# Presentation: 585163

## RT-372

**RT-372**

**HELICOPTER PROGRAM UPDATES****2007**

## Aviation Governance

- 10/07?

**Notes:**
(WFLC) composed of political appointees – (FEC) composed of SES’ers – (NFAEB) Fire Director’s - (NIAC) Chair: Dave Dash, BLM – (SASEB) Chair: Dalan Romero, BLM - Airtanker Chair: Scott Fisher, USFS - Airspace Chair: Barb Hall, USFS - IHOps Chair: Brad Gibbs, BLM - SEAT Chair: Mark Bickham, BLM - Aerial Supervision Chair: Rusty Warbis, BLM - AFF Chair: Bob Roth, USFS - IAT Chair: Glen Claypool, BLM

## IHOps Working Groups

## Training WG Updates

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

## Training WG Updates

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

## Aerial Ignition WG Updates

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

## ACETA WG Updates

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

## Rappel WG Updates

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

## Shorthaul WG Updates

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

## IHOG Updates

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

## IHOG Updates

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

## IHOps WG Updates

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

## IHOps WG Updates

- Updated Ch 70 of Military Use Guide JULY 2006 – NFES 2175
- Does not apply to National Guard under State direction
- _[http://](http://www.nifc.gov/nicc/logistics/references.htm)__[www.nifc.gov/nicc/logistics/references.htm](http://www.nifc.gov/nicc/logistics/references.htm)_
- Deleted Military Helicopter Manager (MHEM) replaced with HELM
- Minimum of 1 HELM required per 4 aircraft if there is a crew chief assigned and aircraft working off of the same base
- Cargo transport in accordance with military protocol, not IHOG
- Deleted Military Aviation Operations Coordinator (MAOC) replaced with ASGS/HEB1
- Deleted Military Helicopter Manager Supervisor (MMS)
- HECM’s are not required

## Helicopter Cost Efficiency Program (HCEP)

- 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.
- Ordering unit may provide supplemental info:
- Highest operating elevation and temperature
- Operating restrictions: landing area size, etc.
- Intended missions: IA, pax, bucket, cargo, etc.
- Ordering by “Type” is optional

## Utilization of HCEP

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

## Airspace Updates

- Revised Fire Traffic Area (FTA) depiction
- Principles remain the same
- Call by 12nm, Hold at 7nm, etc
- Power Point available at:
- _[http://www.blm.gov](http://www.blm.gov/)_ Airspace, Airspace Education FTA.ppt
*Handout – 2007 BLM Airspace Update 01.doc*
*Handout – 01-11-07 FTA PROFILE 2.0.bmp*

## Airspace Updates

## Airspace Updates

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

## Helicopter Manager Position Standards

- HELM and HELB - pre-requisite and training qualifications listed in 310-1
- Resource (Project) Helicopter Manager - pre-requisite and training qualifications listed in IHOG
- Exclusive Use – pre-requisite and training qualifications listed in Redbook chapter 17 (USFS, BLM, NPS, FWS), Bluebook (BIA) and 5109.17 (FS)
- 2007 changes to the Redbook:

## Slide 20

## Narrow Band Radio Issues

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

## RADIO HEADS-UP 

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

## Helibase Crash/Rescue

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

## Computer Based Training (CBT) for Firefighting Pilots

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

## On-Line Helicopter Fire Pilot Training

**(Sample: Fire Behavior Module)**

## Helicopter Efficiency Coordinator

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

## Automated Flight Following (AFF)

- Required in all T1 & T2 CWN in 2006
- More and more aircraft equipped with AFF, still missing some T3 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](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.
- 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.
- Some method of flight following is a requirement in all of our aircraft operations.
- 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.
- Many factors will be taken into account:
- Is this the first occurrence of AFF problems with this aircraft vendor?
- Is the problem associated with the onboard AFF equipment, the service provider, the AFF server, or ???
- Is the aircraft vendor actively engaged in trying to fix the problem/restore service?
**Each occurrence must be evaluated individually and decided by the COR/CO.**
- Aircraft will normally remain available for service, utilizing Radio/Voice systems for flight following.

## Safety Update

- Interagency Safety Alert
- Interagency Lessons Learned
- Agency Specific Safety Alert
- Interagency Technical Alert
- USFS Technical Alert
- DOI Tech Bulletin
- DOI Aviation Accident Prevention Bulletin
- _[http://amd.nbc.gov/safety/library.htm](http://amd.nbc.gov/safety/library.htm)_
- _[http://www.fs.fed.us/fire/av_safety/](http://www.fs.fed.us/fire/av_safety/)_

## Interagency Safety Alert

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

## Interagency Safety Alert

- No. IA 06-02, July 20, 2006
- Flights Conducted with Maintenance Deficiencies
- Incidents have occurred related to continued flight in an aircraft with a known maintenance discrepancy.
- 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
- Duties Requiring Additional Attention to Detail
- Pre-flight inspections are not being thoroughly completed, and checklists are not being utilized.
**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
- Mid-Air Collision Avoidance
- Investigation of several recent near mid-air collisions revealed failures in communications, situational awareness, and deviation from standard operating procedures.
- Avoid transitioning both controlling aircraft at the same time.
- 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
- Flight Following Procedures utilizing AFF
- The National Mobilization Guide (NMG) identifies Automated Flight Following procedures
- _[http://](http://www.nifc.gov/nicc/mobguide/index.html)__[www.nifc.gov/nicc/mobguide/index.html](http://www.nifc.gov/nicc/mobguide/index.html)_

## Interagency Safety Alert

- No. IA 07-01, April 6, 2007
- SPH-5 Flight Helmets
- Frequently find cracks in SPH-5 shells just above the forward edge of the earcups.
- 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
- 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.
- Provide information for the planning and execution of aviation operations.
- Provide recommendations to modify or update policy in an effort to increase operational efficiency.
- Identify the specific organization responsible for taking action on a specific recommendation.

## Interagency Lessons Learned

- No. IALL 07-02

## Interagency Lessons Learned

- No. IALL 07-03, February 16, 2007
- A close call on a Plastic Sphere Dispensing mission.
- 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
-  Plastic Sphere Dispenser (PSD) flight profile “watch out ” situations
- 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
- Flight Helmets – Take Care of Them and They’ll Take Care of You
- 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](http://www.oas.gov/oassafty/library/helmetguide.pdf)_

## Interagency Technical Alert

- IA 07-01, October 19, 2006
- CHECKLIST DISCIPLINE
- Appropriate checklists are printed for each aircraft.
-  These checklists are sequenced and provide guidance for each phase of flight.
- 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
- AS 350B3 Helicopters Equipped with ECL Airframe Fuel Filter Kit (p/n 350-600024).
- A helicopter experienced an unanticipated flame out just prior to lift off.
- Dirt or grime may have contributed to the airframe fuel filter drain not seating completely, allowing air into the system.
- Pilots: Take extra care to follow the POH procedure for draining this filter system.
- Mechanics: Pay special attention during your visual inspection of the airframe fuel filter poppet.

## USFS Policy Updates

- 5109.17 has been revised:
- Helispot manager position removed from 5109.17, mnemonic to be removed from list in near future
- STL/TFL requirements for HELCO now the same as 310-1
- FS National Standard Helicopter Contract updated Fall of 2006 – Winter of of 2007. This is the boiler plate contract for all helicopter contracts
- End Product Contract Policy change – Spring of 2005
- FS has adopted Interagency Aviation Training (IAT)

## USFS Policy Updates

- 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**
- Regions 5 (Pacific Southwest), 9 (Eastern), and 10 (Alaska).	   **May 1, 2007**
- Regions 2 (Rocky Mountain) and 4 (Intermountain).
- 	**May 15, 2007**
- Regions 1 (Northern), 6 (Pacific Northwest) and National Call-When -Needed Helicopter Contracts.
**	****June 1, 2007**
**Web Link: **http://www.fs.fed.us/business/abs/

## USFS Helicopter Program Updates

- +/- 60 Regional T3 exclusive use helicopters for 2007
- Total of 65 National exclusive use helicopters for 2007
- 15 type 1  (identified as NMAC)
- 24 type 2  (regional IA)
-  7 type 2  (nationals)
- 19 type 2/1 (national exclusive use)
- Funding for permanent staffing for 34 of these helicopters is not assured at this time

## USFS Helicopter Program Updates

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

## USFS Flight Hours - 2006

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

## USFS SAFECOM’s  2006

- Total SAFECOMs
- 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
- Sikorsky CH54A, Klamath NF, 2 fatalities
- Eurocopter AS350 B3, Payette NF, 4 fatalities
- Bell 212, Klamath NF, no injuries
- Sikorsky S64E, Las Padres NF, no injuries

## USFS SAFECOMs cont:

- 6 Incidents with Potential
- Cessna 210, North East State and Private Forestry, gear up landing
- Near Mid Air on the Las Padres NF between an ASM and Helitanker
- Near Mid Air on the Boise NF between a Helitanker and a Kmax
- Bell UH-1H, Gallatin NF, engine failure, forced landing
- Airtractor (SEAT), Boise NF, fuel starvation, forced landing
- Bell 206 L4, Okanogan-Wenatchee NF, main rotor strike

## BLM Policy Updates

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

## BLM Policy Updates

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

## BLM Helicopter Program Updates

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

## BLM Helicopter Program Updates

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

## BLM FIRE HELICOPTERS 2007

**ST GEORGE**

**WEAVER MT**

**APPLE**** ****VALLEY**

**RAVENDALE**

**LAS VEGAS**

**ELY**

**ELKO**

**LAKEVIEW**

**RIFLE**

**PRINEVILLE**

**BURNS**

**VALE**

**BOISE**

**TWIN**** ****FALLS**

**LEWISTOWN**

**FT HOWES**

**BLM ****FIRE**** HELICOPTERS 2007**

**TYPE II (6)**

**TYPE III (17)**

**ALASKA FIRE**
**   ****SERVICE**

**MOAB**

**SALT**** ****LAKE**

**RAWLINS**

**TYPE III USFS/BLM (1)**

**BAKERSFIELD**

**WINNEMUCCA**

**RICHFIELD**

- X

- X

- X

- X

- X

## Slide 56

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

## 2006 SAFECOM Summary

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

## ?QUESTIONS?