C-2 Attachment 4 NWCG_PMS510_2023.pdf

A publication of the National Wildfire Coordinating Group

NWCG Standards for Helicopter Operations

PMS 510 May 2023

The National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) provides national leadership to enable interoperable wildland fire operations among federal, state, Tribal, territorial, and local partners. NWCG operations standards are interagency by design; they are developed with the intent of universal adoption by the member agencies. However, the decision to adopt and utilize them is made independently by the individual member agencies and communicated through their respective directives systems.

NWCG Standards for Helicopter Operations

May 2023

PMS 510

The NWCG Standards for Helicopter Operations (NSHO) establishes the standards by which helicopter operations are to be conducted under the exclusive direction and operational control of federal, state, and local agencies in the accomplishment of interagency fire suppression and natural resource aviation management. These standards:

• Promote safe, cost-efficient, and effective aviation services in support of agency and interagency goals and objectives.

• Define national, interagency helicopter management, and operational procedures for helicopter users from participating agencies.

• Facilitate the ability of personnel from different agencies to work cooperatively on incidents or projects.

• Provide a framework within which areas, regions, states, and local units can provide supplemental, site-specific guidance.

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Table of Contents

Chapter 01 – Introduction Scope Authority Organization

Chapter 02 – Personnel Introduction Training, Qualification, and Currency Requirements Helicopter Staffing Requirements Helicopter Minimum Staffing Exceptions NWCG Incident Position Descriptions Non-NWCG Helicopter/Helibase Management Personnel Roles and Responsibilities

Chapter 03 – Operational Planning Introduction Developing Objectives and Contingency Planning Risk Management Flight Missions, Profiles, and Categories Flight Planning and Scheduling Process Aircraft Cost Comparison Analysis Aviation Project and Mission Planning Project Aviation Safety Plans

Chapter 04 – Communications, Flight Following, and Resource Tracking Introduction Flight Following Resource Tracking Communication Systems Aircraft Communication Systems Helibase Communications Incident Airspace Communications

Chapter 05 – Vendor Personnel and Equipment Approval and Carding Introduction Approval and Documentation Process Interagency and Procurement Document Standards Responsibility for Checking Carding or Approval Prior to Use Standards for Interagency Cooperator Type 2 and 3 Helicopters Interagency Helicopter Pilot Qualification Card Helicopter Data Card Mechanic Qualification Card Service Truck Data Card Aircraft Fuel Facility Inspection and Carding

Chapter 06 – Helicopter Capabilities and Limitations Introduction Helicopter Performance and Selection Weight and Balance High Density Altitude

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Day/Night Flight Limitations Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) Flight Limitations Wind Restrictions Helicopter Operating in Snow-Covered Areas Helicopter Flight Over Congested and Densely Populated Areas Supplemental Oxygen Requirements Lockdown of Controls Military Helicopter Limitations

Chapter 07 – Helicopter Load Calculations and Manifests Introduction Responsibility for Completion of Load Calculations Determining Load Capability Using Appropriate HIGE/HOGE Aircraft Performance Charts Manifests

Chapter 08 – Helicopter Landing Areas Introduction Planning Permanent Helibase Temporary Helibases and Helispots Unimproved Landing Area Initial Planning Site Ownership and Approval Selection of and Specifications for Temporary Helibases, Helispots, and Unimproved Landing Sites Approach/Departure Path Required Equipment and Facilities Markings for Aerial Identification Dust Abatement Procedures for Landings

Chapter 09 – Equipment Requirements and Maintenance Introduction Interagency Fire Helicopter Equipment Requirements Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements Survival Equipment Crash Rescue Equipment for Helicopter Landing Sites Standard Equipment for External Loads Inspection and Maintenance of Swivels Specialized External Load Equipment Ground-Based Tank Systems for Helicopter Dipping and Filling

Chapter 10 – Personnel Transport Introduction Personnel Transport Using Military Helicopters Special Law Enforcement Operations Special Search and Rescue Operations Load Calculations and Manifests Loading Procedures

Chapter 11 – Cargo Transport Introduction

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Qualified Personnel Qualified Non-Crewmember on Board During External Load Missions Hazardous Materials Transport and Handling Cargo Transport with Military Aircraft Cargo Preparation Equipment Inspection Cargo Inspection Loading and Rigging Procedures Hookup Methods General Requirements for External Load Missions Procedures for Hover Hookups Cargo Letdown Cargo Freefall

Chapter 12 – Fire Protection and Crash Rescue Procedures Introduction Emergency Response Preparedness Plan On-Site Accident Preparedness Planning Medical Incident Report, part of the Medical Plan (ICS-206 WF) Types of Emergencies Classes of Fire Extinguishing Capacity Extinguishing Agents Extinguisher Types Most Commonly Used Requirements Sequence of Actions Fatalities Extrication and Evacuation Preservation of the Accident Scene

Chapter 13 – Fueling Operations Introduction Responsibilities Fuel and Oil Pollution Prevention Types of Fuel Identifying Types of Fuel Fueling Hazard Safety Precautions Rapid Refueling Vendor Fueling Operations Government Fueling Operations General Guidance and Requirements Inspections and Quality Control Fuel Spills

Chapter 14 – Helicopter Maintenance Introduction Inspection Pilot Functioning as a Mechanic Mechanic Approval

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Unscheduled Maintenance Chapter 15 – Helibase and Helispot Management and Operations

Introduction Coordination with Project Aviation Manager or ASGS and AOBD Helibase Briefing and Debriefing Helibase Personnel and Organization Helibase Setup and Layout Helispot Considerations Dipsite Considerations Additional Considerations

Chapter 16 – Law Enforcement Introduction Personnel Duties and Responsibilities, Qualifications, Certification, and Training Operational Planning Flight Following, Resource Tracking and Communications Personnel and Equipment Approval and Carding Helicopter Capabilities and Limitations Helicopter Load Calculations and Manifests Helicopter Landing Areas Equipment Requirements and Maintenance Cargo Transport Fire Protection and Crash Rescue Fueling Operations Helicopter Maintenance Helibase and Helispot Management and Operations

Chapter 17 – Search and Rescue Operations Introduction Personnel Duties and Responsibilities, Qualifications, Certification, and Training Operational Planning Flight Following and Communications Personnel and Equipment Approval and Carding Helicopter Capabilities and Limitations Helicopter Load Calculations and Manifests Helicopter Landing Areas Equipment Requirements and Maintenance Personnel Transport Cargo Transport Fire Protection and Crash Rescue Fueling Operations Helicopter Maintenance Helibase and Helispot Management and Operations

Appendix A – Helicopter Management Forms and Checklists Introduction Applicability Electronic HCM Forms Aircraft Contract Daily Diary, HCM-1 CWN Pre-Use Checklist, HCM-2

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Aircraft Fuel Facility Inspection Log, HCM-3 Helicopter Turbine Engine Power Assurance Check, HCM-4 Turbine Engine Performance Trend Analysis, HCM-5 Helicopter Information Sheet, HCM-6 Helicopter Crew Information Sheet, HCM-7 Interagency Helicopter Load Calculation, HCM – 8, OAS-67/FS 5700-17 Interagency Helicopter Passenger/Cargo Manifest, HCM-9 Helicopter Load Capability Summary Multiple Helispots and Fuel Loads, HCM-10 Aircraft Dispatch, HCM-11 Pilot Flight Time/Duty Day Cumulative Log, HCM-12 Helicopter Daily Use and Cost Summary, HCM-15 Contractor Performance Assessment Report System (CPARS)

Appendix B – Helibase Management Forms and Checklists Introduction Daily Helicopter Operations Briefing/Debriefing Checklist (HBM-00) Helibase Organization Chart (HBM-1) Helibase Complexity Analysis (HBM-1A) Aviation Locations Summary (HBM-2) Helibase Aircraft Information Summary (HBM-3) Allowable Payload Chart (HBM-4) Helibase Flight Following Log (HBM-5) Flight Hour Tracking (Multiple Helicopters) (HBM-5A) Helibase Mission Request Log (HBM-6) Helibase Daily Use and Cost Summary (HBM-7) Helibase Communications Plan (HBM-8) Helicopter Demobilization Information Sheet (HBM-9) None.Helicopter Flight Schedule (HBM-9A) Facilities, Hazard, and Flight Route Map (HBM-10) Helibase Cumulative Cost Summary (HBM-11) Helitack Crew Performance Rating (HBM-12) and Helibase Personnel Performance Rating (HBM- 13) Two-for-One HMGB and/or Standard to Limited Request (HBM-14) Emergency Rescue Information, HBM-15

Appendix C – Exclusive-Use Helitack Crew and Permanent Helibase Preparedness Reviews Purpose Applicability Responsibility and Instructions for Completion Routing and Filing

Appendix D – NSHO Helibase Job Aids Package Emergency Medevac/Medical Transport Request (HJA-1) Helibase Manager’s Reminders List (HJA-2) Remote Fuel Site Reminders List (HJA-3) Crash Rescue/Medevac/Evacuation Plan (HJA-4) Risk Assessment/Risk Management Worksheets (HJA-5, HJA-6, HJA-7)

Appendix E – Incident, Hazard and Accident Reporting Introduction Situations that Warrant a Written Report

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Maintenance Deficiency Aircraft Incident Reports and Forms

Appendix G – Crash Rescue Diagrams

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Chapter 01 – Introduction 1

Scope 2

If an agency chooses to incorporate the NWCG Standards for Helicopter Operations (NSHO) as policy 3 within the agency’s directives system, it is essential that the user understands the use of language in the 4 NSHO regarding mandatory or optional compliance. The use of the verb “must” conveys mandatory 5 compliance; use of “should” conveys required compliance except for documented justifiable reasons; 6 and use of “may” and “can” conveys optional compliance. 7 While it is recognized that field offices from most participating agencies have the authority to issue 8 more restrictive guidance and directives than that contained in the NSHO, they are encouraged not to do 9 so in the interests of the guide’s objective to promote interagency standardization of helicopter 10 operations. Exceptions to the NSHO may only be authorized through agency-specific procedures. 11 For aviation operations using Active Duty/Reserve military helicopters, and National Guard units 12 officially “federalized” by the Department of Defense (DoD), see Chapter 70 of the National 13 Interagency Fire Center, Military Use Handbook for specific policy and procedural information located 14 at https://www.nifc.gov/nicc/logistics/references.htm. 15 The use of National Guard units for federal firefighting purposes within their state must be outlined in 16 national, regional, state, or local agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) between 17 federal agencies and the specific National Guard units. 18 There may be discrepancies between direction found in these standards and applicable helicopter 19 contract language. When discrepancies arise, the current helicopter procurement document should be 20 followed. However, if discrepancies cannot be resolved to the satisfaction of the vendor and government 21 representative, the contracting officer should be consulted. 22

Authority 23

The aviation directives of the participating agencies contain the authority to require implementation of 24 these standards as policy. 25

Fire Operations 26 The target group for distribution includes users and managers of helicopters, helibase management and 27 air operations personnel, and other personnel involved in helicopter operations such as aviation 28 managers, dispatchers, and project managers. 29

Resource Operations 30 The United States Forest Service (USFS), Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), Bureau of Land Management 31 (BLM), and National Park Service (NPS) have adopted the NSHO as policy for all helicopter resource 32 operations. 33

Organization 34

The chapters of the NSHO are organized to assist the user in obtaining an understanding of standards 35 and requirements for helicopter operations. The appendices provide standard operational and 36 administrative forms, checklists, and other job aids. 37 https://www.nifc.gov/nicc/logistics/references.htm

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Chapter 02 – Personnel 1

Introduction 2

This chapter establishes common duties and responsibilities of helicopter or helibase management 3 positions. Roles and responsibilities cover both incident and resource operations. 4

Training, Qualification, and Currency Requirements 5

An individual must be trained, experienced, current, and certified prior to planning or participating in 6 helicopter operations. Agencies may require additional training, experience, and currency standards of 7 their employees. 8 Training, qualification, and currency requirements for helicopter and helibase management positions on 9 incidents are established in the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1, 10 https://www.nwcg.gov/publications/310-1. 11 Additional interagency guides and handbooks that contain information can be found at: 12

• https://www.nwcg.gov/committees/national-interagency-aviation-committee/publications 13

• https://www.nifc.gov/nicc/logistics/references.htm 14

Helicopter Staffing Requirements 15

Exhibit 2.1 – Minimum Staffing for Helicopter Operations. 16

Helicopter Type

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Standard/Transport Category

FAA Standard Category Temporarily Designated for Limited Use

FAA Standard Category Permanently Designated for Limited Use or FAA Restricted Category

Type 1 Helicopter Manager plus 4 Helicopter Crewmembers Manager only Manager only

Type 2 Helicopter Manager plus 3 Helicopter Crewmembers Manager only Manager only

Type 3 Helicopter Manager plus 2 Helicopter Crewmembers Manager only Manager only

• The minimum required staffing levels must be filled with fully qualified personnel. Trainees may 17 be ordered in addition to the minimum staffing levels. 18

• Call-When-Needed (CWN) helicopter and module should marry up away from the assigned 19 incident. 20

Helicopter Minimum Staffing Exceptions 21

The types of missions a helicopter may perform using the following exceptions are approved by the 22 state/regional aviation manager by assessing the risks and benefits of the individual request. 23 An Air Operations Branch Director (AOBD) or Air Support Group Supervisor (ASGS) may request 24 delegated authority to approve the following exceptions from the regional or state aviation manager. 25 https://www.nwcg.gov/publications/310-1 https://www.nwcg.gov/committees/national-interagency-aviation-committee/publications

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Limited Use Exception 1 Helicopters designated as “Limited Use” may be staffed with fewer assigned Helicopter Crewmembers 2 than listed in Exhibit 2.1. A helicopter designated as Limited Use must be staffed by a fully qualified 3 Helicopter Manager, Single Resource (HMGB). 4 Requests for “Limited Use” will be documented using form Two-For-One Helicopter Manager (HMGB) 5 and/or Standard to Limited Request (HBM-14) 6 Typical missions performed by a Limited Use helicopter are those which do not require the support of 7 multiple Helicopter Crewmembers. 8

2 for 1 Exception 9 State/regional aviation managers may allow two (2) helicopters designated as “Limited Use” or Federal 10 Aviation Administration (FAA) Restricted Category or both types to be managed by one qualified 11 HMGB. The intent for 2 for 1 authorization is to be used as a stop gap measure (not long-term solution) 12 to fill a short-term Helicopter Manager (HMGB) need. The operational environment for which an 13 authorization is granted, should continually be evaluated to consider the complexities associated with the 14 incident including span of control, utilization, objectives, and experience level of the assigned HMGB. 15 Requests for “2 for 1” will be documented using form Two-For-One HMGB and/or Standard to Limited 16 Request (HBM-14). 17 Required elements for approval are: 18

• An order for another HMGB for the second helicopter has been placed and is actively trying to 19 be filled. 20

• Both helicopters are working out of the same helibase and are physically located side-by-side. 21

• A Helibase Manager (HEBM) is assigned. 22

Alaska Exception 23 A HMGB is assigned to all Exclusive-Use and CWN helicopters in Alaska. No additional Helicopter 24 Crewmembers are required unless otherwise requested. 25

NWCG Incident Position Descriptions 26

For the following positions, position standards (including position descriptions and minimum position 27 requirements for training, experience, physical fitness, and position currency) are located in the NWCG 28 Position Catalog, https://www.nwcg.gov/positions: 29

Helicopter Manager (HMGB), https://www.nwcg.gov/positions/hmgb, 30 Helicopter Crewmember (HECM), https://www.nwcg.gov/positions/hecm, 31 Helibase Manager (HEBM), https://www.nwcg.gov/positions/hebm, 32 Deck Coordinator (DECK), https://www.nwcg.gov/positions/deck, 33 Aircraft Base Radio Operator (ABRO), https://www.nwcg.gov/positions/abro, 34 Mix Master Retardant (MXMS), https://www.nwcg.gov/positions/mxms, and 35 Helicopter Coordinator (HLCO), https://www.nwcg.gov/positions/hlco. 36 https://www.nwcg.gov/positions https://www.nwcg.gov/positions/hmgb https://www.nwcg.gov/positions/hecm https://www.nwcg.gov/positions/hebm https://www.nwcg.gov/positions/deck https://www.nwcg.gov/positions/abro https://www.nwcg.gov/positions/mxms https://www.nwcg.gov/positions/hlco

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Non-NWCG Helicopter/Helibase Management Personnel Roles and Responsibilities 1

Training, qualification, and currency requirements for Department of Interior (DOI) and USFS 2 helicopter and helibase management positions for resource missions are found in the Interagency 3 Aviation Training (IAT) Guide at https://www.iat.gov/. 4 An individual who supervises missions limited to: Point-to-Point transport of personnel to/from a 5 developed heliport/helibase or airport, reconnaissance missions below, and/or above 500 ft. Above 6 Ground Level (AGL), landings at/or takeoffs from improved or unimproved sites. 7

Helicopter Manager – Resource 8 A Resource Helicopter Manager is responsible for coordinating, scheduling, managing, and supervising 9 non-fire resource helicopter operations. Fire HMGB training and experience requirements are found in 10 the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1, and specific agency and 11 bureau policies. 12

Pilot 13 The pilot is an essential part of any aviation mission and must be made an integral part of a team effort 14 whose objective is flight safety and efficiency. The pilot is in command of the aircraft and has ultimate 15 responsibility, under both FAA and agency regulations, for the safety of the aircraft and its occupants. 16 The pilot’s decisions and judgment are final. No agency employee will explicitly or implicitly ask or 17 require a pilot to perform any mission or flight maneuver which compromises flight safety. 18

Pilot Duties and Responsibilities 19

1. Adheres to Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs), agency regulations (for agency pilots), and the 20 requirements of the procurement document (vendor pilots). 21

2. As applicable, coordinates with dispatcher, HMGB, and/or HEBM on project or incident 22 planning and logistics; reviews manifests and intended loads to ensure aircraft is capable of 23 performing the mission; is responsible for knowledge of hazards in area of operations. 24

3. Ensures that all aircraft and communications equipment are in good condition and operable; 25 performs flight following as required by the agency. 26

4. Carries a current Interagency Helicopter Pilot Qualification Card; ensures the Aircraft Data Card 27 is physically present in the aircraft; presents the card upon request. 28

5. Military, cooperator, and other-government agency aircraft may have non-carded aircraft or 29 pilots, but a copy of the approving document must be available. 30

6. Performs aircraft preflight using an approved checklist and preflight safety briefing of 31 passengers, or delegates the briefing responsibility to qualified personnel. 32

7. Completes helicopter load calculation using applicable aircraft flight manual Performance 33 Chart(s); ensures that payload does not exceed allowable payload. 34

8. Meets contract requirements for fueling using approved static bonding procedures. 35

9. Is responsible for the security of the aircraft. 36

10. Except in an emergency, does not deviate from flight plan without relaying change to appropriate 37 dispatch office or other flight following facility; does not descend below 500 feet AGL unless 38 such flight has been authorized in advance or an in-flight deviation is approved; makes no 39 https://www.iat.gov/

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11. Wears personal protective equipment as required by agency directive (agency pilots) or the 3 procurement document (vendor pilots). 4

12. Completes flight payment documents per agency or procurement document direction. 5

13. Speaks English fluently and communicates clearly. 6

14. Responsible for transporting hazardous materials in accordance with federal, state, and local 7 requirements. 8

15. Follows FAA-approved company operational specifications. 9

Helibase/Helispot Management 10 See the NWCG Glossary of Wildland Fire, PMS 205, https://www.nwcg.gov/glossary/a-z for definitions 11 of helibase, helispot, and unimproved landing sites. 12 For incident helibases hosting two (2) or more helicopters past one day a HEBM is required. 13 Further information on specific requirements for helibase and helispot management can be found in 14 Chapter 8 – Helicopter Landing Areas and Chapter 15 – Helibase and Helispot Management and 15 Operations or other appropriate chapter(s) of these standards. 16 Unless otherwise specified, the following job descriptions apply to both incident and resource 17 operations. 18

Helispot Manager 19 Helispot Managers are responsible for providing safe and efficient management of all helicopter 20 activities at the assigned helispot. The HEBM assigns the position of Helispot Manager to a person 21 assigned to manage the aviation operations at a location physically separate from the helibase. A 22 Helispot Manager performs under the supervision of the HEBM. 23 Helispots are physically separate from the helibase, resulting in the inability of the HEBM to oversee 24 and monitor helispot operations, it is essential that the HEBM assign the most capable person based on 25 the complexity and nature of the assignment. 26 Minimum training, qualification, and currency requirements of the Helispot Manager position on 27 incidents are outlined within the position of Helicopter Crewmember. The position requirements are in 28 the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1, 29 https://www.nwcg.gov/publications/310-1. 30 Prior to the start of operations, the HEBM should extensively review Helispot Manager duties and 31 responsibilities, as well as the load capability planning forms in Appendices A and B. 32 Environmental considerations may affect the construction of a helispot. However, at no time will aircraft 33 or personnel safety be compromised. Significant helispot improvements such as the cutting of numerous 34 trees should be cleared by the HEBM with a higher-level authority, for example, the AOBD, or Project 35 Aviation Manager in consultation with the Resource Advisor. 36 https://www.nwcg.gov/glossary/a-z https://www.nwcg.gov/publications/310-1

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Helispot Manager Duties and Responsibilities 1

1. Obtain briefing from HEBM and obtain the following forms: Incident Action or Project Aviation 2

Safety Plan; Air Operations Summary, and Incident Radio Communications Plan (ICS 205), if 3 available. 4

2. Ensure that qualified HECMs are assigned to assist in helispot management, providing on-the-5 job training as necessary; conduct regular briefings with helispot crew; ensure all assigned 6 personnel understand their responsibilities and authority; manage resources/supplies dispatched 7 to helispot. 8

3. Obtain necessary equipment and supplies for the operation of the helispot (tools, fire 9 extinguishers, wind indicators, etc.). 10

4. On incidents, ensure that all helispot personnel are capable of and prepared to perform fire 11 suppression duties in and around the helispot; ensure that helispot crew is equipped to remain 12 overnight, even in adverse weather conditions. 13

5. Obtain allowable payload information for the helispot for each assigned helicopter, utilizing 14 forms outlined in Appendices A and B. 15

6. Obtain transportation and report to the assigned helispot; establish radio communications with 16 the helibase; provide the HEBM with initial or additional information for the Aviation Locations 17 Summary, HBM-2. 18

7. Ensure that all helispot personnel and personnel to be transported wear required personal 19 protective equipment. 20

8. Ensure the helispot and landing pad is constructed and prepared properly to ensure safe use of 21 the highest gross weight helicopter and/or helicopter with the largest diameter rotor blades; 22 construct the helispot according to safety standards; if required, obtain approval prior to making 23 improvements. 24

9. Install wind indicators and sign the area perimeter as necessary; perform any necessary aerial and 25 ground hazard reduction and safety improvements. 26

10. Anticipate dust abatement needs and provide or request as necessary. 27

11. Make crash rescue equipment such as fire extinguishers available. 28

12. Number and map the helispot in coordination with the HEBM. 29

13. Ensure that flight routes and area hazards are made known to all pilots; ensure communications 30 and Parking Tender(s) are in place. 31

14. Complete manifests accurately for all flights originating from assigned helispot; perform 32 manifesting, briefing, and loading of personnel and cargo. 33

15. Return external load equipment (nets, leadlines, and swivels) and excess firefighting equipment 34 to the helibase promptly. 35

16. Inform HEBM of helispot activities; coordinate activities and requests for air support with the 36

HEBM. 37

17. If applicable, supervise, or perform water or retardant loading at helispot. 38

18. Maintain records and reports of helicopter activities for later inclusion in the Helicopter Daily 39

Use and Cost Summary and the Helicopter Management (HCM)-15. 40

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19. If returned to the helibase, attend the nightly debriefing, and provide feedback on day’s 1 operations; otherwise, provide by radio. 2

Parking Tender 3 The Parking Tender is supervised by the DECK and is responsible for ground and air traffic in and 4 around the assigned landing pad and for the landing and parking of helicopters at that pad. 5 Parking Tenders should be fully briefed regarding responsibility for the landing pad to which each is 6 assigned, as well as the helicopter(s) assigned to the pad. Parking Tender should perform the bulk of 7 their duties from outside the safety circle. 8 Minimum training, qualification, and currency requirements of the Parking Tender position on incidents 9 are outlined within the position of Helicopter Crewmember. The position requirements are in the NWCG 10 Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1, 11 https://www.nwcg.gov/publications/310-1, Parking Tender Duties and Responsibilities. 12

1. Obtain briefing from the DECK; obtain radio frequencies and other information necessary to 13 perform the job. 14

2. Supervise activities at the assigned landing pad, including personnel, ground vehicle, and 15 helicopter movement. 16

3. Know and understand crash rescue procedures; ensure that extinguishers are placed at the 17 landing pad; be responsible for extinguisher operation in the event of fire either on landing, 18 takeoff, or refueling. 19

4. Ensure touchdown pad is properly prepared, numbered, and maintained. 20

5. Ensure adequate communications between the pad, pilot, DECK, and ABRO. 21

6. Know and understand helicopter hand signals; provide wind advisories and other landing, 22 takeoff, and holding directions to the pilot; assist the pilot as needed when the helicopter is 23 departing, approaching, or is on the landing pad. Communicate with the pilot either through hand 24 signals or by way of radio communication. Positive communication over the radio by the Parking 25 Tender via a patch cord and flight helmet is the preferred method. Parking Tender should be 26 positioned outside the safety circle. 27

7. Be alert for potential conflicts between inbound and/or outbound aircraft. Coordinate with 28 Loadmasters on the loading and unloading of personnel and cargo; ensure that loading personnel 29 check personnel seat belts, cargo restraints, and helicopter doors prior to departing the area. 30

8. Monitor the fueling of helicopters; report any problems to the HEBM. 31

9. Wear high-visibility clothing to distinguish from other personnel. 32

10. Coordinate frequently with DECK; attend the nightly debriefing and provide feedback on 33 problems encountered; recommend corrective action. 34

Loadmaster (Personnel or Cargo) 35 The Loadmaster is assigned and supervised by the DECK and is responsible for the safe loading and 36 unloading of personnel and/or cargo. 37 It is essential that all Loadmasters be briefed concerning the characteristics of each make/model 38 helicopter assigned, as well as standard Aircraft Safety Briefing procedures, personnel/cargo weighing. 39

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Minimum training, qualification, and currency requirements of the Loadmaster position on incidents are 1 outlined within the position of Helicopter Crewmember. The position requirements are in the NWCG 2 Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1, 3 https://www.nwcg.gov/publications/310-1. 4

Loadmaster Duties and Responsibilities 5

1. Obtain briefing from DECK; obtain radio frequencies and other information necessary to 6 perform the job. 7

2. Ensure designation and signing of crew and cargo staging areas and of egress and ingress routes 8 to the deck. 9

3. Obtain sufficient personnel resources to load personnel and cargo; supervise personnel assigned 10 to loading positions, to include: 11

a. Ensure the safety and welfare of personnel (both agency and contract) assigned; ensuring all 12 personnel understand their responsibility and authority; monitoring their actions to ensure 13 duties and responsibilities are correctly performed. 14

b. Conducting briefings of subordinates. 15

4. Ensuring personal protective equipment is worn by both personnel assigned to the deck and by 16 personnel being transported. 17

5. Meeting timekeeping, eating, sleeping, and transportation needs. 18

6. Supervise the manifesting of personnel and cargo according to requirements. 19

7. Ensure that appropriate hazardous materials regulations are enforced as outlined in the NWCG 20

Standards for Aviation Transport of Hazardous Materials, PMS 513, 21 https://www.nwcg.gov/publications/513. 22

8. Ensure the pilot is aware of weight and nature of all loads being transported. 23

9. Supervise loading and unloading crews. 24

10. Ensure all passengers receive preflight briefings. 25

11. Ensure external load equipment is checked for proper operation before use. 26

12. Know and understand crash rescue procedures; inform personnel of helibase and helicopter crash 27 rescue procedures. 28

13. Coordinate with ABRO and Parking Tenders. 29

14. Coordinate frequently with the DECK; attend the nightly debriefing and provide feedback on 30 problems encountered; recommend corrective action. 31

Dipsite Manager 32 A Dipsite Manager is responsible for monitoring aviation activities at the assigned dipsite(s) mitigating 33 hazards as required, maintaining communications with pilots and other ICS positions, and providing for 34 crash rescue/emergency response in the case of a mishap. The Dipsite Manager is assigned as needed to 35 natural or man-made water/retardant source(s). 36 A Dipsite Manager typically performs under the supervision of the Helibase Manager in coordination 37 with the assigned Division Supervisor or Task Force Leader when applicable. It is recommended that the 38 assigned Dipsite Manager is a qualified Helicopter Crewmember. 39 https://www.nwcg.gov/publications/513

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Dipsite Manager Duties and Responsibilities: 1

1. Obtain briefing from HEBM, (or assigning official); obtain Incident Action Plan or Project 2

Aviation Safety Plan, Air Operations Summary (ICS-220), Incident Radio Communications Plan 3 (ICS-205), and local Mishap Response Plan/Crash Rescue Plan, commensurate with incident 4 complexity. 5

2. Conduct briefings as necessary with dipsite personnel i.e., water tender, pump operator, law 6 enforcement, etc. Ensure assigned personnel understand their duties and responsibilities. 7

3. Obtain necessary equipment and supplies for the operation of the dipsite, i.e., radios, tools, fire 8 extinguishers, crash rescue kits, wind indicators, etc. Include a VHF-AM radio when available to 9 monitor the assigned rotor wing air-to-air frequency. 10

4. Dipsite personnel should be prepared to perform fire suppression and/or crash rescue duties in 11 and around the dipsite. 12

5. Report to the assigned dipsite; establish and maintain radio communications with the helibase, 13 pilots, and Division Supervisor when applicable. Provide the HEBM with initial and/or 14 additional dipsite specific information for dissemination to assigned pilots and HMGBs. 15

6. When applicable, communicate with the public and/or coordinate with law enforcement/public 16 safety official(s) to assure that the public are clear of dipsite operations and not exposed to 17 hazards. 18

7. Perform any necessary hazard reduction and safety improvements. 19

8. Install wind indicators and sign the area perimeter as needed. 20

9. Anticipate dust abatement needs and provide or request as needed. 21

10. Make crash rescue equipment such as fire extinguishers and crash rescue kits available, visible, 22 and accessible. 23

11. Name and map the dipsite in coordination with the HEBM and Aerial Supervisor. 24

12. Monitor aircraft separation; ensure that flight routes and area hazards are made known to all 25 pilots. 26

13. Identify an emergency landing area near the dipsite. Identify a landing area where helicopter 27 equipment troubleshooting can occur. 28

14. Identify escape routes for dipsite personnel in case of helicopter mishap at the dipsite. 29

15. Maintain records and reports of dipsite activities as requested. 30

16. Report to HEBM, Air Attack and Division Supervisor upon staffing/unstaffing of assigned 31 dipsite as well as return to helibase, (or other assigned destination). 32

17. At the end of each operational period, provide feedback on the day’s operations to the HEBM. 33

Law Enforcement Helicopter Positions 34 Sensitive mission requirements and objectives may require security clearances of personnel participating 35 in the mission. Any individual deemed not suitable for the mission by the law enforcement officer 36 (LEO) must be removed from the operation and documentation of the action taken must be submitted to 37 the Unit Aviation Manager. 38

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All law enforcement aviation operations using helicopters must, depending on the mission profile, be 1 conducted either by a qualified resource or incident HMGB or by a Helicopter Flight Manager. 2 It is recommended that qualified LEOs fill the HMGB position. 3 The one exception to personnel being required to fulfill the above requirements is when the agency is 4 using other-government agency or military aircraft, and the provider of the aircraft is also providing all 5 helicopter and/or helibase management services, e.g., flight following, loading/unloading of personnel 6 and/or cargo, external load operations., etc. 7 Any law enforcement personnel participating as a Helicopter Crewmember, and not solely as a 8 passenger being transported, must meet the requirements for an Aircrew Member [see Interagency 9 Aviation Training (IAT) Guide, https://www.iat.gov/ or agency aviation plan]. 10 All law enforcement personnel filling helibase positions must meet the training, qualification, and 11 currency requirements of the position outlined in the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position 12 Qualifications, PMS 310-1, https://www.nwcg.gov/publications/310-1. 13 Pilots from other law enforcement agencies, the National Guard, or DoD must be either approved 14 through a MOU or similar agreement, or must possess a current Interagency Helicopter Pilot 15 Qualification Card. 16 Sensitive mission requirements may require security clearances of the pilot and/or vendor to ensure 17 mission integrity. Law Enforcement HMGBs are responsible for informing the scheduling unit of any 18 such requirements. 19

Search and Rescue Helicopter and Helibase Personnel 20 HMGBs and Crewmembers performing search and rescue missions must meet resource requirements for 21 helicopter or helibase management, as well as associated duties and responsibilities for each position 22 filled. 23

Military Helicopter Personnel 24 See Chapter 70 of the National Interagency Fire Center, Military Use Handbook, located at 25 https://www.nifc.gov/nicc/logistics/references.htm, for operational procedures regarding personnel 26 associated with the use of military aviation. 27 https://www.iat.gov/

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Chapter 03 – Operational Planning 1

Introduction 2

It is essential that aviation operations be planned with consideration given to safety and operational 3 efficiency. Missions can be accomplished safely and efficiently, provided that a high degree of planning, 4 risk analysis, and management is applied. The success of a project or flight is affected by the ability to 5 anticipate and influence events before they occur. Standard operating procedures (SOPs) have been 6 developed to help streamline the planning process, incorporate the lessons learned from experience, and 7 use the best practices that balance the demands for safety and efficiency. 8 The planning process includes several steps as a project or flight is considered. Initial planning tasks 9 include determining objectives, risk assessment, and contingency planning. Once these primary tasks are 10 completed the process continues with aircraft selection and mission profile and planning that is more 11 operational in nature. 12

Developing Objectives and Contingency Planning 13

Objectives 14 The objectives for a project or particular flight will affect the planning and decision making process. To 15 be effective and support the overall goals of the organization, objectives must be clear, concise, 16 achievable, and measurable. 17

• Achievable does not necessarily mean easy, but expectations should be reasonable. 18

• Measurable on some quantifiable scale so success can be determined. 19

Contingency Planning 20 Preparation is the key to flexibility. Considering multiple options in the planning stage rather than 21 relying on one course of action will lead to success. Options based on “What if?” questions should be 22 considered during the planning phase: 23

• What if the flight is delayed? 24

• What if the passengers are late? 25

• What if the meals for the spike crews are not delivered as scheduled? 26 It is easier to do contingency planning in advance rather than on short notice during active operations. 27 Contingency planning should be detailed. Projects should be broken down into individual missions and 28 missions should be broken down to their smallest elements. These elements should be ranked according 29 to their importance, such as, “What’s going to stop progress?” or “What elements are essential?” After 30 considering what can go wrong with each mission element, specific solutions can be developed. 31

Risk Management 32

See, NWCG Standards for Aviation Risk Management, PMS 530, as well as other aviation risk 33 management publications at https://www.nwcg.gov/committees/aviation-risk-management-34 subcommittee/publications, for risk management as it applies to helicopter and helibase operations. 35 https://www.nwcg.gov/committees/aviation-risk-management-subcommittee/publications https://www.nwcg.gov/committees/aviation-risk-management-subcommittee/publications

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How to Properly Refuse Risk 1 Every individual (government and contract) has the obligation to report safety problems affecting his or 2 her safety and has the responsibility to contribute ideas to correct the hazard. In return, supervisors are 3 expected to give these concerns and ideas serious consideration. When an individual feels an assignment 4 is unsafe, they also have the obligation to identify, to the degree possible, safe alternatives for 5 completing that assignment. Turning down an assignment is one possible outcome of managing risk. 6 A “turn down” is a situation where an individual has determined they cannot undertake an assignment as 7 given and is unable to negotiate an alternative solution. The turn down of an assignment must be based 8 on assessment of risks and the ability of the individual or organization to control or mitigate those risks. 9 Individuals may turn down an assignment when: 10

• There is a violation of regulated safe aviation practices. 11

• Environmental conditions make the work unsafe. 12

• They lack the necessary training, qualifications, or experience. 13

• Defective or inappropriate equipment is being used. 14 Individuals will directly inform their supervisor that they are turning down the assignment as given. The 15 most appropriate means of documented turn down criteria is using the Aviation Watch-Out Situations. 16 See Exhibit 3-1. 17 The supervisor will notify the AOBD immediately upon being informed of a turn down. If there is no 18 AOBD, notification must go to the appropriate Section Chief, the Incident Commander (IC), or the local 19 aviation manager. Proper handling of turn downs provides accountability for decisions and initiates 20 communication of safety concerns within the incident organization. 21 If the assignment has been turned down previously and the supervisor asks another resource to perform 22 the assignment, they are responsible to inform the new resource that the assignment has been turned 23 down and the reasons why. Furthermore, the personnel need to realize that a turn down does not stop the 24 completion of the assigned operation. 25 The turn down protocol is an integral element that improves the effective management of risk, it 26 provides timely identification of hazards within the chain-of-command, raises risk awareness for both 27 supervisors and subordinates, and promotes accountability. 28 If an unresolved safety hazard exists, the individual needs to communicate the issue/event/concern 29 immediately to their supervisor and document as appropriate, including filing an Aviation Safety 30 Communiqué (SAFECOM). 31

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Exhibit 3.1 Aviation Watch-Out Situations https://www.iat.gov/docs/oas-161.pdf 1 https://www.iat.gov/docs/oas-161.pdf

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Flight Missions, Profiles, and Categories 1

Informational needs, flight following methods, requirements for personal protective equipment, 2 aircraft/pilot carding, and required management approvals differ between point-to-point and mission-3 type flights, and between general use and special use flight. In order to identify the type of flight, the 4 following definitions have been established. 5

Point-to-Point Flight 6 Typically, the flight originates at one developed airport or permanent helibase, with flight route being 7 direct to another developed airport or permanent helibase. The flight is conducted solely for the purpose 8 of transportation of persons or cargo or for administrative travel purposes. 9 When planning to deviate from a direct route for aerial surveillance or other reasons, the deviation must 10 be specified and documented in advance. 11 Except in an emergency or at the direction of an air traffic control facility, there must be no deviation 12 from the submitted flight plan while en route unless the agency representative aboard the aircraft reports 13 the amended flight plan to a designated point-of-contact. 14 All point-to-point flight is considered general use flight. For explanation, see the general, and special use 15 definitions below. 16

Mission Flight 17 These flights are defined by exclusion as all flights not meeting the definition of point-to-point flight. As 18 such, mission flight requires work to be performed in the air – for example, retardant or water delivery, 19 and reconnaissance; or, through a combination of ground and aerial work – for example, delivery of 20 personnel and/or cargo from helibases to helispots or unimproved landing sites, rappelling or cargo 21 letdown, and horse herding. 22

Mission flight inherently requires greater planning due to the greater number of hazards and 23 consequent higher degree of risk commonly involved in non-point-to-point flights. 24

General Use or Special Use Flight 25 Flights are also categorized as either “general use” or “special use” activities. Special use flights require 26 additional pilot qualifications, aircraft equipment, and passenger safety equipment. All helicopter flights, 27 including those aboard cooperator, military, and other-government agencies’ aircraft, must conform to 28 the requirements as outlined in appropriate agency directives. 29 During a flight mission, the type of use must not change from a planned “general use” environment to an 30 unplanned “special use” flight environment unless the following conditions have been met: 31

• Required personal protective equipment is being worn by both pilot and all passengers. 32

• Line manager approval is obtained prior to the change in type of flight activity. Pilot and aircraft 33 are carded for the special use activity, as verified by either the dispatcher or the HMGB. 34

• The dispatcher or other point-of-contact reviews the unit aerial hazard map and relevant 35 information on area of operations is relayed to the pilot or HMGB. 36

• The pilot performs a high-level reconnaissance above 500 feet AGL of the area to identify 37 hazards prior to descent to low-level. 38

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These requirements are waived when a life-threatening situation exists on the ground, and intervention, 1 or surveillance by the occupants of the helicopter will avert the situation. Such situations must be 2 documented by the HMGB or Flight Manager and a report submitted to the Unit Aviation Manager. 3 General Use Flights include point-to-point flights and mission flights conducted at greater than 500 feet 4 AGL, with no descent at any time below 500 feet AGL. 5 Special use activities are described as operations involving helicopters which require special 6 considerations due to their functional use. This may require deviation from normal operating practices 7 when authorized. Special pilot qualifications and techniques, special aircraft equipment, and personal 8 protective equipment are required to enhance the safe transportation of personnel and property. 9 Special use flight includes the following missions: 10

• Flights conducted below 500 feet AGL. 11

• Water or retardant application. 12

• Hover Fill operations. Prior agency authorization and training is required. 13

• HLCO and Air Tactical Group Supervisor (ATGS) operations. 14

• Aerial ignition activities. 15

• Night Vision Goggle operations. 16

• Offshore vessel or platform landings. 17

• Single-skid, Toe-in, hover Exit/entry Procedures (STEP). Prior authorization or exemption is 18 required. 19

• Takeoff or landing requiring special techniques due to hazardous terrain, obstacles, pinnacles, or 20 surface conditions. 21

Specific Special Use Missions 22

• Law Enforcement. See Chapter 16 – Law Enforcement for more information of law enforcement 23 specific missions and operational requirements. 24

• Search and Rescue. See Chapter 17 – Search and Rescue for more information of search and 25 rescue specific missions and operational requirements. 26

• Aerial Ignition. All aerial ignition operations must be conducted in conformance with the NWCG 27 Standards for Aerial Ignition, PMS 501, https://www.nwcg.gov/publications/501. 28

• Rappel. The use of rappel requires agency approval. Training, qualification, and certification 29 must be in accordance with agency policy. Tactical use of rappelling will be determined by the 30 individual agency. 31

• Short-Haul. The use of helicopter short-haul requires agency approval. Training, qualification, 32 and certification must be in accordance with agency policy. Tactical use of helicopter short-haul 33 will be determined by the individual agency. 34

• Aerial Capture, Eradication, and Tagging of Animals (ACETA). ACETA operations are 35 conducted primarily by DOI bureaus. For these operations, refer to the OPM – 33, located at 36 https://www.doi.gov/sites/doi.gov/files/opm-33.pdf. Bureaus may have additional guidance.