Subject: 

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR 

OFFICE OF SURFACE MINING 

RECLAMATION AND ENFORCEMENT 

DIRECTIVES SYSTEM 

Aircraft Safety 

Approval: ·\:'.;1{-_., w. ~.VVI Title: Acting Director 

Subject Nwnber: 

ADS-14 

Transmittal Nwnber: 

884 

Date: AUS - 8 , . 

I. Puroose. This handboo~ lorth the policy for implementation of the aviation safety management 

program for the Office of Surface Mining (OSM) when conducting aviation operations. The handbook 

identifies responsibilities and actions required of OSM personnel to assure an effective aviation safety 

management program. 

2. Summary of Changes. 

a. This directive updates the responsibilities and procedures for OSM implementation of its aviation 

safety management program and other related aviation safety requirements to reflect changes in 

DM 350-354 and the aviation Operating Policy Memoranda (OPMs). 

b. Editorial changes such as name changes were made. For example, what was formerly called the 

Basic Ordering Agreement (BOA) is now called the Aircraft Rental Agreement (ARA). What was 

previously called the Aviation Management Council (AMC) is now called the Aviation Management 

Board of Directors (ABOD). 

c. New aviation plans now required by the Office of Aircraft Services (OAS) need to be developed and 

incorporated into ADS-14; plans such as an Aircraft Accident Prevention Plan and an Aviation 

Mishap Response Plan. 

3. Definitions 

a. Special Use Activities- Operations which are not point-to-point flight activities and which require 

special considerations due to their functional use. This may require deviation from normal operating 

practices where authorized by OAS. 

b. Aircraft Rental Agreement- a written instrument that incorporates commercial item provisions from 

the Federal Acquisition Regulations simplifYing contract provisions negotiated between an agency, 

and a contracting party. It contains a description of the services and unique requirements of the DOl 

aviation contracts. 

c. Aviation Management Board of Directors - is comprised of the Executive Committee and the 

Working Group. The Executive Committee incorporates OAS and a senior line manager from each 

Bureau for the purpose of formulating Department-wide aviation policies and procedures. 

d. Aviation Management Working Group- is comprised of Bureau Aviation Safety Managers and the 

OAS Aviation Management Specialist who provide the routine staff work for the Board and will 

OSM/103 7/22/86 
report to the Board Chair. 

e. Aviation Mishap Response Plan A formal written accident prevention plan 

consistent with Departmental policy. It should outline OSM guidelines, personnel 

responsibilities, and minimum information to aviation users in the field to respond 

to an aviation mishap. 

f. Aviation Accident Prevention Plan Establishes OSM responsibilities for 

program management, sets objectives, provides implementation guidelines and 

identifies monitoring methods. 

4. Policy/Procedure. 

a. Policy. The procedures set out in the handbook are to be followed unless waivers 

are approved by the Director, OSM in writing. 

b. Responsibilities. 

(I) Assistant Director, Finance and Administration (AD, F &A) ensures that 

the procedures in this handbook are followed for aviation management 

safety program actions initiated in Headquarters, and coordinates any 

waiver requests. 

(2) Regional Director, Regional Coordinating Center ensures that the 

procedures in this handbook are followed for aviation management safety 

program operations initiated in the coordinating center, field offices, and 

area offices. 

c. Procedures. 

(I) Requests for approval of waivers to the directives must be submitted on a 

case-by-case basis by memorandum through Chief, Office of 

Administration (OA), to the AD, F&A. The Chief, OA will evaluate the 

waiver request and will make recommendations to the AD, F&A, who will 

advise the Director. The Chief will coordinate with the OAS where 

applicable. 

(2) Recommendation for changes in the handbook must be submitted by 

memorandum to the Chief, OA. This handbook will be updated on an 

as-needed basis to incorporate any changes. 

5. Reporting Requirements. None 

6. Effects on other documents. Supersedes and replaces Directive ADS-14 dated 
February 17, 1988. 

7. References. 

a. Departmental Manual 350-354 DM 

b. OAS Operational Procedures Memoranda (OPMs) 

c. OAS Handbooks 

d. Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) 

e. OAS Informational Bulletins 

f. OAS Aviation Accident Prevention Bulletins 

g. OAS Tech Bulletins 

8. Effective Date. Upon Issuance 

9. Contact. William C. Bass, Aviation Safety Manager, (412) 937-2840. 

10. Keywords. Aviation Management User's Handbook 
OFFICE OF SURFACE MINING 

RECLAMATION AND ENFORCEMENT 

AVIATION USER'S HANDBOOK 

ADS-14 
OFFICE OF SURFACE MINING 

AVIATION MANUAL 

August 4, 2000 

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

Abbreviations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Chapter 1 

Chapter 2 

Aviation Management 

1.1 Purpose . . 

1.2 Philosophy 

1.3 Scope ... 

1.4 Objective . 

1.5 Policy .. 

1.6 Environmental Concerns . 

I. 7 Authority . . . . . . . . . 

1.8 Organizational Responsibilities- Department of the Interior 

A. The Office of Aircraft Services (OAS) . . . . . . . . 

B. The Aviation Management Board of Directors (ABOD)) 

C. The Aviation Management Working Group (AMWG). 

1.9 Organizational Responsibilities- OSM .. 

A. The Director . . . . . . . . . . . . 

B. The Chief, Office of Administration 

C. The Aviation Manager (AM) .... 

D. Regional Directors . . . . . . . . . 

F. The Aviation Management and Safety Officer (AMSO) 

G. Supervisors ..... 

H. The Flight Manager . . 

I. Employees . . . . . . . 

1.10 Evaluation and Monitoring . 

A. Departmental 

B. Bureau 

C. Other ... 

Records and Reports . . . . . . . . . . 

2. I DO! Aircraft Flight/Use and Aircraft Use Reports 

2.2 DOl Aircraft Use Report - Information Only Purposes 

2.3 U.S. Forest Service (USFS)- Flight Use Report 

2.4 Procurement/Documentation of Competition 

2.5 BILLEE Code ..... 

2.6 Aircraft/Pilot Payment . . . . . . . . . . . . 

VI 

. I 

. I 

. I 

. I 

. I 

. I 

. I 

. I 

. I 

. I 

.2 

.2 

.2 

.2 

.2 

.2 

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.2 

.3 

. ' ) 

.3 

. .) ' 

. .) ' 

. .) ' 

.4 

.4 

.4 

.4 

.4 

.4 

.4 
Chapter 3 

2. 7 Aircraft Mishap Response Plan and Hazard Map Instructions . . . 4 

2.8 Aircraft Accident Prevention Survey (AAPS) and Self-Inspection . 5 

2.9 Aviation Directives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 

2.10 Use of Non-Federal Public Aircraft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 

2.11 Space-Available, Administrative, Required-Use, and Other Travel . 5 

2.12 Aviation Safety Training Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 

2.13 Research Work Orders/Cooperative Agreements/Support Services Contracts 5 

Personal Protective and Aviation Life Support Equipment 

3.1 Personal Protective Equipment. ..... 

3.2 Personal Protective Equipment Waivers . 

3.3 First-Aid and Survival Kits. 

3.4 Personal Flotation Device ... . 

3.5 Antiexposure Garments .... . 

3.6 Emergency Locator Transmitters 

.6 

.6 

.6 

.6 

.6 

.7 

.7 

Chapter 4 Flight Operations Standards . . . . . 8 

4.1 General ............. . 

4.2 OAS-Approved Aircraft and Pilots 

4.3 Administrative Flights . . . . . . . 

4.4 Aviation Mission Planning/Risk Assessment 

4.5 Flight Plan and Flight Following 

4.6 Passenger Manifest 

4.7 Aircraft Preflight ....... . 

4.8 Checklists .......... . 

4.9 Interagency Aircraft Data Card 

4.10 DOl Pilot Qualification Card . 

4.11 Passenger Briefing ..... 

4.12 Crew Duty Time Limitation 

4.13 Instrument Flight Rules 

4.14 Night Flying . . . . . . . . 

· 4.15 Low-Altitude Flights . . . . 

4.16 Transport of Hazardous Materials 

4.17 Fuel Handling . . . . . . . . . . 

4.18 Fuel Reserves ......... . 

4.19 Transport of Cargo/Equipment . 

4.20 External Loads . . 

4.21 Overwater Flights. . . . . . . 

4.22 Load Calculations ..... . 

4.23 Environmental Considerations 

4.24 Local Area Hazard Map . . . 

4.25 Toe-in, Single-Skid, and Step-Out Landings 

A. Toe-in . . . . . . . . . . ..... 

II 

8 

.8 

. 8 

. 8 

.9 

.9 

.9 

.9 

10 

10 

10 

10 

10 

10 

10 

10 

10 

10 

10 

10 

11 

11 

11 

11 

11 

II 
Chapter 5 

Chapter 6 

Chapter 7 

Chapter 8 

B. Single-Skid ..... . 

C. Step-Out Landings . . 

4.26 Lap Belt/Shoulder Harness . 

4.27 Animal Gathering and Capturing Handbook . 

4.28 Flights Outside the United States, Trust Territories, and Possessions 

4.29 Flights Over Public Lands 

4.30 Employee Prerogative 

4.31 Emergency Situations . 

Use of Government Aircraft 

5 .I General . . . . . . . . . . 

A. Official Passengers 

B. Unofficial Passengers . 

C. Unauthorized Passengers 

5.2 Passengers/Cargo . . . . . . . 

5.3 Space-Available Travel .... 

5.4 Administrative Travel for Federal Employees . 

5.5 Administrative Travel for Official Non-Federal Official Passengers 

5.6 Administrative Travel for Unofficial Non-Federal Passengers 

5.7 Required-Use Travel . 

5.8 Other Travel .. 

5.9 Emergency Use ... 

Obtaining Aviation Services ...... . 

6.1 Contract, Rental, and Charter Aircraft . 

6.2 Cooperator and Affiliated Aircraft . . . 

A. Prior Coordination and Requirements 

B. Carding, Letters of Approval, or Memoranda of Understanding . 

6.3 Procurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

6.4 Billing and Payments ....................... . 

6.5 Procurement of Flight Services from Non-Federal Public Agencies 

6.6 Exclusive-Use Rental and Charter Service 

6. 7 Aircraft Insurance Requirements 

6.8 Personal Life Insurance ....... . 

Aviation Safety Education and Training 

7.1 Required Aviation User Training ... 

7.2 Required Pilot Training . . . . . . . . . 

7.3 Recommended Aviation User Training 

Aircraft Mishap Procedures 

8 .I Aircraft Mishaps 

A. Accidents . . . . . 

Ill 

II 

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21 

21 
Attachments 

Attachment 1 

Attachment 2 

Attachment 3 

B. Incidents with Potential . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

C. Aircraft Incidents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

8.2 National Transportation Safety Board Mishap Notification Procedure 

8.3 DOl Aircraft Mishap Notification Procedure 

8.4 Aircraft Accident Actions . . . . 

8.5 Aircraft Mishap Investigations 

8.6 Aircraft Mishap Documentation . 

A. Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report 

B. Aircraft Accident or Incident with Potential 

C. Aviation Management Information System (AMIS) 

D. Completion ofDI-134, Report of Accident/Incident . 

21 

21 

21 

22 

22 

23 

23 

23 

23 

23 

23 

OSM Aviation Planning Guide and Manifest ................ I 

OSM Aircraft Accident Prevention Plan 

A. Purpose, Scope, and Authority ... . 

B. Philosophy ............... . 

I. Accidents Can Be Prevented . . 

2. Responsibility and Accountability 

3. Safety Education and Training .. 

C. Delegation of Authority for Aircraft Accident Prevention 

I. Director and Deputy Director 

2. Regional Director . . . . . . . . 

3. First Line Supervisors . . . . . . 

4. Chief, Office of Administration . 

5. The OSM Aviation Manager .. 

6. Aviation Management and Safety Officer 

7. Field Supervisors 

8. Flight Managers ............. . 

9. Individual Users ............. . 

v 

v 

v 

v 

v 

v 

VI 

VI 

VI 

VI 

VI 

VII 

VIII 

VIII 

IX 

X 

D. Aviation Hazard Analysis and Risk Assessment . X 

E. Aircraft Accident Prevention Survey (AAPS) . . X 

F. Aviation Mishap Information System (AMIS) . . XI 

I. Aircraft Accident or Incident with Potential XI 

2. Aircraft Incident, Aviation Hazard, 

Maintenance Deficiency, or Airspace Conflict. . . . . . XI 

3. Aircraft Accident and Incident with Potential Investigations . XII 

G. Information Sharing and Dissemination XII 

H. Aviation Safety Education and Training XII 

Aviation Mishap Response Plan XIII 

IV 
Attachment 4 Hazard Maps . . . 

Attachment 5 Aviation Directives ..... 

A. Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) . 

B. Departmental Manual (DM). . . . . . 

C. OAS Operational Procedures Memoranda (OPMs) 

D. OAS Handbooks ..... 

E. OAS Information Bulletins . . . . . . . . . . 

F. OAS Safety Alerts .............. . 

G. OAS Aviation Accident Prevention Bulletins 

H. OAS Tech Bulletins ............ . 

I. Office of Management and Budget Circulars (OMB) . 

J. OSM Aviation Manual 

Attachment 6 Aircraft . ...... . 

A. Acquisition . . . . 

B. Aircraft Equipment 

C. Maintenance . . . 

D. Inspection . . . . . 

E. Aircraft Log Entries . 

F. Aircraft Security .. 

G. Fuel ........ . 

H. Security at Mishap Site . 

Attachment 7 Aviation Safety Awards Program 

v 

.XVII 

XVIII 

XVIII 

XVIII 

XVIII 

XVIII 

XVIII 

XVIII 

XVIII 

XIX 

XIX 

XIX 

XX 

XX 

XX 

XX 

XX 

XX 

XX 

XX 

XX 

XXI 
ABBREVIATIONS 

AAPS - Aircraft Accident Prevention Survey 

ABOD- Aviation Management Board of Directors 

AGL - Above Ground Level 

ALSE - Aviation Life Support Equipment 

AMIS - Aviation Management Information System 

AM Aviation Manager 

AMSO- Aviation Management and Safety Officer 

AMWG- Aviation Management Working Group 

ASM - Aviation Safety Manager 

AUH - Aviation User's Handbook 

ARA - Aircraft Rental Agreement 

CFI - Cet1ified Flight Instructor 

CFR - Code of Federal Regulations 

DM Departmental Manual 

DOl Department of the Interior 

VI 

ETA - Estimated Time of Arrival 

FAA - Federal Aviation 

Administration 

FAR - Federal Aviation Regulations 

FSS FAA Flight Service Station 

IFR - Instrument Flight Rules 

OSM - Office of Surface Mining 

NTSB - National Transportation Safety 

Board 

OAS - Office of Aircraft Services 

OMB - Office of Management and 

Budget 

OPM - Operational Procedures 

Memorandum 

PFD - Personal Flotation Device 

PIC - Pilot-in-Command 

PPE Personal Protective Equipment 

USFS - U.S. Forest Service 

VFR - Visual Flight Rules 
CHAPTER I 

AVIATION MANAGEMENT 

1.1 Purpose. This is the aviation management and safety program for the Office of Surface 

Mining Reclamation and Enforcement(OSM). As such, it does not repeat the Department 

Manual or other policies and regulations, but amplifies and tailors those policies and 

procedures to fit OSM's mission. 

1.2 Philosophy. The safety of OSM employees is paramount. Mission accomplishment is 

important, but it does not overshadow the need to protect human life and equipment from 

undue risks. The OSM Directorate will support any manager who suspends a project based on 

an analysis that it cannot be completed safely. 

1.3 Scope. This Aviation Manual (ADS-14) applies to flight services in the United States, Trust 

Territories, and Possessions other than those acquired on a seat-fare basis from commercial air 

carriers (e.g., Delta, United, etc.). Because OSM is responsible for aircrew members and 

passengers on board aircraft under its operational control, this manual is applicable to OSM 

employees, persons supervised by OSM employees, and Support Service Contractors (all 

referred to as "OSM employees"). Persons employed by and whose work is directed solely by 

cooperators or Support Service Contractors are exempt from provisions of this manual except 

when their duties include utilization of flight services which are under operational control of 

OSM. In that event, such persons will be subject to 1.5 below. 

1.4 Objective. Safe, efficient, and effective use of aviation in achieving OSM's missions. 

1.5 Policy. OSM aviation activities will comply with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), 

Department of the Interior (DO!), Office of Aircraft Services (OAS), and OSM regulations 

and policies. Where the policies conflict, the most restrictive policy will apply. Deviations 

are permitted only by waiver from persons who have that specific authority. Actions contrary 

to policies jeopardize safety and may result in disciplinary action. 

1.6 Environmental Concerns. Noise and visual pollution resulting from aircraft, particularly 

low-altitude flights, are a concern to all. Impacts on wildlife, wilderness areas, visitor 

use of public lands, etc. must be considered in aviation mission planning. 

1.7 Authority. Departmental Manual (DM), Parts 350-354, Aviation Management. 

1.8 Organizational Responsibilities - Department of the Interior 

A. The Office of Aircraft Services (OAS) is responsible for Department-wide functions 

related to aircraft services and facilities. OAS assigns aircraft to Bureaus and 

coordinates aircraft services from the commercial sector including procurement of all 
flight services, aircraft and pilot inspections, administrative support, and payments. 

OAS maintains pilots, aircraft, and financial records which are available to Bureaus. 

B. The Aviation Management Board of Directors (ABOD) is comprised of the 

Executive Committee and the Working Group. The Executive Committee incorporates 

OAS and usually a senior line manager from each Bureau for the purpose of 

formulating Department-wide aviation policies and procedures. 

C. The Aviation Management Working Group (AMWG) The AMWG is comprised of 

Bureau Aviation Safety Managers and the OAS Aviation Management Specialist who 

provide the routine staff work for the Board and will report to the Board Chair. 

1.9 Organizational Responsibilities - OSM 

A. The Director is responsible for establishing, implementing, and enforcing an aviation 

management and safety program; promoting safety awareness and aviation accident 

prevention; issuing letters of flight authority; reviewing accident and serious incident 

reports and instituting corrective actions; and coordinating requests for flight waivers 

with the OAS Director prior to granting waivers. 

B. The Chief, Office of Administration is OSM's Aviation Manager( AM) and is the 

senior line manager responsible for safety management, awareness and education; 

assuring the development and implementation of the aviation management and safety 

program; supervising the aviation safety manager; serving as a member of the ABOD; 

and serving as principal aviation advisor to the OSM Director. 

C. The Aviation Safety Manager (ASM) is the principal aviation consultant and aviation 

safety advisor to the Chief, Office of Administration and is responsible for formulating 

aviation policies and procedures, developing implementation procedures for this 

manual, coordinating the OSM aviation program, serving on the AMWG, participating 

in aircraft mishap investigations, reviewing aviation mishap reports and 

recommending corrective actions, and evaluating aviation program compliance. 

D. Regional Directors support OSM aviation policies and procedures, provide funds for 

aviation training and equipment, and assure that aviation activities are conducted in 

compliance with applicable directives. Each Regional Director will appoint an 

Aviation Management and Safety Officer (this may be a collateral duty) who is 

knowledgeable regarding aviation policies, procedures, and missions; and provide 

him/her with adequate time and the financial resources needed to perform these duties. 

F. The Aviation Management and Safety Officer (AMSO) is the principal aviation 

resource consultant and aviation safety advisor to the Regional Director; provides local 

technical and safety assistance; implements Departmental and bureau policy; 

comments on proposed changes in policy and procedure; instructs aviation safety 

2 
courses; maintains Regional training records; monitors pilot experience; processes 

requests for flight services; observes Regional aviation activities; acts as liaison with 

the OSM Aviation Manger; and provides technical expertise to employees, supervisors 

and flight managers. 

G. Supervisors are responsible for ensuring that employees follow regulations and 

policies, maintain currency in required aviation safety training, and use appropriate 

personal protective and life support equipment; maintain currency in required aviation 

supervisor safety training; and coordinate aviation operations with the Aviation 

Management and Safety Officer. 

H. The Flight Manager is the person representing OSM who is responsible for 

conducting the mission and for assuring that it is accomplished in accordance with 

DOl aviation policies, OAS publications, and this manual. The pilot may be the flight 

manager. 

I. Employees are responsible for knowing and following supervisory directives in 

accordance with Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs), DOl aviation policies, OAS 

publications, and this manual; maintaining currency in required aviation safety 

training; using appropriate personal protective and life support equipment; reporting 

potential and actual problems; and ensuring their own safety as well as that of others. 

1.10 Evaluation and Monitoring. 

A. Departmental. The OAS Safety Office is responsible for administering the Aviation 

Evaluation Program and provides the Assistant Secretary- Policy, Management and 

Budget with an independent appraisal of the aviation management and aviation safety 

programs within DOl. Evaluations monitor compliance with Departmental aviation 

policy directives and are an integral part of the aviation safety program. Each Region 

using flight services will be evaluated on a multi year cycle, per 352 DM B I. (C) and 

352 DM 1.6 (B)7. 

B. Bureau. The OSM Safety Aviation Manager will conduct biannual Regional 

aviation activity evaluations. 

C. Other. Regular communications between the Aviation Manager, Aviation Safety 

Manager and OSM offices, OAS, etc., will provide feedback regarding aviation 

activities and issues as necessary. 

3 
CHAPTER2 

RECORDS AND REPORTS 

2.1 DOl Aircraft Flight/Use and Aircraft Use Reports- Record and Billing Purposes. For 

each flight on fleet aircraft, Form OAS-2, Aircraft Flight/Use Report, must be completed. For 

contract, rental, or charter aircraft, Form OAS-23, Aircraft Use Report, must be used for the 

same purposes. OAS-23 Forms can be ordered over the Internet through the OAS World 

Wide Web page (www.oas.gov). 

2.2 DOl Aircraft Use Report - Information Only Purposes. Each nonrevenue flight on 

approved cooperator aircraft (military, other public agencies, or privately owned) must be 

documented on Form OAS-23. The comment, "nonrevenue flight; information only," must be 

included on the form. 

2.3 U.S. Forest Service (USFS)- Flight Use Report. When flight services are provided by and 

payment made to the USFS, the Standard Form-122, Flight Use Report will be used for billing 

purposes. OSM employees will also prepare an OAS Form-23 with the comment, "for 

information only" for each flight to document the number of flight hours and submit it to 

OAS. 

2.4 Procurement/Documentation of Competition. Any single procurement of flight services 

which exceeds $2,500 requires reasonable competition within the local area. Documentation 

of such efforts must be attached to the user's copy of Form OAS-23 and retained at the 

originating office. 

2.5 BILLEE Code. Each office using flight services must have an individual OAS BILLEE 

code. This identifier is used for billing of flight services and is required for completion of 

Aircraft Flight/Use and Aircraft Use Reports (Forms OAS-2 and OAS-23). Each office is 

responsible for reconciling billing discrepancies. 

2.6 Aircraft/Pilot Payment. Prior to use of fleet aircraft assigned to other DOl Bureaus, offices 

are responsible for addressing payment rates for the use of the aircraft, pilot services, per 

diem, etc., with the provider of the service. 

2. 7 Aircraft Mishap Response Plan and Hazard Map Instructions. Each OSM office using 

flight services must maintain a current and complete Aviation Mishap Prevention Plan and 

Aviation Mishap Response Plan in a readily accessible location. See Attachments 3 and 4 for 

guidance and formats. Local area hazard maps are also required for each location to be flown 

at altitudes within 500 feet of the surface. See Attachment 4 for guidance on hazard maps. 

Flight managers are responsible for reviewing hazard maps with pilots prior to each lowaltitude flight. 

4 
2.8 Aircraft Accident Prevention Survey (AAPS). AAPS is a tool for identifying program 

weaknesses. Copies of AAPSs will be maintained at the applicable Regional or field office. 

Evidence of actions taken to correct deficiencies must be attached to these documents. 

2.9 Aviation Directives. The supervisor of each organization conducting flight operations and 

the Flight Manager must have direct and immediate access to the Departmental Aviation 

Policy Manual, Parts 350-354, OAS Operational Procedures Memoranda, OAS handbooks, 

Information Bulletins, Safety Alerts, Aviation Accident Prevention Bulletins, Tech Bulletins, 

this manual, and any other records needed to provide complete documentation of aviation 

activities. These items can be in electronic format or in hard copy. 

2.10 Use of Non-Federal Public Aircraft. OSM has cooperative agreements with the states on 

common overflights. If a State/local government reimburses OSM for flight services, OSM 

must obtain a copy of that agency's documentation of the circumstances and maintain that 

record in the office providing the flight services. (See 351 OM 4 and Chapter 6 of this 

document.) 

2.11 Space-Available, Administrative, Required-Use, and Other Travel. Copies of required 

cost analyses, approvals, etc., (see Chapter 6) must be maintained at the user office for a 

period of 3 years. 

2.12 Aviation Safety Training Records. Records of required aviation safety training for OSM 

employees must be maintained by the supervisor, and the Aviation Management and Safety 

Officer. 

2.13 Research Work Orders/Cooperative Agreements/Support Services Contracts. 

Documents which indicated the use of flight services must contain language that persons on 

board aircraft under operational control of OSM are subject to DO! policies, OAS 

publications, and this manual. 

5 
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE AND 

AVIATION LIFE SUPPORT EQUIPMENT 

3.1 Personal Protective Equipment. 

CHAPTER3 

A. OSM employees must wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) on all special-use 

flights. PPE consists of fire-retardant clothing (NOMEX), aviator's protective helmet 

(except in multiengine airplanes), leather boots extending above the ankles, and flight 

gloves made completely ofNOMEX and/or leather. The OAS Aviation Life Support 

Equipment Handbook (ALSE) contains additional information. 

B. If the required leather boots are not conducive to the working environment (water, 

snow, etc.) the OSM supervisor may determine that rubber or synthetic boots are 

essential to perform the work. The supervisor will inform the employee of the 

increased personal hazard associated with use of this type of boot in the event of a 

post-mishap flash fire. 

C. Nylon, dacron, or polyester garments or undergarments may not be worn with PPE. 

They increase the risk of post-mishap fire injury. 

3.2 Personal Protective Equipment Waivers. One-time or blanket waivers to PPE requirements 

may be granted by the OSM Director. The conditions are limited to instances where 

protection for the individual after exiting the aircraft is deemed more critical for personal 

safety than that provided by standard PPE. An example is specialized clothing for protection 

against arctic temperatures for extended periods. Copies of waivers must be provided to the 

OAS Director and must be included with Bureau requests for procurement services when such 

operations are to be conducted. 

3.3 First-Aid and Survival Kits. A first-aid kit containing the specific minimum items listed in 

the ALSE Handbook must be onboard all aircraft under operational control of OSM. A 

survival kit containing the minimum items listed in the ALSE Handbook must be onboard all 

special-use flights. Flights in Alaska or Canada must have different or additional items in 

accordance with the ALSE Handbook. 

3.4 Personal Flotation Device. For operations beyond power-off gliding distance to shore, 

personal flotation devices (PFDs) will be worn by occupants of all single-engine aircraft, 

occupants of all helicopters equipped only with helicopter flotation devices, and during water 

take-offs and landings by multiengine-float or boat-hulled aircraft. PFDs need not be worn but 

will be immediately available to each occupant in multiengine-land aircraft which meet the 

overwater performance capability required for FAA Air Taxi and Commercial Operators. The 

6 
flotation gear required by Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 91 "for hire" 

operations will be on board when operating beyond power-off gliding distance to shore or 

during extended overwater operations (50 nautical miles from shore, or, for helicopters, 50 

nautical miles from shore or an offshore heliport structure). The emergency equipment for 

extended overwater operations required by 14 CFR 135 will be on board for extended 

overwater activities. 

3.5 Antiexposure Garments. If protection is required to assure a survival time beyond the 

"time-to-recovery" (see ALSE Handbook), the anti exposure garments will be worn in all 

single-engine aircraft and must be readily available to occupants of multi engine aircraft when 

conducting extended overwater operations 

3.6 Emergency Locator Transmitters/(ELT) The pilot-in-command will briefOSM employees 

on the location and use of the Emergency Locator Transmitter. In the case where multiple 

short flights are made the pilot's briefing does not have to be repeated, unless new passengers 

come on board. 

7 
CHAPTER4 

FLIGHT OPERATIONS STANDARDS 

4.1 General. All aircraft under operational control of OSM will comply with applicable F ARs 

(including additional FAA approval for special equipment such as antennas), DOl aviation 

policy, OAS publications, and this manual. 

4.2 OAS-Approved Aircraft and Pilots. OSM employees must use aircraft and pilots approved 

by OAS for flight services. 

4.3 Administrative Flights. All aircraft used for passenger transport (no duties while on board) 

must meet applicable F ARs. 

4.4 Aviation Mission Planning/Risk Assessment. A written mission plan (see Attachment I) 

will be prepared for all flights. The person whose title is included, in parenthesis, in the title 

of each section is responsible for providing the information listed. The Flight Manager's 

immediate supervisor must approve special-use flights, preferably by signature on the mission 

plan. If approval is given otherwise, documentation of that approval must be maintained at 

the office. 

Aviation mission planning will include conducting a risk assessment of the following 

noninclusive items: 

A. Pilot proficiency and experience in the mission, familiarity and currency in the aircraft, 

and flight experience in the mission's location. 

B. Means other than aviation for effective and efficient mission accomplishment. 

C. Aircraft and pilot carded for mission by OAS. 

D. Configuration of aircraft appropriate to need. 

E. Aviation safety training of passengers is current. 

F. Weather and other environmental conditions. 

G. Known hazards in the area to be flown. 

H. Personal Protective Equipment and Aviation Life Support Equipment used, if 

required. 

8 
I. First Aid/Survival equipment on board. 

J. Intangible pressures such as urgency and time to accomplish the mission. 

4.5 Flight Plan and Flight Following. 

A. Flight plans and flight following are required for all flights except those conducted 

within a 25-mile radius of the base of operations which involve local flight training, 

flight evaluations, and maintenance test flights. These exempt flights must maintain 

continuous radio contact with the base of operations. All flight plans shall be specific 

as to routing, i.e., FAA- published airways or direct point-to-point locations. Either a 

Visual Flight Rules or an Instrument Flight Rules flight plan will be filed prior to or 

immediately after takeoff with an appropriate FAA facility and will be opened when 

airborne. 

B. Flight following shall be conducted either by: 

I. Position reports made to FAA facilities at intervals of I hour or less for FAA 

flight plans, or 

2. Through any DOl -agency approved flight following system requiring radio 

contact at designated intervals, ground radio monitoring at all times, and 

aircraft position reports given and recorded. 

C. The pilot or Flight Manager must request the local FAA Flight Service Station or 

person with local flight following responsibilities to close the flight plan within 30 

minutes after landing. 

D. The Flight Manager will contact the local OSM office by telephone before takeoff, at 

any scheduled full-stop landings (ie, for fuel or meals), and at the end of the mission. 

4.6 Passenger Manifest. A manifest of all crew members and passengers on board will be 

completed and left at the point of initial departure (see Attachment 2). Manifest changes will 

be left at subsequent points of departure. OSM offices may also require aviation users to 

provide written flight information to a designated person (passenger names, departure and 

return times, aircraft identification, routing, etc.) prior to departure of each flight. 

4.7 Aircraft Preflight. Pilots must conduct a visual inspection of the aircraft prior to each flight, 

per FAR 91.103. 

4.8 Checklists. Pilots are required to use written checklists for all phases of flight, per 351 OM I. 

9 
4.9 Interagency Aircraft Data Card. An Interagency (DOI/USFS) Aircraft Data Card must be 

maintained in the aircraft and physically inspected by aircrew members and/or passengers 

prior to each flight. If the card is unavailable, the aircraft's authorization to conduct the 

mission must be verified, per 353 DM 2.5. 

4.10 DOl Pilot Qualification Card. The DO! Pilot Qualification Card must be carried by pilots 

and physically inspected by aircrew members and/or passengers prior to each flight, per 353 

DM 2.5. If the card is unavailable, the pilot's authorization to fly the mission must be verified. 

4.11 Passenger Briefing. Pilots will provide a briefing prior to each flight covering items 

specified in 351 DM 1.5. If the pilot does not provide a briefing, it must be requested by 

aircrew members and/or passengers. 

4.12 Crew Duty Time Limitation. Activities must be conducted in accordance with 351 DM 

1.9(2). 

4.13 Instrument Flight Rules. Flights are permitted in accordance with FAR 91.167- FAR 

91.193 and 

351 DM 1.3. 

4.14 Night Flying. Flights are permitted in accordance with FAR 61.57(d) and 351 DM 1.3. 

4.15 Low-Altitude Flights. Flights may be conducted in accordance with FAR 91.119. 

4.16 Transport of Hazardous Materials. Transport is allowed in accordance with the exemption 

granted DO! by the Department of Transportation, provided activities are conducted as 

stipulated in the OAS Aviation Transport of Hazardous Materials Handbook. 

4.17 Fuel Handling. Fuel handling must be conducted in accordance with the OAS Aviation Fuel 

Handling Handbook. 

4.18 Fuel Reserves. Aircraft must maintain fuel reserves as stipulated in FAR 91.151 and FAR 

91.167 of 30 minutes for VFR and 45 minutes for IFR flights. 

4.19 Transport of Cargo/Equipment. Only cargo and/or equipment necessary for mission 

accomplishment is permitted onboard aircraft under operational control of OSM and must be 

transported in accordance with F ARs and DO! policies. 

4.20 External Loads. Airplane external load operations will not be permitted except as provided 

in 14 CFR 21.187 or 14 CFR 21.197(a). External load flights are permitted provided they arc 

conducted with suitably equipped helicopters, flown by pilots approved by OAS for external 

load operations, and the aircraft are operated in accordance with FAR 133 and 351 DM 1.5. 

10 
4.21 Ovenvatcr Flights. Flights which are conducted beyond gliding distance to shore are 

prohibited in single-engine aircraft which are not float-equipped. 

4.22 Load Calculations. Load calculations will be accomplished prior to each flight considering 

weight of cargo and passengers, center of gravity, etc., relative to environmental conditions 

and performance capabilities of the aircraft. For helicopters, written documentation is 

required by completion of Form OAS-67, Helicopter Load Calculation, for the first flight of 

the day, a temperature change of plus or minus 5 degrees Celsius (II degrees Fahrenheit), a 

change of I ,000 feet in altitude at either take-off or landing, or a significant change in 

passengers, cargo, or fuel load. 

4.23 Environmental Considerations. Factors such as snow, fog, rain, wind velocity, cold weather 

(-40 degree Fahrenheit), density altitude, etc., may have a direct impact on performance of the 

aircraft. Flights in such conditions are permitted only in compliance with FAR 91.103 and 

351 DM I. 

4.24 Local Area Hazard Map. Prior to each flight to be conducted below an altitude of 500 feet 

AGL, pilots must review a current local area hazard map with the flight manager. A hazard is 

any obstacle protruding to or above the planned flight altitude. Any new hazards found in the 

area flown must be added to the hazard map upon return. See Attachment 4 for a detailed 

discussion of hazard maps. 

4.25 Toe-in, Single-Skid, and Step-Out Landings. These landings, as defined below, are 

prohibited except when approved by the OAS Director (see OPM 95-5). Requests for 

exceptions must be made to the OSM Director and processed through the OSM Aviation 

Manager. 

A. Toe-in: Landings that are used to drop off or pick up passengers or cargo by resting 

the helicopter on the toes of the skids. 

B. Single-Skid: Landings that are used to drop off or pick up passengers or cargo while 

holding the helicopter with one full skid on the ground and the other suspended in the 

au. 

C. Step-Out Landings: Landings that are used to drop off or pick up passengers and 

cargo (other than rappel/short haul) while holding the helicopter in a hover. 

4.26 Lap Belt/Shoulder Harness. Lap belts and shoulder harnesses must be worn on all take-offs 

and landings (351 DM !.!G). Use of the lap belt/shoulder harness is recommended during all 

phases of the flight for comfort and safety. 

4.27 Animal Gathering and Capturing Handbook. Planned gathering and capturing of animals 

must be conducted in accordance with the OAS Animal Gathering and Capturing Handbook. 

II 
4.28 Flights Outside the United States, Trust Territories, and Possessions. Such flights will 

comply with the flight regulations of the country in which the operation occurs. Flights will 

also comply with applicable DOl aviation policy, OAS publications, and this manual when 

implementation is reasonably accomplished. 

4.29 Flights Over Public Lands. Any time aircraft under operational control ofOSM has a need 

to operate at less than 2,000 feet above the surface over public lands (national parks, national 

wildlife refuges, etc.), the pilot will coordinate with that facility prior to the flight regarding 

the intended altitude and to ensure procedures particular to that entity are followed. 

4.30 Employee Prerogative. OSM personnel may elect without fear of reprisal not to fly 

under any condition they consider to be unsafe. Such situations will be reported 

immediately to the flight manager, employee's supervisor, OSM Aviation Safety Manager and 

OAS via an Aviation Mishap Information System Report (Form OAS-34). 

4.31 Emergency Situations. Pilots will take actions necessary to assure the safety of personnel 

and aircraft. Any resulting deviation from applicable F ARs, DOl aviation policy, OAS 

publications, and this manual must be reported appropriately to FAA, OAS, OSM Aviation 

Safety Manager, and the pilot's supervisor. 

12 
CHAPTERS 

USE OF GOVERNMENT AIRCRAFT 

5.1 General. A government aircraft is any aircraft under operational control of the Federal 

Government for the conduct of official business, regardless of whether it is owned, contracted, 

rented, or chartered. Such aircraft may be used only for official travel purposes. Official 

travel is(!) travel to meet mission requirements, (2) travel to meet communication or security 

needs (required-use travel), and (3) other travel for the conduct of agency business. Passenger 

categories are: 

A. Official Passengers. 

1. Officers and employees of the Federal Government traveling on official 

business; 

2. Members of Congress and employees of congressional committee staffs whose 

work relates to Departmental programs; 

3. Non-Federal passengers when engaged in missions which enhance 

accomplishment of an OSM program. (Note: OSM solely reserves the right to 

decide if inclusion of any individual enhances the accomplishment ofthe 

program.) Examples could potentially be personnel of cooperating State, 

county, or local agencies, representatives of foreign Governments, news media, 

cooperating non-Government organizations, and contractors' representatives. 

B. Unofficial Passengers. 

I. Officers and employees of the Department of the Interior and other Federal 

agencies when traveling for personal convenience on space-available travel. 

(Any unofficial passenger must provide a waiver releasing the Government 

from any and all responsibility for accidental death or injury resulting from 

such travel (OAS Form-115).) 

2. Unofficial passengers may not be on board aircraft during special-use flights. 

C. Unauthorized Passengers. All persons who are not official or unofficial passengers 

will be considered unauthorized and may not use any aircraft owned, operated by, or 

flown on behalf of OSM. 

5.2 Passengers/Cargo. Except for space-available travel, only persons and cargo required to 

accomplish missions are permitted on board aircraft under operational control of OSM. 

13 
5.3 Space-Available Travel. Space-available travel is using aircraft capacity that would 

otherwise be unused on an already-scheduled flight. It is generally limited to Federal 

personnel and their families in remote locations which are not reasonably accessible to 

regularly scheduled commercial airline service. Space-available travel is not allowed on 

special-use flights. GS-15 and below must receive supervisor approval for space-available 

travel. Senior Executive Service and above use of space-available travel requires trip-by-trip 

approval by the Secretary of the Interior and requires reimbursement at the full coach rate fare 

(see OPM 00-07). Such requests must be processed through the Chief, Office of 

Administration to the DOl Solicitor at least I 0 days prior to planned travel. 

5.4 Administrative Travel for Federal Employees. Government aircraft may be used for 

administrative travel purposes provided that (1) the cost is not more than commercial sources, 

or (2) commercial aircraft is not reasonably available to meet the traveler's departure/arrival 

requirements within a 24-hour period, unless it can be demonstrated there are extraordinary 

circumstances which require a shorter period to fulfill the agency requirement. In order to 

assure compliance with OMB Circular No. A-76 (revised), Form OAS- I I 0, a Travel Cost 

Analysis, or like document, must be prepared for administrative flights. Approval for the 

flight from a designated official at least one level higher than the traveler is necessary. Unless 

there are security, communication, or time constraints involved, a cost comparison with 

commercial sources is required. 

5.5 Administrative Travel for Official Non-Federal Passengers. Non-Federal personnel who 

are official passengers (see 5. !(A) above) may use any Government aircraft under operational 

control of OSM for administrative travel without reimbursing the Government for a portion of 

the flight costs. 

5.6 Administrative Travel for Unofficial Non-Federal Passengers. Receiving reimbursement 

from an unofficial non-Federal passenger (see 5. I (B) above) on an administrative flight using 

fleet aircraft is not allowed since DOl does not hold an FAA Air Taxi and Commercial 

Operator's Certificate. Neither may such passengers be on board fleet aircraft on 

administrative flights without reimbursement since that would be contrary to the requirements 

ofOMB Circular No. A-126 (revised). 

5.7 Required-Use Travel. Required-use travel is that which necessitates the use of Government 

aircraft for the travel of an Executive Agency officer or employee because of bona fide 

communication or security needs of the agency or exceptional scheduling requirements. With 

certain exceptions, advance trip-by-trip authorization by the DOl Solicitor or the Solicitor's 

designee is required. Reimbursement at the full coach rate may be necessary. 

5.8 Other Travel. Prior approval on a trip-by-trip basis from the DOl Solicitor or the Solicitor's 

designee is required for Senior Federal Officials or Senior Executive Branch Officials, 

members of families of such senior Federal officials, and non-Federal travelers for travel that 

is not to meet mission requirements or required-use travel. Such requests must be processed 

14 
through the Chief, Office of Administration to the DOl Solicitor at least I 0 days prior to 

planned travel. Reimbursement at the full coach rate is required for any portion of the trip that 

is incidental private activity. 

5.9 Emergency Use. OSM supervisors may authorize the use of Government aircraft to assist in 

life-threatening circumstances, disaster relief efforts, etc. The nature of the circumstances 

must be noted on Form OAS-2 or Form OAS-23. 

15 
CHAPTER6 

OBTAINING AVIATION SERVICES 

6.1 CONTRACT, RENTAL, AND CHARTER AIRCRAFT. Aircraft operators providing 

contract, individual charter, or hourly rental service to OSM must be approved by OAS and 

certified under 14 CFR 91, 14 CFR 121, 14 CFR 125, 14 CFR 127, 14 CFR 133, 14 CFR 135, 

or 14 CFR 137. Pilots must meet DOI experience requirements and adhere to flight time and 

duty limitations. 

6.2 COOPERATOR AND AFFILIATED AIRCRAFT. A cooperator aircraft is an affiliated 

military or another public agency aircraft. An affiliated aircraft is a civil aircraft operated in 

accordance with 14 CFR 91, 121, or 135 for the mutual benefit of DOI and the affiliated party 

at no cost to DOl. In other words, a cooperator aircraft belongs to another government agency 

(Federal, state, county, city, state university, etc.) and an affiliated aircraft belongs to an 

individual or private company that is not charging DOI for the joint use of the aircraft while 

doing joint work. Additionally, DOI cannot pay for public aircraft that do not have a common 

treasury linkage so DOI cannot reimburse a state university, state or county government when 

using their aircraft. . 

A. Prior Coordination and Requirements. Aircraft and pilots must meet DOI standards 

for general or special-use flights. OSM employees may not use such aircraft and pilots 

without prior OAS approval. Any costs incurred by OAS in approving cooperator 

aircraft, including an onsite inspection and pilot checkride for special-use flights, may 

be charged to the requesting office. Requests for use of cooperator aircraft must be 

submitted to OAS as far in advance as possible and contain the following information: 

I. Purpose, type, and date(s) of flight(s). 

2. Statement indicating whether flights will be general-use or special-use. 

3. Aircraft make, model, and registration number. 

4. Pilot or other contact name and telephone number. 

5. Statement that the flight(s) will be without cost to DOI or OSM. 

6. Evidence of liability insurance (minimum requirements of 14 CFR 298.42). 

7. Availability of personal protective equipment or aviation life support 

equipment, if required. 

16 
8. Other pertinent information. 

B. Carding, Letters of Approval, or Memoranda of Understanding. Interagency 

Aircraft Data Cards, DOl Pilot Qualification Cards, or Letters of Approval for aircraft 

and pilots, will be issued in instances where only a few aircraft and pilots are involved. 

In situations involving numerous aircraft and pilots (military facilities, State fish and 

game agencies, etc.), Memoranda of Understanding may be used to replace the need 

for individual aircraft and pilot cards. 

6.3 Procurement. With the exceptions listed below, all flight services must be procured from 

OAS-approved sources through the Aircraft Rental Agreement (ARA). The current source 

lists (both pilot and aircraft lists) are available on OAS's World Wide Web page at 

www.oas.gov. The exceptions are for acquisition of end products (such as reports; aerial 

photographs; aerial application of seed, fertilizer, herbicides, etc., contracted on a per acre 

basis; and aerial animal round-up contracted on a per head basis, etc.) when there is no 

participation in the flights by DOl personnel and DOl does not direct the activities of the 

flight. When utilizing aircraft which has special equipment attached to or mounted on the 

aircraft, the user must verify authorization to conduct such flights with OAS (see Attachment 

6.B). Flight training is not considered flight service and may be procured by issuance of a 

purchase order. 

6.4 Billing and Payments. Billing and payments for flight services must be processed by OAS. 

Approved sources for flight services are (I) DOl fleet aircraft, (2) USFS fleet aircraft, (3) 

aircraft rental on an hourly basis under a DOl Aircraft Rental Agreement (ARA), ( 4) DOl 

contract aircraft, and (5) aircraft charter for one-time flights. Procurement of flight services 

within the United States by purchase order, imprest fund, Government Transportation 

Request, etc., is unauthorized. Such action is subject to ratification by the OSM Director. The 

office procuring flight services in an unauthorized way may incur an additional OAS charge of 

$1,000. 

6.5 Procurement of Flight Services from Non-Federal Public Agencies. Procurement of and 

reimbursement for flight services from non-Federal public agencies is unauthorized unless it is 

necessary to respond to an imminent threat to life or property and no service by a commercial 

operator is reasonably available to meet the threat. 

6.6 Exclusive-Use Rental and Charter Service. When no OAS-approved aircraft is available 

and annual utilization is less than $25,000, OAS may effect exclusive-use rental agreements. 

If suitable aircraft is not available through currently approved sources, OAS may charter 

aircraft for individual flights. Requests for changes to ARAs, contracts (aircraft use totaling 

more than $25,000 annually), or charter aircraft must be coordinated through the Chief, Office 

of Administration prior to contact with OAS. 

17 
6. 7 Aircraft Insurance Requirements. Minimum liability insurance requirements for 

commercial aircraft and pilots are set forth in 14 CFR 198.41-42. 

6.8 Personal Life Insurance. Before flying on other than scheduled air carriers, employees are 

advised to check personal (non-Government) life insurance policies. Some personal coverage 

is void when employees are considered to be aircrew members (performing a duty while 

onboard a flight which is critical to mission accomplishment). 

18 
AVIATION SAFETY 

EDUCATION AND TRAINING 

7.1 Required Aviation User Training. 

CHAPTER 7 

A. OSM employees must maintain currency in appropriate DOl-mandated aviation safety 

courses per the current OAS Aviation User Training Program. Minimum elements of 

basic aviation training include: 

I. Basic Helicopter/ Airplane Safety 

2. Aircraft Capabilities and Limitations 

3. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Aviation Life Support Equipment. 

(ALSE) 

4. Aviation Mishap Information System (AMIS). 

All members of those teams that set their own work requirements, manage their funds, or 

otherwise act as supervisors must take the following training: 

I. M-3 Aviation Management Training for Supervisors. 

2. Basic Helicopter/ Airplane Safety 

Specific groups targeted for training include users of special use aviation assets, aviation 

managers, aviation safety managers, and aviation trainers must take the following training 

where applicable: 

I. Aviation Management Seminar 

2. Aircraft Contract Administration 

3. Train the Trainer 

4. Accident Prevention Seminar 

5. Basic Helicopter/Airplane Safety 

B. Collateral Duty Aviation Managers must maintain currency as Aviation Managers. 

C. Aviation Manager and Safety Officers must maintain currency as Supervisors, 

Aviation Managers, and Aviation Safety Managers. 

7.2 Required Pilot Training 

A. Prior to performing piloting duties, pilots must be familiar with DOl aviation policies. 

19 
B. Prior to performing piloting duties in cold-weather environments, pilots must have 

instruction in the psychological aspects of panic behavior, clothing selection and 

improvisation, recognizing and treating cold-weather injuries, food and water planning 

and procurement, etc. 

7.3 Recommended Aviation User Training. 

A. Prior to conducting activities in cold-weather environments, OSM employees should 

complete the same training cited in 7.2(8) 

20 
CHAPTERS 

AIRCRAFT MISHAP PROCEDURES 

8.1 Aircraft Mishaps are broadly defined as: 

A. Accidents. Involve death or serious injury or substantial damage to the aircraft. 

B. Incidents with Potential. Indicate potential for substantial damage or serious injury. 

C. Aircraft Incidents. Occurrences which affect or could affect the safety of operations. 

8.2 National Transportation Safety Board Mishap Notification Procedure. In the event of an 

aircraft accident or any of the incidents listed below, the aircraft operator, flight manager, or 

person with flight following responsibilities must immediately, and by the most expeditious 

method, contact the nearest office of the NTSB (Anchorage, AK; Atlanta, GA; Chicago, IL; 

Denver, CO; Fort Worth, TX; Kansas City, MO; Los Angeles, CA; Miami, FL; New York, 

NY; and Seattle, WA). Follow procedures contained in the 352 DM 6, Aviation Mishap 

Notification, Investigation and Reporting. 

A. An aircraft is overdue and it is believed to have been involved in an accident. 

B. Flight control system malfunction or failure. 

C. Inability of any required flight crew member to perform normal duties as a result of 

illness or injury. 

D. Failure of structural components of a turbine engine excluding compressor and turbine 

blades and vanes. 

E. In-flight fire. 

F. Aircraft collision in flight. 

G. Passenger refuses to fly because of safety concerns. 

H. Damage to property, other than the aircraft, estimated to exceed $25,000 for repair 

(including materials and labor) or fair market value in the event of total loss, 

whichever is less. 

I. For large multiengine aircraft (more than 12,500 pounds maximum certificated takeoff 

weight): 

21 
I. In-flight failure of electrical systems which requires the sustained use of an 

emergency bus powered by a back-up source such as a battery, auxiliary power 

unit, or air-driven generator to retain flight control or essential instruments. 

2. In-flight failure of hydraulic systems that results in sustained reliance on the 

sole remaining hydraulic or mechanical system for movement of flight control 

surfaces. 

3. Sustained loss of the power or thrust produced by two or more engines. 

4. An evacuation of an aircraft in which an emergency egress system is utilized. 

8.3 DOl Aircraft Mishap Notification Procedure. 

A. When an aircraft accident, occurrence listed in 8.2 above, or incident with potential 

occurs, the aircraft operator, flight manager, or person with flight following 

responsibilities must immediately, and by the most expeditious method, contact the 

OAS Safety Manager (24-hour number ( (208) 327-8399) and follow procedures 

contained in the 352 DM 6, Aviation Mishap Notification, Investigation and 

Reporting. 

B. When an aircraft incident occurs (aviation hazard, maintenance deficiency, or airspace 

conflict), the person noting the hazard, maintenance deficiency, or airspace conflict 

must notify the OAS Safety Manager within 5 days. 

8.4 Aircraft Accident Actions. Actions detailed in the office Aircraft Mishap Response Plan 

should be followed in the event of an accident. A brief outline is below: 

A. Take necessary action to rescue survivors. 

B. Secure the site and surrounding area to protect the wreckage from further damage and 

avoid injury to persons nearby. 

C. Designate a person to be in charge of the mishap site; get names, addresses, etc., of 

witnesses; and relay all media inquiries to the investigating team or OSM/NTBS 

public relations official. 

D. Secure all OSM records pertaining to the operation, flight, maintenance, crew 

members, etc. 

E. Document facts on Form OAS-77, Initial Report of Aircraft Mishap and provide the 

information to NTSB and OAS. 

22 
F. Notify OSM Director of the Aircraft Mishap. 

8.5 Aircraft Mishap Investigations. The NTSB will investigate, or have investigated, all aircraft 

accidents. When NTSB investigates DO! accidents, OAS will generally be included. NTSB 

and/or OAS may also choose to investigate other DO! aircraft mishaps. 

8.6 Aircraft Mishap Documentation: 

A. Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report. The aircraft operator must complete 

NTSB Form-6120.112, Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, and submit it to the 

nearest office ofNTSB and to the OAS Safety Manager within I 0 days following an 

aircraft accident or when requested by NTSB following any of the occurrences listed 

in 11.2. 

B. Aircraft Accident or Incident with Potential. The aircraft operator, passenger, or 

other person with knowledge of the accident or incident with potential must complete 

Form OAS-77, Aircraft Accident/Incident with Potential, in accordance with352 DM 

6, Aviation Mishap Notification, Investigation and Reporting. 

C. Aviation Management Information System (AMIS). The aircraft operator, flight 

manager, or any other person noting an aviation hazard, maintenance deficiency, 

airspace conflict, or incident must complete a Form OAS-34, Aviation Management 

Information System Report, within 5 days and submit it to the OAS Safety Manager, 

the Chief, Office of Administration, OSM Aviation Safety Manager, and maintain a 

copy at the field office. See Attachment 2 for details. 

D. Completion of DI-134, Report of Accident/Incident. Completion of the Form OAS34 or Form OAS-77 cannot be used in lieu of completing Form DI-134, Report of 

Accident/Incident, or other reports required by 451 DM I and 485 DM I. The DI-134 

must also be completed and submitted to the OSM Safety and Occupational 

Health Manager (a.k.a. the OSM Aviation Safety Manager). 

23 
Yes No 

- - - -

- -

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

N/A 

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

I. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

7. 

PRE-FLIGHT RESPONSIBILITIES 

{Pilot-in-Command) 

Weight and balance completed: 

a. Gross weight 

b. Empty weight 

c. U sefulload 

d. Passenger/crew weight 

e. Maximum fuel weight 

f. Maximum number gallons fuel 

Aircraft pre-flight inspection completed. 

Fuel load confirmed. 

Cargo checked and secured, load calculations completed. 

Weather forecast received; winds within prescribed limits, visibility, 

precipitation, and turbulence. 

Passenger manifest completed/left at point of departure. 

Passenger briefing provided, including: 

a. Aircraft approach and departure paths 

b. Use of shoulder harness/lap belts 

c. Smoking rules 

d. Use of intercommunication system 

e. Location/use of fire extinguisher 

f. Location/use of emergency exits 

g. Location/use of aviation life support equipment 

h. Location/use of oxygen 

1. Location/use of emergency locator transmitter 

J. Location of battery/fuel shut-off switches 

k. Location of first-aid kit 

I. Location/use of communications radio 

IF YOU ANSWERED NO TO ANY OF THE ABOVE, STOP AND ASSESS THE RISKS. 

Pilot Signature/Date __________ _ 

II 
DATE 

AIRCRAFT COLORS 

AIRCRAFT TYPE 

PILOT 

ORGANIZA T!ON 

AIRCRAFT OWNER 

FUEL ON BOARD IN HRS: 

OFFICE OF SURFACE MINING 

PASS ENGER MANIFEST 

AIRCRAFT# 

CONTACT: NAME _______________________ __ 

TELE# _____ -----::c=-----

p ASSENGER/ AIR CREW NAME WEIGHT REMARKS 

DEPARTURE INTERMEDIATE STOPS DESTINATIONS 

PLACE ETD ETA PLACE ETD ETA 

III 
Yes No N/A 

- - --

- - --

- - --

- - --

- - --

- - --

- - --

- - --

I. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

7. 

8. 

POST-FLIGHT EVALUATION 

(Flight Manager/Pilot/ Air Crew) 

Mission safe and effective. 

Team work effective. 

Pilot performance satisfactory. 

Aircraft configuration/performance satisfactory. 

AMIS, Form OAS-34, prepared for incidents, aviation hazards, airspace 

conflicts, or maintenance deficiencies. 

Aircraft Use Report, Form OAS-2 or Form OAS-23, completed. 

Flight plan and flight following closed out. 

Update hazard map. 

Flight Manager Signature/Date. ________________ _ 

IV 
OFFICE OF SURFACE MINING 

AIRCRAFT ACCIDENT PREVENTION PLAN 

Attachment 2 

A. Purpose, Scope, and Authority. This Aircraft Accident Prevention Plan establishes 

Office of Surface Mining responsibilities for aviation program management, sets 

objectives, provides implementation guidelines, and identifies monitoring methods. It 

applies to all OSM aviation operations in the United States, Trust Territories, and 

Possessions, and other countries as directed by OSM management. The authority for the 

establishment of this Plan is the Department of the Interior Aviation Policy Manual, 

DM 352.2, Aircraft Accident Prevention Program. 

B. Philosophy. 

1. Accidents Can Be Prevented. Aviation safety and aircraft accident prevention 

within OSM is based upon this philosophy. Accident prevention is an inherent 

function of management. OSM managers and supervisors are ultimately 

responsible for the safety of aviation operations under their jurisdiction and 

control. This does not, however, alleviate the responsibility of individuals in 

carrying out the accident prevention policies of OSM and maintaining a cognizant 

awareness of the risks involved in conducting aviation operations. Within this 

program are the practical requirements to provide safe working conditions, 

prevent injuries to employees and the public, and protect property from damage. 

Accomplishment of our missions with minimum risk is the thrust of our 

prevention efforts. 

2. Responsibility and Accountability. The overall success of the prevention 

program requires close cooperation among each member of this organization. 

Supervisors and managers are charged with the responsibility for implementing 

the prevention program and to ensure, to the best of their ability, its success by 

aggressively demonstrating a leadership role in OSM prevention efforts. 

Managers and supervisors having direct or collateral control of aviation activities 

will ensure that their employees are all adequately trained to accomplish their jobs 

safety and efficiently, and that they are aware of applicable Department of the 

Interior (DO!) aviation policies, OAS publications, and OSM directives and 

procedures in conducting aviation operations. 

3. Safety Education and Training. Safety awareness is a key element in the 

prevention program. Standard education and training promote risk awareness and 

confidence in safe job performance. OSM will pursue an aggressive safety 

awareness program to ensure all levels of aviation users and managers are 

cognizant of OSM accident prevention philosophy and rigidly implement 

v 
prevention methods and techniques. The need to comply with sound safety 

principles and practices during all aviation operations will be rigidly enforced 

regardless of perceived mission urgency. Mission urgency must never override 

sound safety requirements .. 

C. Delegation of Authority for Aircraft Accident Prevention. 

I. Director and Deputy Director. The Director and Deputy Director are directly 

responsible and accountable for formulating policy and providing guidance on 

aviation issues. 

2. Assistant and Regional Directors. Assistant or Regional Directors who have 

aviation activities are responsible for ensuring first line supervisors implement 

and comply with all aviation policy and guidelines. They will also appoint a 

Regional Aviation Manager and Safety Officer (AMSO) to assist in these duties 

and coordinate Regional efforts in the aviation program. 

3. First Line Supervisors. Those first line supervisors who have aviation activities 

are responsible and accountable for implementation and enforcement of OSM 

directives and standards. Additionally they will: 

A. Ensure employees receive mandatory aviation safety awareness education 

and training required of their duties/position by DOl aviation policy, OAS 

publications, OSM directives, or as directed by other authority; e.g., Title 

29, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 1960, Basic Program Elements for 

Federal Employee Occupational Safety and Health Programs and Related 

Matters. This training will be accomplished prior to conducting any 

activity requiring such education and training. 

B. Actively promote safety awareness and aviation accident prevention in 

their areas of responsibility. 

C. Personally review all accident and serious aircraft incident reports 

submitted, take immediate corrective actions, or recommend to the 

Directorate a corrective abatement procedure. 

D. Actively support OSM aviation management and selected employees who 

coordinate aviation safety activities. 

4. Chief, Office of Administration is OSM's Aviation manager and is the senior 

line manager responsible to the Director, OSM, for: 

A. Advising the Director on all aviation matters within OSM. 

VI 
B. Developing, implementing, and maintaining the OSM Aviation 

Management Program. This includes publishing the OSM Aviation 

Manual to implement Departmental and OSM policies and procedures. 

Implementation of the OSM program will be consistent with DM 350-354, 

Office of Aircraft Services (OAS) Operational Procedures Memoranda 

(OPMs), appropriate Office of the Secretary Directives, and 485 DM 

Handbook, Safety and Health. 

C. Ensuring the OSM Aviation Safety Program is structured to meet program 

requirements for aggressive aviation safety and aircraft accident 

prevention. This includes supporting education and training, equipment 

and logistical requirements, mishap reporting, policy development, 

program implementation and budget. 

D. Coordinating all requests for exemptions and waivers to Departmental 

aviation policy for OSM with the OAS Director. 

E. Serving as the OSM member to the Interior Aviation Management Board 

of Directors. 

5. The OSM Aviation Safety Manager is the principal advisor on all aviation 

management and aviation safety issues to the Chief, Office of Administration. 

Duties include: 

A. Serving as the OSM member to the DOl Aviation Management Working 

Group. 

B. Serving as a member of the Departmental Aviation Management 

Evaluation Team. 

C. Developing the OSM Aviation Management Program and the Aircraft 

Accident Prevention Plan. 

D. Managing OSM responsibilities of the Interior Aviation Mishap 

Information System (AMIS). 

E. Serving as the principal OSM contact and coordinator with the 

Department and OAS for all aviation-related activities. 

F. Developing OSM-specific procedures for implementing aviation 

management policy. 

G. Providing guidance to OSM programs implementing Departmental and 

VII 
OSM aviation management and aviation safety program requirements. 

H. Identifying and coordinating appropriate resources for the education and 

training of staff, line managers, and field personnel as outlined in DM 352 

DM 2, Aircraft Accident Prevention Program. 

I. Coordinating with and assisting the OSM Collateral Duty Aviation 

Management and Safety Officer. 

J. Developing policy proposals for the Chief, Office of Administration 

involving all aspects of aviation operations. 

6. Aviation Management and Safety Officer (AMSO) is responsible for: 

A. Implementing the OSM Aviation Management Program and Aircraft 

Accident Prevention Plan. 

B. Coordinating with the OSM Aviation Safety Manager regarding the 

Interior Aviation Mishap Information System (AMIS). 

C. Serving as the contact and coordinator with Headquarters. 

D. Developing specific procedures for implementing aviation management 

policy. 

E. Providing guidance to programs implementing Departmental and OSM 

aviation management and aviation safety management program 

requirements. 

F. Identifying and coordinating appropriate resources for the education and 

training of staff, line managers, and field personnel. 

G. Coordinating with and assisting the OSM Aviation Safety Manager. 

H. Developing policy proposals for the involving all aspects of aviation 

operations. 

7. Field Supervisors who have aviation activities are responsible for: 

A. Ensuring that their employees follow the policies and procedures 

established in 350-354 DM for safe and effective utilization of contract 

aircraft services and will ensure that their employees receive periodic 

training to maintain a high degree of aviation safety awareness. 

VIII 
B. Appointing a knowledgeable employee with the responsibility of serving 

as Collateral Duty Aircraft Management and Safety Officer to assist them 

in performing these duties. 

C. Ensuring an OSM employee is designated Flight Manager for each 

aviation operation. (If there are any questions concerning the designation 

of the Flight Manager, the AMSO should be contacted for clarification.) 

8. Flight Managers. On all aviation rental agreement (ARA) flights, the Flight 

Manager is a designated OSM employee who has the responsibility for the 

planning and conduct of the mission. Their planning will include the items 

detailed below. They do not have to be on board the mission. 

If a mission is flown by the OAS or another agency, and the OAS or other agency 

has designated a Flight Manager, the OSM Flight Manager must ensure that the 

planning and conduct of the mission is in accordance with DOl, OAS and OSM 

guidelines. The OSM Flight Manager is not required to duplicate planning of the 

mission, only to ensure the planning includes: 

A. Defining the mission requirements, 

B. Ensuring all personnel are trained, 

C. Coordinating with the regional AMSO, 

D. Conducting the risk analysis, and 

E. Coordinating pilots and aircraft procurement. (See Attachment I for 

Aviation Planing Guide and Manifest) 

Flight Managers are also responsible for: 

A. Conducting the mission safely and within mission requirements, 

B. Reporting safety problems, 

C. Flight following, 

D. Reporting mission results, and 

E. Completing the appropriate OAS forms (sending the original copies to 

OAS). 

IX 
9. Individual Users are responsible to obtain and maintain training currency, 

conducting the mission safely and within mission requirements, and reporting 

safety problems. 

D. Aviation Hazard Analysis and Risk Assessment 

I. The objective of accident prevention is the preservation of life and the reduction 

of injury and loss of materials which result from aviation mishaps. In furtherance 

of this goal, it is incumbent upon all program managers, supervisors, and 

employees to ensure that proper education and training is obtained for job safety 

and enhancement of performance. To this end, it is critical that employees are 

qualified for their jobs with respect to technical expertise and managerial 

experience, have proper equipment, receive needed training, and are provided the 

time and funds to perform missions effectively and safely. Thus, is necessary to 

have the firm support of management in ensuring that the job is done correctly 

and with the least degree of risk commensurate with mission accomplishment. 

Again, "mission urgency should never override sound safety requirements." 

2. We cannot ensure that we will not have an accident. What we can ensure, 

however, is that risks involved in missions will be identified and reduced to an 

acceptable level and that we will be willing to be held accountable for decisions to 

proceed with the missions. 

3. Each OSM office conducting aviation operations will have a clear, established 

process in place to identify mission hazards, conduct a risk assessment, and 

manage the risk. This risk management process will be incorporated into all flight 

mission requirements and completed prior to each flight. 

E. Aircraft Accident Prevention Survey (AAPS). An AAPS is a tool for identifying 

weaknesses within the OSM Aviation Management Program. 

I. A biennial AAPS will be conducted in each Region which conducts aviation 

operations. 

2. Regional Directors will identify a manager responsible for conducting the AAPS. 

3.. AAPS results will be immediately reported to the Regional Director. 

4. The Regional Director will assign an individual(s) for corrective action(s) and 

establish a completion date(s). 

X 
5. AAPSs and deficiency correction documents will be retained in the Regional 

Office files for at least 3 years. A copy of all AAPSs will be retained by the OSM 

Aviation Manager for at least 3 years. 

F. Aviation Mishap Information System (AMIS). Mishap reporting and procedures differ 

for aircraft accidents and other types of reportable aviation incidents. All OSM offices 

will comply with the provisions of 352 DM 6, Aviation Mishap Notification, 

Investigation and Reporting. The OSM Aviation Safety Manager controls the AMIS 

reporting process in OSM. All reports will be maintained for a minimum of3 years. 

1. Aircraft Accident or Incident with Potential. Any employee involved in, 

witness to, or having immediate knowledge of an aircraft accident or incident 

involving injuries, will, if able, perform the following duties in the order 

specified: 

A. Take necessary action to rescue survivors and to secure the mishap site. 

B. Notify the National Transportation Safety Board, the OAS Aviation Safety 

Office, and OSM Aviation Safety Manager by the most expeditious means 

(see the DOl Aircraft Mishap Response Plan which is required for all 

facilities/locations where aviation activities are conducted). 

C. Initiate OSM mishap notification procedures. 

2. Aircraft Incident, Aviation Hazard, Maintenance Deficiency, or Airspace 

Conflict. Any employee involved in, witness to, or having detailed knowledge of 

an aircraft incident, aviation hazard, airspace conflict, or maintenance deficiency 

will, if able: 

A. Remove all persons from immediate danger. 

B. Stop work or request that a supervisor stop work until the situation is 

corrected. 

C. Report the situation to the OSM Aviation Safety Manager and OAS 

Aviation Safety Office using Form OAS-34, Aviation Mishap Information 

System Report. The white copy of the Form OAS-34 is sent directly to 

the OAS Aviation Safety Manager. The yellow copy is sent to the OSM 

Safety Manager while simultaneously sending copies to the Director, the 

Chief, Office of Administration and the Aviation Manager. The individual 

submitting Form OAS-34 will retain the green copy until a response is 

received from OAS. The reporting individual is encouraged to sign the 

form but it may be submitted anonymously. 

XI 
3. Aircraft Accident and Incident with Potential Investigations. The NTSB will 

investigate, or have investigated, all aircraft accidents. When NTSB investigates 

DOl accidents, OAS will assist. NTSB and OAS may also choose to investigate 

incidents with potential or other DOl aircraft mishaps. 

G. Information Sharing and Dissemination The OSM Director will provide the OAS 

Director with information or documentation of corrective action(s) related to aviation 

safety or aircraft accident prevention arising from Boards ofinquiry, aircraft accident 

reviews, or other aviation-related mishap investigations. Various materials published by 

OAS for accident prevention are described in 352 DM 2. Much of this information is 

available directly from the OAS World Wide Web site at www.oas.gov. The OSM 

Aviation Safety Manager will ensure all OSM organizations utilizing aviation resources 

receive data appropriate to their aviation operations. These organizations are to keep 

their staff informed of these data. 

H. Aviation Safety Education and Training. See Chapter 7 of the OSM Aviation Manual. 

XII 
Attachment 3 

Aviation Mishap Response Plan 

A. Purpose. This document is a cooperative effort between the U. S. Forest Service and the 

Department of the Interior. It is designed to provide aviation users in the field with the 

minimum information necessary to respond to an aviation mishap. 

Time is an extremely critical factor in responding to an emergency situation. Immediate 

positive action is necessary, delay may effect someone's survival. 

B. Rescue Operations. 

I. Preserve life 

2. Secure the area (deny access except to credentialed officials and escorted media) 

3. Do whatever is necessary to extricate injured occupants and to extinguish fires, 

keeping in mind the necessity of protecting and preserving evidence. 

4. Document and/or photograph the location of any debris which must be disturbed 

in order to carry out rescues and/or fire suppression activities. 

C. Site Safety Precautions. Aircraft wreckage sites can be hazardous for many reasons 

other than adverse terrain or climatic conditions. Personnel involved in the recovery, 

examination, and documentation of wreckage may be exposed to physical hazards posed 

by such things as hazardous cargo, flammable and toxic fluids, sharp or heavier objects, 

and disease. It's important to exercise good judgement, utilize available protective 

devices and clothing and use extreme caution when working in the wreckage. Do not 

exceed your physical limitations. 

D. \Vreckage Security. Treat the area like a crime scene. Arrange for security at the 

accident scene. Detem1ine if hazardous materials are on the aircraft and request special 

assistance if necessary. Wreckage and cargo should not be disturbed or moved except to 

the extent necessary to: 

I. Remove persons injured or trapped. 

2. Protect the wreckage from further damage. 

3. Protect the public from injury. 

4. Deactivate the emergency locator transmitter (ELT) if installed. 

Where it is necessary to move aircraft wreckage, mail or cargo, sketches, descriptive 

notes, and photographs should be made. Monitor accident site security. Permit only 

authorized persons on site. 

XIII 
E. News Releases. Contacts with news media regarding the accident should be made by the 

NTSB. If you are in doubt, contact OSM Public Affairs office before any contact is made 

with the media. 

F. Evidence. Perishable evidence, e.g. human factors, data, fuel samples and witness 

information must be quickly documented. 

G. Flight Following. Flight following, and communications are key components in 

promoting employee and aircraft mission safety and efficiency. Flight following, 

whether performed from a dispatch office, other facility, or at a remote location in the 

field, must be given a high priority by all personnel involved. 

H. Identification of Flight Following Requirements. At the time the flight is planned, 

flight following requirements should be clearly identified. Requirements should identify 

check-in procedures, including time and locations, dispatch office(s) or other flight 

following facilities involved, individuals responsible for flight following, frequencies to 

be used and any special circumstances requiring check-ins (for example, to military 

facilities with Special Use Airspace). 

I. Check-In Requirements. Check-in intervals or times must be documented in the flight 

following and must provide enough information so that the aircraft can easily be located 

if it became overdue or missing. 

J. Failure to Meet Check-In Requirements. The flight following facility will implement 

procedures for overdue or missing aircraft. 

K. Overdue or Missing Aircraft. An aircraft is considered "overdue" when 

I. The pilot fails to check-in within the time frame specified in the flight following 

plan or; 

2. An aircraft operating on a FAA (VFR) flight plan, fails to arrive within 30 

minutes of ETA and its location cannot be established. 

An aircraft is considered "missing" when it has been reported to a Flight Service Station 

(FSS) as being "overdue" and the FSS has completed an administrative search for the 

aircraft. To report an overdue flight as missing, call: 

FAA Flight Service Station 

Diall-800-992-7433 or 1-800-WXBRIEF 

L. Reportable Items. Aviation mishaps or hazards that you observe should be reported 

immediately to your dispatcher or aviation representative. It should always be 

XIV 
documented on a SAFECOM. If things happen that make you uneasy or appear to be 

unsafe even if you aren't sure, you are encouraged to ask the pilot or contact your 

aviation safety officer and discuss it. This kind of follow-up will improve overall safety. 

A SAFECOM (Form OAS-34 or FS 5700-14) is used to report any condition, 

observance, act, maintenance problem, or circumstance which has the potential to cause 

an aviation related mishap. 

If a mishap involves damage or injury notify the OAS Aviation Safety Manager 

immediately by the most expeditious means available. To contact the OAS Aviation 

Safety Manager: 

DOl 

24-hour Aircraft Accident Reporting Hotline 

Diall-888-464-7427 or l-888-4MISHAP 

M. Emergency Contact List 

POSITION AGENCY PHONE NUMBER PAGER NUMBER 

Aviation Manager OSMRE (202) 208-2593 1-800-641-2487 

Aviation Safety Manager OSMRE (412) 937-2840 1-800-986-5726 

Fire/ Crash Rescue: 

Fire: Rescue: 

Medical: 

Ambulance: Air Ambulance: 

Hospital: Hospital: 

Burn Center: Poison Center: 

Law Enforcement: 

Police: Police: 

Site Security: 

XV 
Accident Investigation: 

24 hour reporting: 

Safety Manager: 

Investigator: 

Investigator: 

Public Affairs: 

Representative 

Representative 

Flight Following: 

Dispatcher 

Flight Service 

Other: 

FS/DOI 

NTSB 

FAA 

NTSB 

OSMRE 

OSMRE 

FAA 

l-888-4MISHAP 

XVI 
Attachment 4 

Hazard Maps 

352 DM 1.90 requires use of Hazard Maps. To reduce wire strike potential, it is critical that a 

risk assessment be conducted prior to all low-level flights (below 500' AGL). A low-level flight 

hazard map will be constructed for the local operational area. All preplanned low-level flights 

require a thorough map reconnaissance for the route to be flown. 

I :50,000 topographic maps 

roads may equal wires 

towers 

wires 

vegetation 

navigation charts 

military routes 

MOA 

restricted areas 

towers 

Wires 

wildlife refuges 

XVII 
ATTACHMENT 5 

AVIATION DIRECTIVES 

A. Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR). These regulations are the basic guide for piloting 

and aircraft operations within DO I. F ARs may be obtained from the General Services 

Administration, FAA-approved Part 141 flight schools, airport fixed-based operators, or 

through the OAS World Wide Web site's (www.oas.gov) OAS Links. 

B. Departmental Manual (DM). The DM, Parts 350-354, Aviation Management, details 

aviation policy for all DOl agencies. The Departmental Aviation Policy Manual, OAS 

publications and forms, and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circulars may be 

obtained from OAS. See the OAS World Wide Web site at www.oas.gov for the most 

current version. 

C. OAS Operational Procedures Memoranda (OPMs). OPMs are interim directives. 

Their effectiveness is assessed during a 2-year period. Final policies are incorporated 

into the DMs. See the OAS World Wide Web site at www.oas.gov for the most current 

documents. 

D. OAS Handbooks. Handbooks contain detailed information on specific aircraft 

operations, equipment, reporting procedures, etc., and supplement Departmental aviation 

policy. Many of the documents can be found on the OAS World Wide Web page in the 

Safety Library. They include: 

Aviation Life Support Equipment Handbook 

Animal Gathering and Capturing Handbook 

Aviation Fuel Handling Handbook 

Interagency Aviation (DOl & FS) Transport of Hazardous Materials Handbook 

Airfreight/Paracargo Handbook 

Heliport Installation Handbook 

Aviation Mishap Notification, Investigation and Reporting Handbook 

Helicopter Short-Haul Handbook 

E. OAS Information Bulletins. Information bulletins contain material of a general nature 

and do not have a defined expiration date. 

F. OAS Safety Alerts. Safety alerts are time-sensitive documents which are published as 

needed. They provide safety information of an immediate nature. 

G. OAS Aviation Accident Prevention Bulletins. These bulletins contain material with 

wide application and are issued as needed. They provide general safety information. 

XVIII 
H. OAS Tech Bulletins. Technical data and recommendations regarding aircraft are 

published when warranted. 

I. Office of Management and Budget Circulars (OMB). OMB Circular Nos. A-76 

(revised), A-123, and A-126 (revised) prescribe procedures for acquisition of fleet 

aircraft, internal program controls, and the management and use of Government aircraft. 

J. OSM Aviation User's Handbook (ADS-14, Aircraft Safety). Procedures in this 

handbook are in addition to the preceding guidance. For consistency purposes, waivers 

require written approval by the OSM Director. This handbook may be obtained from the 

Chief, Office of Administration or the OSM Aviation Safety Manager. The handbook and 

Directive will be available through the OSM Internet page at 

www.osmre.gov/directiv.htm. 

XIX 
ATTACHMENT 6 

AIRCRAFT 

A. Acquisition. Fleet aircraft may be acquired by OSM only when mission requirements, 

amount of use, pilot availability, and other factors warrant. See 353 DM 6 for details. 

B. Aircraft Equipment. Aircraft used in support of aviation activities within the 

Department must be equipped in accordance with 351 DM 2. Any device attached to or 

mounted on aircraft must have FAA approval. Additional requirements for tracking 

antennas are found in OPM 95-13. All aircraft with external devices must be operated in 

accordance with the limitations of FAA approval (Supplemental Type Certificate, Form 

FAA-8110-2, for the aircraft make and model, or Form FAA-37, Major Repair and 

Alteration). 

C. Maintenance. Fleet aircraft must be maintained in accordance with 351 DM 2. Aircraft 

must also be maintained in accordance with FAA Airworthiness Directives and the 

Manufacturer's Service Bulletins. 

D. Inspection. Fleet aircraft must be inspected in accordance with 351 DM 2. 

E. Aircraft Log Entries. All aircraft maintenance and inspections performed must be 

appropriately recorded in the aircraft logs. 

F. Aircraft Security. The pilot is responsible for all precautions necessary to ensure the 

security of aircraft. Aircraft should be hangered overnight and when not in use for 

extended periods. If not hangered, the aircraft must be securely tied down. 

G. Fuel. The pilot must supervise the type, quantity, and quality of fuel used in the aircraft. 

H. Security at Mishap Site. In the event of a mishap, the aircraft and all parts must remain 

secure and must not be moved until released by the National Transportation Safety Board 

(NTSB) or Offtce of Aircraft Services Investigator-In-Charge. 

XX 
ATTACHMENT 7 

AVIATION SAFETY AWARDS PROGRAM 

OSM will use the DOl Safety Award qualification standards and procedures to recognize 

aviation safety practices, per 352 DM 7. The OSM Director may honor deserving persons for 

contributions to aviation safety or accident prevention actions with an OSM Aviation Safety 

Award. 

XXI