Attachment_2.1.pdf

Prospectus for Commercially Guided Helicopter Skiing Services on the Seward Ranger District Chugach National Forest

R10-MB-861c

Attachment 2.1 Operating Plan Outline

This attachment describes the minimum requirements of an operating plan and the minimum standards to be met. Applicants must submit a proposed operating plan that addresses all requirements in the prospectus.

The Forest Service will use the applicant’s information to determine qualification for this business opportunity. The successful applicant's operating plan will become a part of the special use permit.

Proposed Operating Plan

A. Business Information and Management Legal entity name, mailing address, website address, point of contact, job title, phone number and email address, valid Alaska Business License Number, business license effective and expiration date.

B. Operating Season Applicants must describe the dates of operation and business hours.

C. Staffing Describe each staff position, duties, qualifications, and experience. Attach a copy of all licenses and certifications (e.g., helicopter pilot license, first aid/CPR certification, Wilderness First Responder). The holder will be responsible for ensuring adequate training of staff and supervising their activities while performing under the terms and conditions of the permit.

1. Supervision and Management Describe the supervisor and management controls to ensure appropriate conduct of employees.

2. Employee Training Describe training to be provided to each position listed. Staff training should include effective customer service, conflict resolution, area-specific emergency procedures, client briefings, and on-going safety training to ensure a safe work environment.

3. Employee Conduct Provide your company’s employee conduct policy. The holder of a special use permit is responsible for the conduct of their employees. They are expected to comply with all applicable Federal, state, and local laws, and to conduct themselves in a professional manner always.

Prospectus for Commercially Guided Helicopter Skiing Services on the Seward Ranger District Chugach National Forest

D. Customer Service and Public Feedback Customers and the visiting public will be responded to in a professional manner to contribute towards a safe and enjoyable experience on the Chugach National Forest. Describe your customer feedback system. Describe your system for resolving complaints from the public.

E. Operations

1. Helicopter Skiing Operations Describe your normal operating procedures for helicopter skiing operations, including flight plan, flight following procedures, flight safety, and helicopter use locations record keeping. Describe your plan to follow an established set of flight routes to and from units to avoid low-level (less than 1,500 AGL) overflights of no-fly zones, backcountry ski areas closed to heli-skiing, and residences. Describe your use of staging areas, including landowner coordination procedures and permissions.

2. Trip Description Provide a description of services provided, include an estimate of the number of trips in the season, number of hours per day that clients will be on National Forest System land, number of runs per trip, number of clients per trip, and guide to client ratio. Include method of access and use areas.

3. Transportation Include a physical description of aircraft to be used, the make/model, and aircraft registration number (N-number). If charter aircraft are to be used, provide charter company name in addition to the previously mentioned description information.

4. Environmental Protection Describe fuel spill prevention practices. Describe your methods for managing trash and human waste (sanitation procedures). Principles and techniques of "Leave No Trace" outdoor behaviors appropriate to alpine environments will be discussed with staff and clients, including low-impact methods of human waste disposal and the "Pack it in - Pack it out" policy. Describe methods for minimizing impacts to other visitors.

F. Incident Reporting The holder will be required to notify the authorized officer of the following incidents that occur on National Forest System lands that are associated with permitted activities:

• An incident resulting in death, permanent disability, or personal injuries that are life-threatening or that are likely to cause permanent disability; or

• A structural, mechanical, or electrical malfunction or failure of a component of a facility designed for passenger transport or any operational actions that impair the function or operation of such a facility in a way that could affect public safety; or

• A search and rescue operation to locate a person; or

Prospectus for Commercially Guided Helicopter Skiing Services on the Seward Ranger District Chugach National Forest

• Any incident that has high potential for serious personal injury or death or significant property, environmental, or other natural resource damage, including avalanches, landslides, flooding, fire, structural failures, and release of hazardous materials.

Incidents must be reported verbally to the authorized officer within 24 hours and followed by a written report within seven days. If the initial notification call is made after business hours, a message will be left and a follow-up call will be made on the next business day.

Describe your procedures for reporting incidents to the Forest Service. Notification must specify when, where, and how the incident occurred and who was present or affected by the incident.

G. Communication Plan The holder is required to provide a means of communication (e.g., two-way radios, satellite phones, etc.) between all employees and emergency response agencies. Include a description of your communications equipment, location of equipment (e.g., carried by guide, in helicopter), check-in procedures with home base, points of contact, and trigger points for emergency response.

H. Licenses and Inspections Describe any required licenses and inspections the holder must obtain to legally operate.

I. Acknowledgement of Risk or Waiver of Liability Forms Attach a copy of any forms used for acknowledgement of risk or waiver of liability.