***IHOW Notes***

Interagency Helicopter Operations Workshop

Dallas, Texas February 11-13, 2003

**[TUESDAY, February 11]{.underline}**

**Opening Remarks/Logistics** (*Kris Damsgaard*)

**Fire Management Perspective** (*Alice Forbes*)

1.  2003 fire season prediction: higher than normal. Need better
    marketing for safety. Four key management areas identified: safety,
    preparedness, hazard fuel reduction & mentoring.

2.  Preparedness funding: BLM 63-75%; USFS and other agencies 60%.

3.  Personnel currently assigned in Australia, Hawaii, Texas, Newcastle
    disease areas. No funding levels for all-risk incidents. Newcastle
    problem declared priority by USDA Secretary.

4.  Redbook has some errors in it and several policy differences between
    agencies. Goal is to have standard interagency Redbook aviation
    operating procedures in 2004.

5.  National Multi-Agency Coordination Group (NMAC): mid-season policy
    changes are tough but sometimes necessary. NMAC Strategic Plan due
    in July; goal is to have no mid-season directives.

6.  Helicopter Manager shortage: Issue must be resolved. Need true
    picture of available personnel, not just who holds the
    qualification.

7.  Cost Containment: USFS 99% initial attack success. BLM 98%. DOI 97%.
    Escaped fires accounted for 95% of all acres burned and 85% of total
    cost. USFS spent 200% of the 10 year annual average in 2002.
    Aviation costs are 50% of all suppression costs.

8.  Helicopter Utilization: Continues to be inefficient (ex: four Type
    II in rotation one at a time, each flying 2 hrs daily. Ex: 16 Type I
    didn't operate for three days due to inversion @ \$1 million). If we
    don't manage our operations efficiently, somebody will do it for us.

9.  Safety: Some 2002 aviation incidents didn't have to happen. People
    were tired by mid-season. Decision-making capabilities impaired due
    to fatigue. Do the safe thing but do the right thing and watch your
    costs. Sometimes tend to "hide behind safety". Report safety issues
    immediately to next level.

10. Mentoring: If AD hires with good experience are employed, find a way
    to assign a trainee to them.

**Aviation Management Perspective** (*Tony Kern*)

1.  Helicopter management is backbone of our organization; 90 % of
    aviation program; works exactly as it ought to; is the shining star
    in aviation program. Keep doing a good job; have to self-police cost
    management and utilizing only fully qualified personnel. Public,
    media and government is watching closely. Need continuous education
    program.

2.  Funding: expect deeper cuts in domestic spending in coming years.
    Need to contain costs and be able to defend the helicopter program.
    Need to market the program. Need to keep aircraft resources aimed at
    "high payback" areas (initial attack, not heli-mopping).

3.  Big Picture by 2005: 50 Tankers (30 next generation turbine fixed
    wing + 20 Type I helicopters); 30 Lead platforms (20 fixed wing +
    5-15 helicopters); 25 Jumpships. Increased rappel capability.
    Expanded Infra-Red program. Nothing that \$100 million wouldn't fix!
    Infrastructure (bases) will be a problem as program grows quickly.

4.  Homeland Security: please don't believe this won't impact us, it
    will! Need to partner with Pentagon and TSA. Changes coming to
    require ID cards, entry control, etc.

**HAI Perspective** (*Leroy Brown*)

1.  Government agencies are just one of our customers.

2.  Advantages: Steady demand for service; Payment process is solid and
    usually quick; Policy and operating procedures are available and
    clear; most users are highly trained in helicopter operations;
    Training standards are standardized; Constant emphasis on safety.

3.  Disadvantages: Contracting procedures are complex and difficult to
    comprehend by new operators and new agency personnel; Some agency
    personnel and operators are not current and try to do things the
    "old way"; Lack of agency modules to staff helicopters; Constant
    rotation of modules and Air Ops personnel goes against principles of
    CRM; incident helibases are frequently understaffed.

4.  Suggestions: Keep crews intact for duration of CWN assignment;
    Reduce the number of crewmembers required; rotate module members for
    days off so that module stays intact; Improve communications from
    user to GACC to NICC; Improve currency so that all personnel are at
    the same level; Train resource (non-fire) users so that Helitack
    folks are not dead weight on resource projects; Train pilots on fire
    shelter use; Educate pilots on the fire mission prior to putting
    them in the fire environment.

5.  Program being initiated to give helicopter pilots fire training
    (*Hanks*). SEAT pilot training is in full swing (*Mahaffey*).
    Work/rest requirements actually causing safety concerns in air
    operations; IMTs need to have flexibility in 14 day rule (*Herman*).

**Helicopter Manager Availability** (*Glenn Johnston*)

1.  Is there a shortage or just unavailability? Agency targets conflict
    with actual Helicopter Manager (HM) availability. Work/rest
    guidelines impact availability

2.  Special Work Group met 12/12/02: Jon Rollens, Larry Hindman, Kevin
    Hamilton, Jim Ziobro, Howard Roose. Tasked with identifying causes
    and making recommendations to management.

3.  Potential Options:

> Increase Exclusive Use crew size, length of tour, earlier start dates.
>
> Add more Exclusive Use helicopters and crews.
>
> Utilize existing Exclusive Use aircraft more efficiently.
>
> Increase availability and frequency of S-372 and RT-372.
>
> Work with States and other agencies to tap their personnel.
>
> Adjust and/or modify fire helicopter staffing levels.
>
> Utilize "Contract" helicopter modules and personnel.
>
> Require that IMTs and Coordination personnel get aviation briefings
> each year.
>
> Limit CWN contract awards to those that have appropriate performance
> index.

4.  COR Restructuring: USFS to designate HOS as COR for National CWN
    contract. HM to be designated as PI with duties outlined in
    contract. These duties and responsibilities must be emphasized in
    the workshops. However, paperwork to go direct from HM to CO, not
    through CORs.

5.  HELB/HCWN: Problems experienced in 2002, however the helicopter
    manager positions not likely to change soon. 310-1 rewrite is
    scheduled for 2005 (*Damsgaard*).

6.  CWN is where are problems are. Most experienced managers are in Exc.
    Use. Use Exc. Use folks to manage CWN. Think outside the box
    (*McCurry*). Already being done.

7.  CWN has no program. Exclusive Use managers are funded to serve the
    home unit. Why rob an initial attack crew to manage CWN? We don't
    see HM Trainees. Do we want every HM to have a trainee assigned?
    (*Underwood*)

8.  How many helicopters can be effectively utilized put into the field?
    150? Maybe there needs to be a limit on the number of helicopters
    deployed at any given time. Have to see program based on numbers to
    justify the options listed above. (*McCurry*)

9.  Evaluate system to see how many HM are "one-timers". (*Kubiak*)

10. How do we maintain trainee development and mentoring within the
    work/rest guidelines? CWN HM goes to course and then ends up on a
    helibase with a task book. What happens in between? Need to envision
    a mentoring process to develop CWN managers. (*Herman*)

**Policy Changes and Program Updates** (*Glenn Johnston*)

1.  New Helicopter Manager position standards (HELB/HCWN)

2.  New IHOG in 2002: Standard to Limited staffing levels; 2 helicopters
    managed by 1 HM (one of the biggest successes of the year); New
    bucket payload mgt policy; new requirements for unimproved landing
    areas; Changes in PPE requirements for agency and contractor
    personnel.

3.  New National CWN Contract in 2002: Synthetic Long Line guidelines;
    Rapid refueling clarification; resurrected Fuel Truck Driver
    limitations (2 days off in 14); Alternative Type I dual pilot duty
    limitations (14 on/7 off).

4.  2003 Initiatives: 2002 policy modifications; Fixed Weight Reduction
    Study; Helicopter Type Categories Revision; Load Calculation Form
    revision; Helicopter Manager Availability Study Group; new S-271,
    S-372; re-institute Helispot Manager position; revised emergency
    seating positions.

**Helicopter Operations Specialist as COR** (*Harlan Johnson*)

1.  Internal administrative change by USFS; no reason to change
    contract.

2.  Helicopter Manager to have same day-to-day responsibilities as in
    past.

**BLM Aviation Mentoring Program** (*Larry Mahaffey*)

1.  BLM began program in 2001 because of a lack of candidates for vacant
    aviation manager positions; many people retiring; changing times in
    Aviation

2.  Mentors are people who help people. Takes time, effort and money to
    provide mentoring.

3.  Program Highlights: Identify GS 7 & 9 in Helicopter Manager, SEAT
    Manager, ATB Manager or Aviation Dispatcher. Must be mobile. Target
    for Unit Aviation Manager and State Aviation Manager positions. Must
    have Supervisor and SAM approval; Receive formal training at higher
    learning institutions and through detail programs. (2 year program)

4.  First group budget was \$25K per trainee. Next group budget is
    \$6500 per trainee.

5.  First group placed 3 out of 5 mentees. Second group just started
    with 4 mentees.

6.  Program is to develop aviation managers, increase fire
    qualifications is just a small part of program.

**[WEDNESDAY, February 12, 2003]{.underline}**

**USFS Helicopter Accident Review** (*Ron Hanks*)

1.  There has been a general decline in accident rate for the last 30
    years. However: 13 aircraft accidents in 2002, 9 were helicopter (3
    times the yearly average). 10 accidents in 2001, 4 were helicopter.
    Trend is developing in the last three years with increased
    accidents. Due to heavy fire seasons & high aircraft use? What else
    contributed? 5 pilots in 2002 were in their first firefighting
    season. Also, many new vendors. Also we have older pilots who are
    not current with the system and only spend a limited time working on
    government contracts. We haven't spent any time or money training
    vendor personnel.

2.  Ron reviewed the following accidents: Daniel Boone NF (Bucket in
    tail rotor); Francis Marion NF (Bucket cable over skid); Ocala NF
    (inoperable brakes, loss of control on landing) Beaverhead-Deerlodge
    (main rotor strike during bucket ops).

3.  Deferred maintenance an issue in 6 of the 13 accidents.

4.  Airmanship an issue in all accidents (*JP Johnston*).

5.  85% of all accidents have human causal factor.

6.  New USFS aviation safety message: "if you see something, say
    something".

7.  Need to spend more time and money training contract pilots. Propose
    joint effort by Government and HAI to reduce accidents.

8.  Future helicopter use will increase. Where will we get the
    helicopter managers?

9.  Proposal for Interagency Aviation Safety Center with agency Aviation
    Safety Managers all in one office. Will improve coordination,
    standardization and information sharing.

**Training Contract Pilots** (*Ken Stump & Pete Kubiak*)

1.  Proposal: Identify rookie fire pilots on pilot card. Task Book is
    issued to new pilot. Elements signed off by IP, HEBM, HCWN, Project
    Mgr, Air Ops personnel. Completed task book sent to Contracting
    Officer and COTR, pilot issued new card.

2.  Require on-line pilot training in fire behavior, basic ICS, Air Ops
    organization, communications, airspace, mission specific, etc.

3.  Task Books may help with industry insurance issues.

4.  Send ideas and input to Pete Kubiak.

**Aviation Transport of Hazardous Materials** (*Larry Brosnan*)

1.  Working on new exemption and handbook. Some minor changes; hope for
    a smooth transition with minimal impact to field.

2.  Vendor pilots do not meet definition of non-commercial pilots; old
    exemption not really legal/appropriate. Vendors not covered. States
    are affected as well.

3.  Continue operations as usual until resolution with DOT is attained.

**DOI 2002 Helicopter Accident Review** (*Steve Rauch*)

1.  Trends: not necessarily low-time pilots, but pilots who are new to
    our flight missions and flight environment. Also need to check
    number of hours in aircraft type/model.

2.  Reviewed the following accidents: Richland, WA (net gunning, net
    weight struck main rotor); Mt. Hood, OR (Hot/High/Heavy, LTE during
    rescue); Mt. Ranier, WA (over gross weight, pilot new to mission);
    Yosemite NP (HHH, shorthaul line struck tree during rescue); Trickle
    Mtn, CO (HHH, LTE during initial attack).

3.  Factors: Lack of training standards for gunners; no gunner approval
    process; Hot High Heavy (HHH); inexperienced pilots; manpower
    shortages; rushing to accomplish missions; pilots with no mountain
    flying experience; overloaded helicopters and lack of/erroneous load
    calculations.

4.  Need to manage risk for cost vs. benefit. Everybody needs to
    understand Density Altitude, Ground Effect, settling with power,
    LTE, etc.

**Fixed Weight Reduction Project** (*Melinda Seevers*)

1.  Project Group has met twice. Looking at all makes/models/variants.
    58 on national CWN contract. Developing performance index and will
    determine fixed weight reduction values. Will try to determine
    baseline for helicopter type categories. Study results will improve
    safety and cost-effectiveness. When cost-effectiveness and
    performance are equal, that is best value.

2.  Findings: vendors using incorrect performance charts; Errors found
    in charts and STC; misprints in flight manuals; vendors using rotor
    blades different than those documented; Saw 1000 lb payload
    difference in bid package due to using the wrong chart.

3.  Other Findings: Typing system is misleading; wide range of
    performance within type categories. Cost-effectiveness ranges from
    \$16 per lb delivered (small Type III) to \$2.49 per lb delivered
    (large Type I). Cost efficiency on Type III: bigger is better. B212
    with 750 lb payload @ 8000'; SA319B with 1600 lb payload @ 8000'.
    UH1-13 engine really improves altitude performance. AS350B3 and B212
    within 50 lbs payload @ 8000'/25C. B407 and 350B at opposite end
    because of payload difference. Consider low-end variants for Alaska.

4.  Suggestions, input, data on variants should go to Melinda or agency
    reps on group.

**Load Calculation Form Revision** (*Brad Gibbs*)

1.  Revision Requirements: must be interagency (USFS/DOI); simple and
    user-friendly; must allow for Fixed Weight Reduction values; must
    address fixed weight reduction option for jettisonable loads; must
    record flight manual performance references; must update
    instructions; booklet must [not]{.underline} include weight
    reduction values; must format for future electronic use.

2.  Proposed Revisions (handout): maintains similar booklet format; will
    have 2 carbon copies; contains 3^rd^ column for HOGE-J; will have
    both OAS and USFS form numbers.

3.  Electronic version was shared with audience; has built in, pop-up
    instructions and automatic computations.

4.  Audience broke into groups to review the draft form and answer
    questions about specific issue with the form. Groups provided
    feedback and suggestions that will be shared with the revision
    group.

5.  Draft Load Calculation & instructions will be disseminated to the
    field in spring; summer-long period for comments. Feedback should go
    to HOS, SAM or IHOP Steering Committee representative. A few test
    locations will be selected to use the form and provide report in the
    fall. Form to be finalized and approved this coming winter;
    available for 2004 field season.

**Helicopter Performance Planning Review** (*Brad Gibbs*)

1.  Presented selected topics from IHOG Ch. 7, Advisory Circular AC
    90-95 (regarding LTE), performance planning policy, HIGE vs, HOGE,
    etc. Confusion about Area B, when to use HIGE only, when a new load
    calculation is required.

2.  Asked if policies need to change or just get people to follow
    existing policies.

3.  Discussed use of Performance Planning Matrix (cheat sheet). Good
    tool to help pilots and Helicopter Managers. Many people are using
    cheat sheets, especially for initial attack missions, but they are
    not approved by Aviation Management. Can we institute this as at
    least a planning tool?

4.  Need a way to get data on all variants or by N-number. Have ability
    to plug in N-number and get performance data electronically. Need to
    work with HAI and Contracting Officers and have vendors provide
    performance data as part of procurement process.

**[THURSDAY, February 12]{.underline}**

**Training Working Group** (*Les Herman*)

1.  Helispot Manager Draft Task Book (handout). May also develop
    workbook or on-line training. Send comments to Les Herman or Kevin
    Hamilton.

2.  S-271: Has gone through several revisions; in final edit now. NWCG
    package will [not]{.underline} be available by 2003 field season.

3.  S-372: NWCG format is a requirement. Flaws found in November.
    Revised entire PPT. Will [not]{.underline} be available for 2003
    field season.

4.  RT-372: Outline/Syllabus will be an appendix to S-372. Hank
    Dominguez to produce draft outline. Will determine minimum workshop
    length (24 hours?)

5.  Emergency Seating Position Standards: waiting for official policy
    from USFS and OAS Aviation Safety.

**Aerial Ignition Working Group** (*Pete Kubiak*)

1.  Proposed criteria for contract helitorch equipment and personnel
    (handout)

2.  Work Group Activity Briefing (handout). Trying to keep things to
    interagency standard. Group is actively field testing equipment and
    accommodating OSHA compliance studies.

3.  Interagency Aerial Ignition Guide (IAIG) is being revised; may be
    out this spring. Want to have it in binder format, same size as
    IHOG. IAIG also to be placed on Web (MTDC?)

4.  Aerial ignition lesson plans are finalized. Les Herman to format
    lesson plans and PPT.

5.  HazMat exemption for transportation of drums; contact Work Group if
    you need a copy. HazMat training to be incorporated into initial
    helitorch training.

6.  MTDC Website (to be established): will have the IAIG, exemptions,
    harness requirements and other current information posted. Website
    to be up and running before this field season, hopefully.

**IHOG Working Group** (*Dave Underwood*)

1.  Work Group has full interagency membership now. Has begun working on
    IHOG revision for 2005.

2.  NIFC External Affairs will do editing and formatting; 2005 version
    to be in "Pagemaker". Dave to assign task groups to work on specific
    sections. Steve Rauch volunteered to work on Risk Management
    section.

3.  Dave will provide formal process and timeline for collecting
    revision input from the field. Welcome all ideas on format,
    deletions, additions, changes, etc.

**Rappel Working Group** (*Brett McGee*)

1.  Work group met in San Diego in December and discussed
    standardization; should strive for standardization in all equipment
    and operations. Dilemma: we are rappelling out of 8 different
    helicopter models.

2.  USFS conducts 98% of all natural resource agency rappelling Yosemite
    NP has rappel. BLM has one rappel base. BIA considering one start-up
    base.

3.  Work group has been concentrating on equipment issues. Keith and Tim
    (MTDC) have been helping (anchor designs, harnesses, etc.)

4.  USFS to conduct Rappel Base Standardization Review. Tim Lynch to
    lead. Will take 3 years to complete.

5.  New Interagency Rappel Guide issued in 2002. Work group to begin
    another revision process.

**ACETA Working Group** (*Delores Nottage*)

1.  Working group to meet in April regarding draft of new ACETA
    Handbook. Any suggestions, comments or issues should be submitted to
    Delores or Mike Coffey.

**Short Haul Working Group** (*Renny Jackson*)

1.  Bill Vandergraf to become the working group chair beginning
    tomorrow. Had a meeting a few weeks ago in Phoenix. SAR programs are
    traditionally under funded.

2.  There are 6 Short Haul programs in DOI, in existence for many years.
    Each program uses a different model helicopter. Very high risk
    operations. DOI has excellent SH safety record.

3.  In the last two years 750 total short haul sorties (680 training, 70
    actual missions)

4.  Short Haul Handbook being revised.

**IHOP Steering Committee** (*Kris Damsgaard*)

1.  Three new Steering Committee members: Mike Jefferies (FWS), Tom
    Monterastelli (NPS), Glenn Johnston (USFS).

2.  Law Enforcement Working Group and Pilot Working Group have been
    disbanded/sunset.

3.  SC has submitted the following to AMC Operations Oversight Team:
    Torso Restraint Recommendations, Emergency Helicopter Seating
    Positions issue, Annual SC Activity Plan.

4.  Concerns: Lack of interagency participation in working groups and
    the national IHOP workshop. Declining budgets? Less to argue about
    now? HOS and other operations folks out of the loop? Information
    flow is poor.

5.  IHOP Steering Committee needs ideas on how to address these
    concerns.

*Thanks to Judy Ragain for taking notes. Judy to submit to Kevin
Hamilton. Kevin to review, edit and disseminate.*

> **ATTENDANCE LIST**

  ------------------------ --------------------- -------------------------
  **NAME**                 **AGENCY**            **PHONE**

  Glenn Johnston           USFS-NIFC             208-387-5634

  Brad Gibbs               BLM-NIFC              208-387-5182

  Melinda Seevers          USFS Contractor-NIFC  208-387-5968

  Brett McGee              USFS R-3              505-842-3466

  Alicia Duzinski          USFS AK               907-874-7519

  Renny Jackson            NPS-Grand Teton       307-739-3333

  Les Herman               OAS-Boise             208-387-5813/433-5092

  Ron Hanks                USFS-NIFC             208-387-5607

  Al Rice                  OAS-Boise             208-387-5773

  Chris Parkan             BLM-California        916-978-4435

  Kris Damsgaard           OAS-Boise             208-387-5812

  Mick McCurry             OAS-Boise             208-387-5778

  Tony Kern                USFS-WO               202-205-1505

  Vince Welbaum            USFS-R4               208-347-0318

  Bob McAlpin              BLM-AFS-Alaska        907-356-5571

  Doug Drury               OAS-Alaska            907-271-3700

  Steve Rossiter           BIA-Missoula          406-329-4720

  Bud Walters              OAS-Alaska            907-271-5099

  Alice Forbes             USFS-NIFC             208-387-5605

  Delores Nottage          BLM-Wyoming           307-775-6237

  Larry Mahaffey           BLM-NIFC              208-387-5160

  Cameron Dingman          BLM-Nevada            775-748-4023

  Tim Lynch                USFS-MTDC             406-329-3958

  Dave Underwood           BIA-Albuquerque       505-842-3860

  Bryan Bitting            BLM-Oregon            541-473-6317

  Tom Monterastelli        NPS-NIFC              208-387-5244

  Steve Tome               USFS-MN               218-365-4831

  Mark Murray              NPS-Grand Canyon      928-638-7823

  Mike Jefferies           FWS-NIFC              208-387-5864

  Mike Minton              NPS-Grand Canyon      928-638-7823

  Jill McCurdy             USFS-R4               801-622-7072

  Ken Stump                OAS-Alaska            907-271-5258

  Scott Hocking            USFS-MN               612-713-7301

  Peter Kubiak             OAS-Atlanta           770-458-7474

  Jeff Schlee              USFS-Alaska           907-747-4350
  ------------------------ --------------------- -------------------------