -04. doc l USFS Safety Alert 2005 -06/AMD Safety Alert 05 -04 Mission aircraft must be on the same mode (wideband/narrowband) as the firefighter and the dispatch center l Check all radios to assure they are in narrowband mode l Double check that airguard is present and in the correct mode l Multi agency (county, city) will continue to be an issue as there is no requirement for them to convert l Good webpage for radio use, training, drawings, etc http: //www. fs. fed. us/fire/niicd/avionics/index. html l

Helibase Crash/Rescue l IHOps Task Group drafted minimum standards for EERA Crash Rescue Units: l Vehicle capacity & capability requirements l Personnel Training & Qualifications l Personal Protective Equipment l Standards were tested in select Emergency Equipment Rental Agreement language in 2005 l Effort underway to develop national over site for these services (Fire Equipment Working Team FEWT)

Computer Based Training (CBT) for Firefighting Pilots l On-Line registration, training, testing, cert. l Content: fire behavior, tactics, ICS & fire organizations, terminology, FTA, contract administration, communications, etc. l CBT may be pre-requisite to obtaining pilot qualification card for fire missions l SEAT CBT program operational in 2005 l Helicopter CBT implementation in Spring 08…. .

On-Line Helicopter Fire Pilot Training (Sample: Fire Behavior Module)

Helicopter Efficiency Coordinator l Position instituted in 2003. Works directly for NICC/National MAC l Purpose: increase efficient mobilization and utilization of helicopters and personnel for large fire support and Initial Attack l Tracks utilization of Exclusive Use & CWN l Makes recommendations for cost-efficiency l Documented savings justify continual need l Created a FTE position, PD in to HR for classification

Automated Flight Following (AFF) l l l l Required in all T 1 & T 2 CWN in 2006 More and more aircraft equipped with AFF, still missing some T 3 ARA and Regional CWN AFF must be agreed upon prior to flight. Training package is complete; will become IAT module (A-115), online availability pending Find AFF information, training package, etc. at: http: //aff. gov 2007 National Mob Guide language re-write address’s protocol Helicopters require check-in “prior to and immediately after takeoff/landing” (IHOG 4 -4)

AFF and Aircraft Availability Please share with your aviation managers, aircraft managers, dispatch, etc. 1) AFF hardware, compatible with the Government AFF system, is a contract requirement in many of our exclusive use aircraft. The aircraft contractor is not responsible for the other components of the AFF system: satellites, servers, service providers, etc. 2) Some method of flight following is a requirement in all of our aircraft operations. 3) Most people are using AFF as a secondary (passive) flight following system. Radio/voice system operability is still required, even when AFF is utilized as the primary method.

AFF and Aircraft Availability If AFF becomes inoperable (for any reason), consider the following: Notify the COR and document on Contract Daily Diary and SAFECOM. COR needs to contact the CO and discuss. 2) Many factors will be taken into account: o Is this the first occurrence of AFF problems with this aircraft vendor? o Is the problem associated with the onboard AFF equipment, the service provider, the AFF server, or ? ? ? o Is the aircraft vendor actively engaged in trying to fix the problem/restore service? 3) Each occurrence must be evaluated individually and decided by the COR/CO. 4) Aircraft will normally remain available for service, utilizing Radio/Voice systems for flight following. 1)

Safety Update l Interagency Safety Alert l Interagency Lessons Learned l Agency Specific Safety Alert l Interagency Technical Alert l USFS Technical Alert l DOI Tech Bulletin l DOI Aviation Accident Prevention Bulletin l http: //amd. nbc. gov/safety/library. htm l http: //www. fs. fed. us/fire/av_safety/

Interagency Safety Alert No. IA 06 -01, July 12, 2006 l The SAFECOM System–Your chance to speak out ! l The SAFECOM system remains an invaluable tool in our continuing efforts to reduce costly aircraft accidents by applying lessons learned from less serious incidents. l If you see something, say something. l Remember, the SAFECOM that you initiate today could save a life tomorrow.

Interagency Safety Alert No. IA 06 -02, July 20, 2006 l Flights Conducted with Maintenance Deficiencies l Incidents have occurred related to continued flight in an aircraft with a known maintenance discrepancy. l Agency personnel are not authorized to fly on board an aircraft with a known maintenance problem.

Interagency Safety Alert No. IA 06 -03, July 28, 2006 l Duties Requiring Additional Attention to Detail l Pre-flight inspections are not being thoroughly completed, and checklists are not being utilized. l SLOW DOWN, DO A COMPLETE PRE-FLIGHT and USE YOUR CHECKLIST, every flight, every time!

Interagency Safety Alert No. IA 06 -04, August 17, 2006 l Mid-Air Collision Avoidance l Investigation of several recent near mid-air collisions revealed failures in communications, situational awareness, and deviation from standard operating procedures. l Avoid transitioning both controlling aircraft at the same time. l Recognize hazards of operations along the virtual fence line and ensure clearances are issued and acknowledged prior to operating in or around the virtual fence.

Interagency Safety Alert No. IA 06 -05, October 3, 2006 l Flight Following Procedures utilizing AFF l The National Mobilization Guide (NMG) identifies Automated Flight Following procedures http: //www. nifc. gov/nicc/mobguide/index. html

Interagency Safety Alert No. IA 07 -01, April 6, 2007 l SPH-5 Flight Helmets l Frequently find cracks in SPH-5 shells just above the forward edge of the earcups. l The SPH-5 User’s Manual explains the proper donning and doffing technique, and cautions the user against spreading the helmet excessively.

Interagency Lessons Learned No. IALL 07 -01, November 15, 2006 l Intended to identify policies, procedures, processes, techniques, training, systems or equipment that can add value to the Aviation community. Interagency Aviation Lessons Learned should: Identify problems and recommend potential solutions. l Provide information for the planning and execution of aviation operations. l Provide recommendations to modify or update policy in an effort to increase operational efficiency. l Identify the specific organization responsible for taking action on a specific recommendation. l

Interagency Lessons Learned No. IALL 07 -02

Interagency Lessons Learned No. IALL 07 -03, February 16, 2007 l A close call on a Plastic Sphere Dispensing mission. l l l Operator attempted to use emergency water bottle but was unable to gain access due to it being buried under 12 bags of PSD balls. Strap was cut, but was unable to clear the door due knots being tied in strap to reduce excess webbing. Ensure that all crewmembers are fully qualified and meet the prerequisites, training and currency requirements of the Interagency Aerial Ignition Guide before initiating PSD operations. Do not compromise safety and your ability to maneuver and react to an emergency by packing the aircraft with an excessive number of bags. Do not tie knots in the PSD strap to take up excess strap.

USFS Safety Alert No. 2006 -01, June 5, 2006 l Plastic Sphere Dispenser (PSD) flight profile “watch out ” situations l l l l Utilizing helicopters loaded near maximum gross weight Double check manifest to ensure correct weights. Loss of tail rotor effectiveness Hot, high and heavy Settling with power Hovering Out of Ground Effect (HOGE) should be discouraged Downwind turns in order to stay in unit and maintain appropriate burn pattern Ensure correct performance charts are utilized & numbers are double checked.

DOI Safety Alert No. 06 -01, January 23, 2006 l Flight Helmets – Take Care of Them and They’ll Take Care of You l To help ensure that the flight helmets that you’re using are in the best condition possible, you should inspect them on a regular basis using the guidance in the DOI Flight Helmet User’s Guide: http: //www. oas. gov/oassafty/library/helmetguide. pdf

Interagency Technical Alert IA 07 -01, October 19, 2006 l CHECKLIST DISCIPLINE l Appropriate checklists are printed for each aircraft. l These checklists are sequenced and provide guidance for each phase of flight. l Use the written checklist for each phase of flight: preflight inspection, pre- departure, takeoff, climb out, cruise, pre- landing, after- landing (after clearing the runway!!!), engine shutdown and securing the aircraft.

USFS Technical Alert 06 -02, June 12, 2006 l AS 350 B 3 Helicopters Equipped with ECL Airframe Fuel Filter Kit (p/n 350 -600024). l. A helicopter experienced an unanticipated flame out just prior to lift off. l Dirt or grime may have contributed to the airframe fuel filter drain not seating completely, allowing air into the system. l Pilots: Take extra care to follow the POH procedure for draining this filter system. l Mechanics: Pay special attention during your visual inspection of the airframe fuel filter poppet.

USFS Policy Updates l 5109. 17 has been revised: Helispot manager position removed from 5109. 17, mnemonic to be removed from list in near future l STL/TFL requirements for HELCO now the same as 310 -1 l FS National Standard Helicopter Contract updated Fall of 2006 – Winter of of 2007. This is the boiler plate contract for all helicopter contracts l End Product Contract Policy change – Spring of 2005 l FS has adopted Interagency Aviation Training (IAT) l

USFS Policy Updates l ABS (Automated Business Systems) Implementation timeframes: Regions 3 (Southwestern), 8 (Southern) and National Large Airtanker, National Exclusive Use Helicopters and Smokejumper Aircraft Contracts. April 2, 2007 l Regions 5 (Pacific Southwest), 9 (Eastern), and 10 (Alaska). May 1, 2007 l Regions 2 (Rocky Mountain) and 4 (Intermountain). May 15, 2007 l Regions 1 (Northern), 6 (Pacific Northwest) and National Call -When -Needed Helicopter Contracts. June 1, 2007 l Web Link: http: //www. fs. fed. us/business/abs/

USFS Helicopter Program Updates l +/- 60 Regional T 3 exclusive use helicopters for 2007 l Total of 65 National exclusive use helicopters for 2007 15 type 1 (identified as NMAC) l 24 type 2 (regional IA) l 7 type 2 (nationals) l 19 type 2/1 (national exclusive use) l l Funding for permanent staffing for 34 of these helicopters is not assured at this time

USFS Helicopter Program Updates l Rope Assisted Deployment System (RADS) – l l ARS – Aviation Resource System l l Test has been taking place in Region 5 Been in testing phase for 3 years Operational for 2 years Up and running used by FS only (AMD provides data) FS Maintenance and pilot inspectors input data Aircraft data linked to HCEP Competitive Sourcing l l Aviation is currently being studied Report due out any time on what functions if any will be competed

USFS Flight Hours - 2006 l 89, 648 Total hours: Rotor Wing – 39, 735 hours l Fixed Wing – 34, 564 hours l Fleet (owned) – 6898 hours l Airtankers – 6659 hours l SEAT – 1792 hours l

USFS SAFECOM’s 2006 l Total SAFECOMs l l 754 Safecoms, 449 Helicopter, 150 Fixed wing, 84 Airtankers, 25 SEAT, 26 FS Owned, and 19 N/A 5 Accidents Cessna 206, Boise NF, no injuries l Sikorsky CH 54 A, Klamath NF, 2 fatalities l Eurocopter AS 350 B 3, Payette NF, 4 fatalities l Bell 212, Klamath NF, no injuries l Sikorsky S 64 E, Las Padres NF, no injuries l

USFS SAFECOMs cont: l 6 Incidents with Potential Cessna 210, North East State and Private Forestry, gear up landing l Near Mid Air on the Las Padres NF between an ASM and Helitanker l Near Mid Air on the Boise NF between a Helitanker and a Kmax l Bell UH-1 H, Gallatin NF, engine failure, forced landing l Airtractor (SEAT), Boise NF, fuel starvation, forced landing l Bell 206 L 4, Okanogan-Wenatchee NF, main rotor strike l

BLM Policy Updates l BLM National Aviation Plan (NAP) l Available mid March l http: //www. aviation. blm. gov/admin. htm l Emphasis on utilization of BLM procured aircraft to increase efficiency and effectiveness l Wild Horse & Burro HB revision pending l ARA Procurement Limits and Justification process – AMD should be re-issuing guidance that increases limit to 100, 000 for emergency use

BLM Policy Updates l COR/PI protocol back to the way it was l SAM is COR & will designate at least 1 alternate COR to cover >7 day absence l 40 hr initial training with 40 hr refresher every 2 years l Aircraft l No Manager will be designated as PI required training l Departmental for 2007 Manuals (DM’s) revision pending

BLM Helicopter Program Updates l Declining budget for 2006 resulted in BLM exclusive use aircraft reduction from 82 (2005) to 65 in 2006 l -1 Jump Ship l -4 Air Attack l -1 Aerial Supervision Module l -7 SEATs l -5 Helicopters l Impacted Exclusive Use Helicopter Fleet includes: Bakersfield, Richfield, Winnemucca, Fairbanks and Prineville (funding)

BLM Helicopter Program Updates l Reduced Minimum Ex-Use Crew size from 9 to 7 l Continued platform performance upgrades to remaining fleet l 2007 ex-use helicopter FIRE fleet same as 2006 l 6 type II (3 in Fairbanks, Apple Valley, Twin Falls and Lakeview) l 18 type III l 2007 l 5 ex-use helicopter Resource helicopters type III (all Alaska) l 2008 Out year Budget indicates substantial DECREASE

BLM FIRE HELICOPTERS 2007 ALASKA FIRE SERVICE LEWISTOWN PRINEVILLE FT HOWES VALE BURNS BOISE LAKEVIEW TWIN FALLS RAWLINS RAVENDALE WINNEMUCCA ELKO SALT LAKE ELY RIFLE RICHFIELD MOAB ST GEORGE BAKERSFIELD LAS VEGAS TYPE II (6) TYPE III (17) TYPE III USFS/BLM (1) APPLE VALLEY WEAVER MT

ARA CWN EU Fleet Grand Total TOTAL 8280 6154 17243 496 32, 173 RW 2746 1284 6380 0 10, 410 0 4816 3228 0 8, 044 5534 54 7635 496 13, 719 SEAT FW

2006 SAFECOM Summary l 210 Total SAFECOMs l 2 Accidents 12/14/2005 Escalante, Utah l 08/21/2006 Nuiqsut, Alaska (USGS) l l Incident/Incident with Potential investigated for BLM 4, USFS 1, State of Utah 1. 2 SEAT fuel issues l 1 SEAT engine failure l 1 SEAT tail wheel failure l 1 SEAT flap control issue l 1 helicopter tail rotor drive line. l