Professional Helic Pilot Guide

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    PROFESSIONALHELICOPTER

    PILOT GUIDE

    United StatesDepartment ofAgriculture

    Forest Service

    Technology &DevelopmentProgram

    5100Fire5700AviationFebruary 19969657 1201SDTDC

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    PROFESSIONALHELICOPTER

    PILOT GUIDE

    February 1996

    Prepared by

    San Dimas Technology & Development Center

    In cooperation with

    Helicopter Operation SpecialistsHelicopter Pilot Inspectors

    and Bureau of Land Management

    Information contained in this document has been developed for the

    guidance of employees of the Forest Service, USDA, its contractors

    and its cooperating Federal and State agencies. The Department o

    Agriculture assumes no responsibility for the interpretation or use o

    this information by other than its own employees. The use of trade

    firm, or corporation names is for the information and convenience o

    the reader. Such use does not constitute an official evaluation

    conclusion, recommendation, endorsement, or approval of anyproduct or service to the exclusion of others that may be suitable.

    The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits

    discrimination in its programs on the basis of race, color, nationa

    origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, and marital o

    familial status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.

    Persons with disabilities who require alternative means fo

    communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape

    etc.) should contact the USDA Office of Communications at 202

    720-2791.

    To file a complaint, write the Secretary of Agriculture, U.S. Departmen

    of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250 or call 202-720-7327 (voice

    or 202-720-1127 (TDD). USDA is an equal employment opportunit

    employer.

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    ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

    The development of this guide is the culmination of the efforts ofmany people. In particular, we wish to thank the following people fortheir contributions.

    Jerri Sebastian USDA Forest Service Julie Stewart USDI Bureau of Land Management James Beekman USDA Forest ServiceVikki Hughes USDA Forest ServiceDave Custer USDA Forest ServiceKevin Hamilton USDI Bureau of Land ManagementLloyd Duncan USDA Forest Service, Retired

    Additionally, we wish to provide special recognition and thanks toMr. Chris Hice, Helitack Manager, USDI, Bureau of Land Management;for without his vision and drive this guide would not have beenpossible.

    Finally, we are grateful to Mr. Allan P. MacLeod for authorizing the re-publication of his article, Helicopter Firefighting and Safety. Mr.MacLeod is a retired Senior Helicopter Pilot from the Los AngelesCounty Fire Department-Air Operations. His article first appeared inthe Helicopter Association International Safety Manual, January 1990revision. The article contains much the same information provided in

    this guide, but is written from a pilots perspective.

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    INTRODUCTION

    The Professional Helicopter Pilot Guide is organized into a topic format style. Eachchapter provides a complete discussion of the topic. As such, there exists some

    duplicate discussion or description of material from chapter to chapter. This was donesuch that as a reference source, the reader can consult any given topic and receive all ofthe pertinent information, rather than be referred back and forth to other chapters forneeded information to fully understand the topic in question.

    This document is an introduction to the arena of wildland firefighting, as it applies to thehelicopter pilot. For the helicopter to be a fully effective tool in fire suppression it isessential that pilots work closely with the individuals involved in management and useof helicopters. These people are primarily the helicopter manager and the crew, but mayinclude any member of the firefighting team.

    A helicopter is a valuable and efficient fire fighting resource available to the wildlandfire service. To attain the highest effic iency, close cooperation must take place betweenthe pilot and incident management personnel.

    Many responsibilities for helicopter operations are assumed or shared by the helitackorganization. However, it is clearly recognized that the pilot is a professional aviatorand that final responsibility and authority for safe operation of the helicopter rests there.Items of pilot responsibility include, but are not limited to:

    1. Safety of aircraft, occupants and cargo.

    2. Ensuring that crew members and passengers understand proper use of restraint devicesincluding seat belts and shoulder harnesses.

    3. Briefing passengers on emergency crash landing and exit procedures.

    4. Postponing, changing or canceling flights when he/she believes existing or impendingconditions make them unsafe.

    5. Complying with orders of authorized officials when in the pilots judgment compliancewill not violate any safe practices or endanger the aircraft, occupants, or cargo.

    6. Familiarization with operating area and special hazards.

    7. Reviewing the plan of operation with air and ground personnel.

    8. Proper loading of aircraft.

    The purpose of this guide is to increase the mutual understanding between pilot andincident helicopter managers.

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    CONTENTS

    CHAPTER 1ATTITUDEAN OUTLINE FOR SAFETY ............................. 1INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................................. 3HAZARDOUS ATTITUDES VS CURATIVE ANTIDOTES .................................................................... 4HUMAN FACTORS ............................................................................................................................ 5

    CHARACTERISTICS OF A LEADER AS RELATED TO SAFETY ......................................................... 6Motivation .................................................................................................................................. 6Reinforcement ............................................................................................................................ 6Example ...................................................................................................................................... 6Communication ..........................................................................................................................6

    CHAPTER 2CONTRACT INTERPRETATION

    AND ADMINISTRATION ..................................................................................................... 7INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................................. 9TYPES OF CONTRACTS ..................................................................................................................... 9

    Exclusive Use ............................................................................................................................... 9Call-When-Needed ...................................................................................................................... 9Basic Ordering Agreement (BOA) ...............................................................................................10On-Call ......................................................................................................................................10

    DAILY AVAILABILITY VS. HOURLY GUARANTEE ........................................................................... 10Daily Availability ........................................................................................................................ 10Hourly Guarantee....................................................................................................................... 10

    EXCLUSIVE USE CONTRACT(EXAMPLE) ...................................................................................... 11Format ........................................................................................................................................ 11Bid Items .................................................................................................................................... 11Flight and Duty Limitations......................................................................................................... 11

    Equipment and Avionics Requirements ....................................................................................... 11Maintenance .............................................................................................................................. 11Fuel and Servicing ...................................................................................................................... 11Designated Base ......................................................................................................................... 11Exclusive Use Period .................................................................................................................. 11Availability ................................................................................................................................. 11One Hour Call-Back or Return-to Standby Status ........................................................................ 12Unavailability ............................................................................................................................. 12Measurement and Payment ........................................................................................................ 12Security of the Aircraft ................................................................................................................ 12Accidents/Incidents/Hazards ....................................................................................................... 12Suspension of Personnel .............................................................................................................12Relief Personnel ..........................................................................................................................12

    HELPFUL HINTS .............................................................................................................................. 13FUEL TENDER AND DRIVER PROCEDURES AND SAFETY ............................................................. 14

    Introduction................................................................................................................................ 14Fuel Tender Requirements .......................................................................................................... 14

    Inspections............................................................................................................................ 14Requirements ........................................................................................................................14Other Requirements .............................................................................................................. 14Driver Requirements ............................................................................................................ 14Duty Limitations ................................................................................................................... 14

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    Readiness .............................................................................................................................. 14Communications...................................................................................................................15Logistics ................................................................................................................................ 15Fueling Procedures ............................................................................................................... 15Record Keeping .................................................................................................................... 15

    CHAPTER 3 FLIGHT FOLLOWING ...................................................................... 17INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................ 19PROCEDURES ................................................................................................................................. 19NO CONTACT MADE ..................................................................................................................... 20PRIORITIES ......................................................................................................................................20OTHER HELPFUL HINTS ................................................................................................................. 20

    CHAPTER 4COMMUNICATIONS ........................................................................... 21INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................ 23PILOT RESPONSIBILITIES ............................................................................................................... 23HELICOPTER MANAGER RESPONSIBILITIES .................................................................................. 23

    FREQUENCIES ................................................................................................................................. 23Air Guard ................................................................................................................................... 23Tactical .......................................................................................................................................23Air-to-Ground............................................................................................................................. 23

    INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM (ICS) TERMINOLOGY ................................................................. 24Air Tactical Group Supervisor ..................................................................................................... 24Air Operations Director ..............................................................................................................24Air Support Group Supervisor ..................................................................................................... 24Deck Manager ............................................................................................................................24Division...................................................................................................................................... 24Helibase .....................................................................................................................................24

    Helispot...................................................................................................................................... 24Helicopter Coordinator ............................................................................................................... 24Radio Operator ...........................................................................................................................24Take-off and Landing Coordinator ..............................................................................................25

    CHAPTER 5 FIRE ORGANIZATION ...................................................................... 27LOCAL LEVEL ORGANIZATION ..................................................................................................... 29

    Fire Management Officer (FMO) ................................................................................................. 29Fire Control Officer (FCO) .......................................................................................................... 29Dispatcher .................................................................................................................................. 29Guard Stations/Work Centers ...................................................................................................... 29

    Helpful Hints .............................................................................................................................. 29FIRE LINE PERSONNEL .................................................................................................................... 30

    Incident Commander (IC) ...........................................................................................................30Division Supervisor (DIVS) ......................................................................................................... 30Crew Boss .................................................................................................................................. 30Squad Boss ................................................................................................................................. 30Strike Team Leader ..................................................................................................................... 30Engine Operator .........................................................................................................................30Safety Officer, Paramedics, EMTs ..............................................................................................30Incident Medical Plan................................................................................................................. 30Helpful Hints .............................................................................................................................. 30

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    LARGE INCIDENT ORGANIZATIONS ............................................................................................. 31Air Operations Branch Director .................................................................................................. 31Air Support Group Supervisor ..................................................................................................... 31Helibase Manager ...................................................................................................................... 31Helispot Manager ....................................................................................................................... 31Deck Coordinator ....................................................................................................................... 31Loadmaster (Personnel/Cargo) .................................................................................................... 31

    Mixmaster .................................................................................................................................. 31Takeoff and Landing Controller ................................................................................................... 31Aircraft Base Radio Operator ...................................................................................................... 31Aircraft Timekeeper .................................................................................................................... 31Parking Tender ............................................................................................................................31Air Tactical Group Supervisor ..................................................................................................... 32Air Tanker Coordinator ............................................................................................................... 32Helicopter Coordinator ............................................................................................................... 32

    HELITACK CREWS ........................................................................................................................... 32History ....................................................................................................................................... 32Positions ..................................................................................................................................... 32

    Crewperson ..........................................................................................................................32Lead Crewperson .................................................................................................................. 32Assistant Foreman ................................................................................................................. 32Foreman (Manager) ............................................................................................................... 32Call When Needed Crews.................................................................................................... 33

    More Helpful Information ........................................................................................................... 33

    CHAPTER 6AIR OPERATIONS .................................................................................35INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................ 37

    Safety Inspections ....................................................................................................................... 37GENERAL SAFETY REQUIREMENTS ................................................................................................ 37SUMMARY .......................................................................................................................................37

    CHAPTER 7HELICOPTER LANDING AREAS .................................................. 39INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................ 41TERMINOLOGY .............................................................................................................................. 41

    Helispot...................................................................................................................................... 41Helibase ..................................................................................................................................... 41Temporary Helibase.................................................................................................................... 41Permanent Helibase ................................................................................................................... 41

    INITIAL ATTACK LANDING AREAS ................................................................................................ 41

    Criteria and Considerations ........................................................................................................ 41LANDING AREAS USED AFTER INITIAL LANDING ....................................................................... 42Location in Relation to the Fire ................................................................................................... 42Location in Relation to Incident Base/Fire Camp ......................................................................... 42

    SUMMARY .......................................................................................................................................42

    CHAPTER 8TACTICAL USE OF HELICOPTERS ............................................ 43INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................ 45INITIAL ATTACK .............................................................................................................................. 45

    History ....................................................................................................................................... 45Purpose ......................................................................................................................................45

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    Pilots Responsibilities ................................................................................................................ 45Readiness ............................................................................................................................. 45Load calculations ................................................................................................................. 45Fuel ..................................................................................................................................... 45Pre-flight .............................................................................................................................. 45

    The Helitack Crew..................................................................................................................... 46Fire Size-up ............................................................................................................................... 46

    Checklist ................................................................................................................................... 46Legal description.................................................................................................................. 46Fuels .................................................................................................................................... 46Direction of spread .............................................................................................................. 46Rate of spread ...................................................................................................................... 46Terrain ................................................................................................................................. 46Slope ................................................................................................................................... 46Aspect .................................................................................................................................. 46Resources threatened ........................................................................................................... 46Firefighting resources required ............................................................................................. 46Water sources ...................................................................................................................... 46

    Fuel tender relocation .......................................................................................................... 46AERIAL LOOKOUT ......................................................................................................................... 47RETARDANT/WATER DROPPING .................................................................................................. 47

    Retardant ................................................................................................................................... 47Methods of Attack for Ground Forces ........................................................................................ 48

    Direct .................................................................................................................................. 48Indirect attack ...................................................................................................................... 48Topography attack ............................................................................................................... 48

    SUCCESSFUL RETARDANT/WATER DROPS ................................................................................... 49SUMMARY...................................................................................................................................... 49

    CHAPTER 9LOGISTICAL USE OF HELICOPTERS ................................. 51INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................... 53TRANSPORTATION OF PERSONNEL ............................................................................................. 53

    Crews ........................................................................................................................................ 53Reconnaissance Flights .............................................................................................................. 53

    TRANSPORTATION OF FREIGHT .................................................................................................. 54Internal Freight .......................................................................................................................... 54External Freight .......................................................................................................................... 54

    SUMMARY...................................................................................................................................... 54

    CHAPTER10BASIC FIRE SUPPRESSION

    ......................................................... 55INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................... 57SIZE-UP AND FIRST ATTACK ......................................................................................................... 57

    Factors to Consider .................................................................................................................... 57Topography .......................................................................................................................... 57Fuels .................................................................................................................................... 57Weather ............................................................................................................................... 57Safety ................................................................................................................................... 57Resources............................................................................................................................ 57

    Decide Where Fire Will Spread. ................................................................................................ 57

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    Universal Rules ......................................................................................................................... 57Good practices .......................................................................................................................... 57

    ATTACK METHODS ........................................................................................................................ 58Direct attack .............................................................................................................................. 58Indirect attack............................................................................................................................ 58Guidelines ................................................................................................................................. 58

    CONTROL ...................................................................................................................................... 58

    Preventing Spread...................................................................................................................... 58Mop-Up .................................................................................................................................... 58Patrol And Inspection ................................................................................................................ 59

    Line Patrol and Inspection.................................................................................................... 59Lookout Patrol and Inspection.............................................................................................. 59

    SUMMARY ...................................................................................................................................... 59

    CHAPTER 11FIRE BEHAVIOR AND FIRE WEATHER ........................... 61INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................... 63COMBUSTION ............................................................................................................................... 63

    Fire Triangle............................................................................................................................... 63Ignition Temperatures ................................................................................................................ 63Ignition Sources ......................................................................................................................... 63How Fires Spread ...................................................................................................................... 63

    FUELS ............................................................................................................................................. 63Types ......................................................................................................................................... 63Quantity .................................................................................................................................... 63Characteristics ........................................................................................................................... 63

    TOPOGRAPHIC FACTORS ............................................................................................................. 64Aspect ....................................................................................................................................... 64Elevation ................................................................................................................................... 64Position of fire on slope. ............................................................................................................ 64Steepness of slope ..................................................................................................................... 64Shape of country. ....................................................................................................................... 64

    ELEMENTS OF WEATHER ............................................................................................................... 64Temperature .............................................................................................................................. 64Humidity ................................................................................................................................... 64Wind ......................................................................................................................................... 64

    WARNING SIGNS .......................................................................................................................... 64Fuels .......................................................................................................................................... 64Fuel Dryness .............................................................................................................................. 64Topography ............................................................................................................................... 64Early Spotting ............................................................................................................................ 64Convection Column .................................................................................................................. 64Color changes ........................................................................................................................... 64Motion ...................................................................................................................................... 64

    FIRE SITUATIONS THAT SHOUT WATCH OUT ......................................................................... 65Downhill fireline ....................................................................................................................... 65Hillside Firefighting ................................................................................................................... 65Away from Burned Areas ........................................................................................................... 65In Heavy Cover ......................................................................................................................... 65Spot Fires ................................................................................................................................... 65Cannot See Main Fire ................................................................................................................ 65

    SUMMARY ...................................................................................................................................... 65

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    CHAPTER 12SMOKEJUMPER AIRCRAFT ........................................................ 67INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................ 69AIRCRAFT TYPES ............................................................................................................................. 69EQUIPMENT AND PARACARGO .................................................................................................... 69

    Jump Equipment .........................................................................................................................69Parachute System .......................................................................................................................69

    Paracargo ................................................................................................................................... 69SMOKEJUMPER MISSIONS .............................................................................................................70JUMP SPOTS ................................................................................................................................... 70AIR SPACE REQUIREMENTS ............................................................................................................70TIME FRAMES .................................................................................................................................. 70SHARED INCIDENT AIR SPACE AND LANDING SITES .................................................................. 70

    CHAPTER 13AIRSPACE ....................................................................................................... 71INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................ 73SPECIAL USE AIRSPACE .................................................................................................................. 74

    Prohibited Areas .........................................................................................................................74

    Restricted Areas ..........................................................................................................................74Military Operations Areas ...........................................................................................................74Alert Areas .................................................................................................................................. 74Warning Areas ............................................................................................................................74Controlled Firing Areas ............................................................................................................... 74

    ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ...................................................................................................... 75Pilot ............................................................................................................................................ 75On Scene Personnel ................................................................................................................... 75

    CHAPTER 14GLOSSARY OF TERMS .................................................................... 77

    EXHIBIT 1HELICOPTER FIRE FIGHTING AND SAFETY ........................ 85TABLE OF CONTENTS ..................................................................................................................... 86PREFACE .......................................................................................................................................... 87INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................ 88FIREFIGHTING USES .......................................................................................................................89

    General Uses .............................................................................................................................. 89Special Uses ............................................................................................................................... 89

    Water or fire retardant dropping ............................................................................................89Aerial Ignition Systems ............................................................................................................... 89

    SAFETY AND RADIO COMMUNICATIONS .................................................................................... 89Flight Safety ................................................................................................................................ 89

    Air to Air Communications ...................................................................................................89Wires ....................................................................................................................................89Other Aircraft ........................................................................................................................89Smoke...................................................................................................................................89Landing in the Burn ..............................................................................................................89Escape Routes .......................................................................................................................90Pull-ups, etc. .........................................................................................................................90Pilot Fatigue ..........................................................................................................................90

    Ground Safety on the Fireline The Helicopter Pilots Concern ................................................ 90Air to Ground Communication .............................................................................................90

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    Drop Hazards to Ground Personnel ......................................................................................90Rotor Downwash Effects on the Fire...................................................................................... 90Fire Situations That Shout Watch Out! ............................................................................... 91

    AIR OPERATIONS ORGANIZATIONAIRBORNE ......................................................................... 91Air Tactical Group Supervisor ..................................................................................................... 91Air Tanker Coordinator (Lead Plane) ...........................................................................................91Helicopter Coordinator ............................................................................................................... 92

    HELIBASE (OR HELISPOT) ORGANIZATION AND SAFETY ............................................................ 92Helibase (or Helispot) Manager .................................................................................................. 92Takeoff and Landing Controller (TOLC.)...................................................................................... 92Ground Safety at the Helibase .................................................................................................... 92

    FIREFIGHTING TACTICS ................................................................................................................. 94The Fire Triangle ......................................................................................................................... 94Initial Attack Crew Placement ..................................................................................................... 94Water and Retardant Dropping Tactics ....................................................................................... 94

    Water Dropping Tactics ........................................................................................................ 94Retardant Dropping Tactics ................................................................................................... 94Spot Fires .............................................................................................................................. 95Selecting the Attack .............................................................................................................. 95

    Fire Ground Orientation ....................................................................................................... 95Upslope Fire .........................................................................................................................95Slop-overs ............................................................................................................................. 95Hot Spots .............................................................................................................................. 95Backfiring ............................................................................................................................. 95Firing-out .............................................................................................................................. 96

    Drop Concentration vs. Fuel Loading ......................................................................................... 96Means of Drop Control By the Pilot ............................................................................................ 96

    Airspeed and Direction .........................................................................................................96Altitude ................................................................................................................................. 96

    Drop Techniques ........................................................................................................................ 96Hover Drops .........................................................................................................................96Cross-slope Drops ................................................................................................................. 97Downslope Drops ................................................................................................................. 97Upslope Drops...................................................................................................................... 97Smoke................................................................................................................................... 97

    Water Bucket Operations............................................................................................................ 98Bucket Systems Preflight Checks ...........................................................................................98Precautions ........................................................................................................................... 98Typical Water Bucket Operation ........................................................................................... 99

    Fixed Drop Tank Operations ....................................................................................................... 99Single door drops ................................................................................................................ 100Salvo (double door drop) .................................................................................................... 100

    Trail Drop ........................................................................................................................... 100Tank Systems Preflight Checks ............................................................................................100Operational and Inflight Checks.......................................................................................... 100

    FIXED TANK VS. WATER BUCKET COMPARISON CHART ........................................................... 101AERIAL IGNITION SYSTEMS ......................................................................................................... 102

    Helitorch .................................................................................................................................. 102Ping-Pong Ball Machine ........................................................................................................ 103

    CONCLUSION .............................................................................................................................. 103APPENDIX I ................................................................................................................................... 104APPENDIX II .................................................................................................................................. 105

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    EXHIBIT 2INCIDENT AVIATION COMMUNICATIONS,

    FUNCTIONS, AND FREQUENCIES ....................................................................... 107

    TABLE OF CONTENTS .................................................................................................................. 108Communication Functions....................................................................................................... 109Radio Discipline ...................................................................................................................... 110VHF-AM, VHF-FM, and UHF-FM ............................................................................................ 110

    AM Frequencies .......................................................................................................................111FM Frequencies ....................................................................................................................... 112National Support Cache FM Frequencies ................................................................................. 113Airports ................................................................................................................................... 114Flight Following....................................................................................................................... 115Five Minutes Out ..................................................................................................................... 116Arrival In Incident Airspace ..................................................................................................... 117Prioritizing Requests ................................................................................................................ 118Requesting Aircraft .................................................................................................................. 119Arriving Aircraft ....................................................................................................................... 120Air Tanker Tactics .................................................................................................................... 121

    Helicopter Tactics .................................................................................................................... 122Tactics Follow-up .................................................................................................................... 123Air-to-Air on Complex Incidents .............................................................................................. 124FM Briefing Frequency ............................................................................................................ 125Helibase TOLC and Deck ........................................................................................................ 126Flight Following on Incidents................................................................................................... 127Helispot Communications ....................................................................................................... 128

    NON-RADIO COMMUNICATIONS ............................................................................................. 129Helibase Telephone ................................................................................................................. 129Fixed-wing Base Telephone ..................................................................................................... 129Computers ............................................................................................................................... 129

    Fax Machines .......................................................................................................................... 129

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    1

    CH APTER 1CH APTER 1H A P T ER 1ATTITUDEAN OUTLINE FOR SAFETY

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    NOTE

    S

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    INTRODUCTION

    The thoughts outl ined in this document are not original but extracted from some of the besknown aviation w ri ters and psychol ogists in the industry. Their thoughts and findings havebeen combined in a format that wi l l be useful to the casual user of aviation resources, as

    well as the professional pi lot who dai ly must make decisions regarding safety i n the demandingand complex operations we call resource aviation. Some of the sources of these combinedthoughts wil l be li sted at the end of this commentary.

    In todays modern vocabulary the word Attitude usually strikes a negative cord. When youhear: He has an attitude i t i s assumed to be negative. Webster definesattitude as: the manneof acting, feeling, or thinking that shows ones disposition, opinion, etc.; as a threateningattitude, an attitude of entreaty. Todays connotation of attitude is suffering a modern maladyknow n as bad press !

    Personal i ty trai ts and attitudes have a fundamental in fluence on the way our l ives are conductedat home and at work. They determine the way we are judged by others and we often becomeidentified by them. Personality traits are acquired very early in life. They are deep-seatedcharacteristics which are stable and very resistant to change. They may be reflected in

    aggression, ambi tion, dominance or creativi ty and are often si tuation related. These traits shoul dnot be confused with attitudes. The selection of a profession is usually driven by personalitytraits. How one adapts to that selection i s highly i nfluenced by atti tudes which are developedand changed through li fe experiences.

    Atti tudes descri be li kes and di sl ikes. An atti tude can be seen as a learned tendency to respondfavorably or unfavorably to people, decisions and situations. It is a predispositi on to respond i n acertain way. An opinion is a verbal expression of an atti tude or bel ief, and is one means by whichothers may become aware of your attitude .

    It has been establ ished that those invol ved in most acci dents attributable to inadequate human

    performance probably, at the time of the accident, had the capacity to have performedeffectively, yet did not do so. Their personal performance was influenced by factors other thanthe possession of technical ski ll s. It could have been that the person i nvolved, felt so confidenthat they could short-cut a standard procedure or avoid consistent use of a checklistor thattheir interpretation of leadership was dominanceor that in difficult situations they shouldassume most of the tasks themselvesor that the urgency of the mission justified by-passingestabli shed procedures. The pi lot and the users of Resource Aviation must combine their ski l lsknowledge, and experiences to form a positive working machine with a combined anddemonstrated attitude of safety.

    Hazardous Atti tudes (example of bad press) and corresponding Anti dotes are outl ined on the

    foll owi ng page.

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    4

    So much for negative attitudes, lets focuson how to embrace positive attitudes. Whi leboth positive and negative attitudes are considered highly contagious we are far more receptiveto good vibes than to those that afford usdiscomfort. We are in a highly specialized,

    one of a kind environment. Our daily survi valdepends upon how we respond to situationsthat are constantly changing. We live on theedge of the next challenge, and our lives arefil led with anxieties. We are an entire organizationof mission driven personalities complexlyinterwoven and inter-dependent upon eachother for our survi val. The decisions we make,and the way in which we make them, have atrickle down effect on everyone assigned tothe mission. O ne of the basic human needs we

    have is the need to be accepted by our peers.Each of you is important beyond measure.Each is an integral part of the mission and assuch, each has a responsibility toward thesuccess and safety of that mission. We mustabide by the rules laid down through experienceand probability. We must follow procedureswhich are sometimes boring and repetitiveand, i f we are to achieve success, we must do i tthrough an attitude and demonstration of safety.

    HAZARDOUS ATTITUDES vs CURATIVE ANTIDOTES

    ATTITUDE ANTIDOTE

    ANTI-AUTHORITY

    Regulations are for someone else. Follow the rules. They are usuall y right

    IMPULSIVELY I must act now, theres no t ime! N ot so fast. Think fi rst .

    INVULNERABLIITY It wont happen to me. It could happen to me.

    MACHO I l l show you. I can do i t. Taking chances is fool ish.

    RESIGNATION Whats the use? Im not helpless, I can make a di fference.

    Equal to, i f not above the Book Rules , are therules by whi ch we conduct our dail y activiti eswith each other. This daily association whentempered wi th a positive attitude can producemore pro-active aviation safety results thanany other effort.

    A trendy l ittl e book authored by Robert Fulghumis titled: Al l I Reall y Need to Know, I Learned inKindergarten. He simplifies our daily effortswith such statements as Dont throw sand.share your toys, play fair, say your sorry whenyou hurt somebody, eat your vegetables, getyour rest, enjoy your friendsenjoy your solitudelaugh a lotcontinue to listencontinue tolearn All simple li ttle one liners that outli nea positi ve atti tude. It is highly i nfectious, very

    effective and most refreshing reading. Fulghumtells us that all the important thi ngs in li fe areattainable, and the fi rst step tow ards acquiri ngthem is to maintain a positive attitude. It hasbeen proven that this posit ive attitude reflectsitself vividly in the safety records of organizationsthat promote individual responsibility knit tightlywith group concern. All members functi on asa team, and each assumes personal responsibi lityfor their own performance. In a helicopter

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    operation, the pil ot and the Heli tack personnelfunction as a single unit. ThroughCommunication,Motivation, Reinforcement and Example, eachbecomes part of the whole and the mission iscompleted successful ly and safely.

    Thoughts to consider in any aviation operation:

    1. You are now in charge of a sacred trust, thesafety of human lives.

    2. You must not let undue pressure (expressedor implied) influence your judgment during theperformance of this sacred trust.

    3. You must be able to develop a team in whichmembers must participate and contribute to thesafety of the operation.

    4. You must delete false pride, calculated risk,real world, and good enough for Governmentwork from your professional vocabulary.

    5. You wil l not be criticized or stigmatized forany decision you make which will ensureadded safety to an operation.

    6. You must not let your actions instill theattitude of competition between co-workers.

    This attitude may hinder performance and maycompromise the safety of the mission.

    If you can view this very serious business towhi ch you are currently dedicating your l ivesas though each person w ith in the organizationis dependent upon the decision you make,then you will become the corner stone of theAviation Safety Program. This is, without question,the greatest contri bution you can make towardsevoking an attitude of safety!

    HUMAN FACTORS

    H uman Factors is about people. It is aboutpeople in their working and livingenvironments. It is about their relationshipwith machines, equipment, proceduresstandardization, and the environment in whichwe live in. Human Factors is also the bottomlesspit into which 80% of aviation accidents fallHuman Factors is about our li ves and how wechoose to l ive them. The concern of this documenis to i denti fy, in terms of safety, how thi s mosimportant condition can be made to work toour benefit. In doing so, we wi ll also be madeaware of i ts snares and warning signals.

    There are many factors which may i nfluence apersons overall attitude to the job. These includeamongst others, financial rewards, work colleagues

    working environment,and the nature of thetask itself. The extent to which these factorsapply an influence depend on each personsown preference and values.

    Studies done in recent years placed JOBSATISFACTION second only to family. TheForest Service has always viewed its membersas family. Further, each discipline within theForest Service is somewhat clannish and protectiveof its extended family. Those of us who have

    chosen to be part of Fire and Aviation li ve in a perceived very small worl d. We are the onlyones there! This is the choice we have madeand once made, we rarely challenge our decisionThis is most important work, every aspectevery detail , every decision. There is no marginfor error, yet error does happen. It is a fact olife.

    For the purpose of thi s document and i ts messageof Aviation Safety, each reader is to be considered

    a leader. Everyone must assume leadership inmatters of safety.

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    CHARACTERISTICS OF A LEADERAS RELATED TO SAFETY

    There are four important characteristics whicha leader appears to possess: mot ivati on,reinforcement, example, and communication.

    MotivationOne of the primary tasks is motivating themembers of the group. This can be done byemphasiz ing the objecti ves of the operation oractivi ty and clarifyi ng the targets or goals whi chshoul d be achi eved. For instance, a heli coptermanager, in bri efing passengers prior to a fl ightcan make this routine and often rote requirementcome alive by pointing out the rewards versesthe consequences. Whoever is doing that briefingis at that ti me, a leader! The passengers can bemotivated to want to hear the entire briefingand to abide by the checkl ist i tems to the letter.

    ReinforcementA second way leadership can be appl ied is bymodifying habits and behavior by reinforcement.This same crewmember could apply positivereinforcement by making a favorable commentabout the passengers conduct at the end of theflight.

    ExampleThe third principle which the leader shouldapply is the demonstration of the desired goalsand behaviors by example. Each day those ofus in aviation interface with people who arenot experienced at being in and around ourenvironment. A good l eader should be able todemonstrate by example the optimum behaviorand precautions necessary to outsiders andthose unfamiliar with aircraft operations. Acommon aspect of behavior in which i nfluenceby example of a leader is effective, is in connectionwi th uni form or clothing standards and demeanor.If someone on the flight crew is without theproper clothing, it must be expected that otherswill follow the demonstrated behavior if theproblem is not corrected at once.

    CommunicationThe fourth and probably the most importantquali ty is communication. One must be wi ll ingand able to communicate and do it at alllevels.

    While safety is everyones business and as

    such, becomes everyones responsibility, thepoint of emphasiz ing these four pri nciples toyou is that pilots are placed in a natural leadershiprole as aircraft commanders. Understandingthis, you are in a unique positi on to influencethe behavior of others. Finally, human factorsare as varied as the indi viduals being affectedby them, we try to minimize the effects byestablishing guidelines compatible with themission. The goal of all Aviation AccidentPrevention Programs is an axiom.

    Goal:To reduce Aviation Accident occurrences.

    Purpose:To preserve human and material resourcesthrough identification and prevention of hazards.Hazards are defined as the causes of damageand injury.

    Objective:To minimize human exposure tohazards and implement effecti ve managementtechniques.

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    CH APTER 2CH APTER 2H A P T ER 2CONTRACT INTERPRETATIONAND ADMINISTRATION

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    Basic O rdering Agreement (BOA)The BOA (or Rental Agreement) i s very simi larto the CWN contract. Vendors place their aircrafton a list at set rates and then agencies canrent them for short duration projects. Non-binding agreements.

    On-CallThis contract is actually a cross between theexclusive use and CWN. During a specifiedtime period (e.g. 60 days) the government mayrequest a helicopter from the contracted vendor.The vendor must have the aircraft at the desiredlocation w ith in a short ti me (e.g. 2-4 hrs). Afterusing the aircraft for a time the governmentmay release it back to the home base. Thisscenario may repeat itsel f several times duri ngthe contract period. In thi s way the agency getsa heli copter when it needs one and the vendormay use the aircraft for other purposes whenthe government i s not using i t. This agreementis binding and the vendor is guaranteed a setnumber of fl ight hours each year.

    DAILY AVAILABILITY vs. HOURLYGUARANTEE

    W hen vendors secure exclusive use contractsthey must have some assurance thatthey can pay their operating expenses even ifthe aircraft sits all summer without turning a

    rotor. This is accompl ished via the contract i none of two ways: Dail y Avail abili ty or Hourl yGuarantee. Each contract uses one or the otherof these methods.

    Daily AvailabilityThe vendor receives a substantial amount foreach day that the aircraft i s available for serviceduring the contract period (e.g. $700 for 100days). In addition, the vendor receives a setrate for each hour that the heli copter fli es (e.g$200/hr), but i s not guaranteed any fli ght hours.If the aircraft is unavailable for all or part of theday, then the daily avail abil i ty rate is adjustedaccordingly.

    Hourly GuaranteeThe vendor is guaranteed to be compensatedfor a set number of flight hours, at a set rate,during the contract period (e.g. 200 fl ight hrs@ $500/hr, 100 day period). If, at the end of thecontract period, the aircraft has only flown150 hrs, the company still gets paid for 200hrs. If the aircraft is unavail able for all or partof a day, then either the contract period isextended one day or the guarantee is reducedby two hours.

    The whole idea of having exclusive use contractsis to have a helicopter available for the governmentsuse each day. It is in the best interest of bothparties for this to happen. When an aircraftbecomes unavail able (or i t is uncertain if i t isavailable or not) conflict and disputes occur.The dialogue in the contract concerning availabilityis subject to interpretation and often a thirdparty (the Contracting Officer) must make thefinal interpretation.

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    EXCLUSIVE USE CONTRACT (Example)Format

    A ll federal government contracts fol low thesame general format. The format and languagewil l vary from agency to agency.

    Bid I temsMost contracts are intended to secure severalaircraft at the same time for use in differentgeographical areas but perform simi lar services(example: a contract to secure rappel helicoptersfor the Siskiyou and Malheur N ational Forests).Each location requiri ng services is li sted in thecontract as a separate Bid Item. Aviation companiesmay bid on any or all of the bid items. Eachlocation may have sli ghtly di fferent requirementsand therefore each bi d i tem may have uniqueor additional specifications. Also, each bid

    item awarded may have different paymentrates. It is important to only refer to the informationregarding the bid i tem that your heli copter andcompany are fulfi ll ing.

    Flight and Duty LimitationsThe limitations for pilot, driver and mechanicare different. These limitations can only beexceeded in emergency life threateningci rcumstances. Some contracts all ow the pil otto function as mechanic if they are qualified.

    When doing so, the time counts toward dutytime and any mechanic work in excess of aspecified amount (usually two hours) wi ll applyto fl ight limitations for the day.

    Equipment and Avionics RequirementsAll avioni cs and equipment requirements arespecified in the contract. The contractor is innon-compl iance if any one of these requirementsis not met at any time. Malfunctions of equipment,especially radios, may render the aircraft

    unavailable, depending on contract requirements.

    MaintenanceInspections at industry intervals are required(50 or 100 hr). The government must be informedwhen and where the inspections or maintenanceoccurs. Logbooks or records may be requestedby the Contracting Officer. Maintenance testflights may be required, at the contractors

    expense, following any replacement or overhauof the engine, power train, rotor system orfli ght control component. The pilot is responsiblefor conducting and documenting periodic turbinepower checks and updating/analyzi ng turbinepower trend charts.

    Fuel and ServicingGenerally, contractors provide all fuel in thelower 48 states. Approved types and grades ofuel as outlined in the contract must be usedAll fueling operations will conform to governmenregulations or handbooks. The fuel tender musmeet contract requirements at all times. Theimportance of the fuel tender and i ts operatomust never be overlooked regarding both contractcompl iance and successful helicopter operations

    Designated BaseThe designated base is speci fied in the contracand is normall y the Heli tack or Rappel base ooperations. Any overnight operations awayfrom the designated base may generate paymenrates such as per diem (overnight allowanceand transportation cost for relief personnel.

    Exclusive Use PeriodThis period (60-120 days) is identified in thecontract with start dates and ending dates

    During this period the aircraft will be madeavailable to the government for 24 hours/dayseven days a week. The exclusive use periodmay be extended at the mutual consent ocontractor and government.

    AvailabilityThe minimum number of hours each day thathe heli copter is requi red is usuall y 8, 9, or 10hours. The government may request dailyavail abili ty up to 14 hours and wil l specify thestart and stop of the period on a dail y basis. In

    many contracts, the aircraft and pilot are requiredto be in one hour call back status for 14hours each day. This greatly influences theirpersonal acti vi ties before and after the minimumdaily avail abil ity period.

    Any time over the specifi ed minimum requiresthe government to pay extended availabilityLunch breaks are usually absorbed by the

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    contractor. The daily availability period is asource of misinterpretation as i t relates to dutytime and extended availability. Be sure todiscuss how this will be handled at the pre-work conference or before commencing activities.

    During the availability period, the aircraft is

    required to be airborne wi thin a specified timeafter dispatch orders are given (usually 10 or15 minutes). Sometimes the government, becauseof poor weather or no planned flights, mayauthorize the pil ot and fuel tender attendant toleave the standby area for maintenance orother reasons. If the ai rcraft i s suddenly neededduring this absence the contractor has 60 minutesfrom the time of contact to be airborne-ready.At the governments option, the contractormay be granted permission to perform scheduled

    or unscheduled maintenance during the dai lyavailability period. If the aircraft is needed,the contractor has 60 minutes to become airborne-ready. If this maintenance is pre-approved, theaircraft wi ll remain in avail able status.

    One Hour Call-Back or Return-to-StandbyStatusAt the end of a daily availability period thepilot and attendant may be released from thebase of operation and placed on One Hour

    Call -back status if the li kelihood of additi onalservices is great. They would have 60 minutesfrom time of contact to be airborne-ready. Ifthe pilot and attendant are released, and notplaced in this status, they are not required torespond. Also, if they are kept at the base ofoperation beyond the daily minimum periodthey must be paid extended standby. The initiationand management of Return-to-Standby statusmust be made clear to all parties involved.

    UnavailabilityThe aircraft i s unavailable whenever the aircraftor personnel are not in a condi tion to performor fail to perform within the requirements ofthe contract. Unavail abili ty wi ll continue untilthe fail ure is corrected and the pilot has informedthe government that it is available again. Amul titude of situations can render the aircraftunavailable, including mechanical problems

    and accessory failures to absent pilots andincapaci tated fuel tenders. Unavail abil ity canbe controversial as the contractor may loserevenue and the government may lose theaviation services (depending on the contractrequirements).

    Measurement and PaymentHow availabi li ty, hour ly guarantee, extendedavailabil ity, per diem, mil eage, etc., are measuredand paid differs from one contract to another.Know your contract.

    The pi lot and foreman must both keep accuraterecords. Close communication is essential tomaintaining a working relationship and avoidingunpleasant discrepancies. The completion ofthe agency fl ight invoi ce is a joint effort where

    records are compared and entries are agreedupon. (see OAS 23 and USFS 122 exhibi ts).

    Security of the AircraftSecuri ty is the responsibi l i ty of the contractor.However, the government may assist the contractorin reduci ng securi ty ri sks when the assistancewil l benefit the government. This is especiall ytrue when operating away from the designatedbase (field situati on).

    Accidents/ Incidents/ HazardsIt is the pilots responsibility to notify thegovernment representative immediately of anyaviation hazards, mechanical problems, incidents,or accidents. Appropriate documentation,discussions and/or actions wil l then take place.

    Suspension of PersonnelThe pi lot or other contractor personnel may besuspended for unsatisfactory performance orconduct detrimental to the purpose contracted.

    Actual suspension can be ordered only by theContracting Officer. Also, operations may betemporari ly shut down for safety reasons.

    Relief PersonnelProviding relief pilots and drivers to the designatedbase or f ield site is the contractors responsibi li ty.Reli ef personnel often rotate from one contractsi te to another and are on a tight schedul e. The

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    transition to and from relief personnel oftencauses disputes about duty ti me, one hour callback and the daily availability period. Eachpilot and driver must be treated separately.Each day, the government must have the helicopteravailable for 14 hours. During personnel transition,either the regular pil ot and driver must remain

    avail able until released, or the relief pilot anddriver must continue duty or otherwise beavailable. There must never be a time duringdaylight hours when no pilots or drivers areavailable, otherwise the aircraft is consideredunavailable. Tracking relief personnel flightand duty time can be challenging, but is anecessity.

    HELPFUL HI NTS

    1 The pilot and manager are thecontractual representatives at theoperational level. The pilot is working for thecompany, and the Helicopter Manager isworking for a Fire Management Officer (FMO)and the Contracting Officer. Dont ruin the

    relationship over a contract dispute. If problemscant be resolved at the field level, let thecompanys designated representative and theContracting Officer settle the issue while thetasks at hand continue.

    2.Get things straight at the Pre-workConference. Often the chief pilot or companyrepresentative, FMO, Helicopter ManagerContracting Officer, Contracting OfficersRepresentative (COR), and other technica

    specialists are all present at this meeting. Talkspecifically about how certain situations wilbe handled.

    3.Later, the pilot and helicopter manager shoulddiscuss the contract page by page.

    4.Keep a copy of the contract in the aircraft orfuel tender at all times. (Contract Requirement

    5.Document daily activities completely andaccurately (Hobbs hour meter readings eachflight, exact time of mechanical problems orincidents, duty time, type of activitiesdiscussion, actions, people involved, etc.). Themanager will be keeping their records, also.

    6.Be totally honest and up front with theHelitack Foreman or Helicopter ManagerCommunicate!

    7.Take an active role in all required paperworkload calculations, turbine power checks, fl ighinvoices, etc. Dont get behind in paperwork.

    8.The Helicopter Manager/Helitack Foremansupervises the crew and directs the use of thehelicopter. Suggestions are O.K.; it is a teameffort. But dont undermine the managers/foremans authority.

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    FUEL TENDER AND DRIVERPROCEDURES AND SAFETYIntroduction

    The fuel tender driver works for the pilot.The fueling operation is ultimately thepilots responsibi lity. The fuel tender and attendant

    are obviously a very important part of anyhelicopter operation. There is nothing morefrustrating and embarrassing than having anair worthy helicopter, wil li ng and capable pil ot,motivated fire fighters avai lable and haveeverything held up because fuel i s not available.It can happen. The success of any fuelingoperation is dependent upon many factors thatare discussed below. Never take the fuel tenderor dri ver for granted.

    Fuel Tender RequirementsInspectionsAl l fuel tenders on contract must be inspectedby a government representative in the samemanner that the aircraft is inspected. If thetruck meets all contract requirements, an approvalcard is issued and must be carried in thevehicle at all times. Fuel cannot be dispenseduntil the tender is approved and if, for anyreason during the contract period the fueltender fail s to meet speci fications, the aircraftmay be placed in unavail able status.

    RequirementsFuel tender requirements are specified in thecontract. These differ slightly from agency toagency. All aviation fuels carri ed and di spensedmust be of the type and grade recommendedby the manufacturer of the specific aircraft.Fuel dispensed into the aircraft must fi rst passthrough an approved fil tering system and nozzlescreen. The service tender wil l be conspicuouslymarked identifying the type of fuel carried,and NO SMOKING signs will be displayed.Portable fi re extinguishers wil l be mounted tobe readi ly visible and accessible; their capacitywi ll be commensurate with the fuel tank capacity.The tender w il l have a reel mounted groundingcable w ith cli p and a nozzle grounding cable.The fuel tank capacity will be sufficient tosustain the contract heli copter for eight fl ighthours. The tank and di spensing system wi l l be

    clean, tight and operable at all times. A 10-gall on per minute fuel di spensing pump is theminimum required. The tender itself must beproperly maintained, clean and reli able.

    Other RequirementsEach base of operation may have additional

    requirements wri tten into the contract. Vendorsuppl ied FM mobi le radios may also be specified.FM radios are mandatory in the fuel tender,whether suppl ied by the vendor or the government.Programmable radios are opti mal.

    Local frequencies and assignments will beposted in the vehicle at all times. In somestates the service vehicle may need specialpermits for transporting hazardous materials.This is a vendor responsibi l i ty.

    Driver RequirementsDuty LimitationsDuty l imi tations are described in the contract.These limi tations receive the same scrutiny aspil ot duty and flight l imi tations. When the fueltender is driven long distances, limitations(especially the driving limitation) come intoplay. Drivers may be required to stop andremain overnight when traveli ng cross countryto avoid exceeding the limitations. Also, duty

    time must be monitored closely as it affectsextended availabil ity for the tender. This extendedavailability may differ from pilot extendedavailabi l ity from day to day.

    ReadinessThe driver must remain at the base of operationsor w ith the fuel tender duri ng duty periods justlike everyone else. They must be ready forimmediate dispatch incl uding having the fueltender i n a clean/organized/ reli able condition,

    keeping a personal gear bag for long off-di stri ctdispatches, maintaining adequate fuel quanti ties,stori ng suppl ies of fi l ters, parts, tools, cleaningmaterials, etc. The driver is also usually responsiblefor keeping food, water, and creature comfortsfor himself and the pi lot.

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    CommunicationsCommunication w ith the fuel tender is essential.The driver must thoroughly understand theoperation of the radio. They must also understandthe l ocal frequenci es and repeater systems. Ashort training and orientation session is appropriatehere; basic radio procedures and etiquette

    should be covered too. The frequency/assignmentlist should be conspicuously posted in thevehicle. When dispatched, the driver wi ll begiven travel and radio i nstructions. The drivershould check-in w ith the pil ot when they reachthe assigned destination or at set intervalsduring long trips. Radio traffic gets very congestedduring fire operations. Drivers should makeonly necessary transmissions, and they shoul dbe brief and concise.

    LogisticsFuel tenders assigned on fire contracts arefrequently dispatched to remote sites. Often,the service truck wi ll accompany the Heli tacksupport vehicle. However, there are instanceswhere the fuel tender must reach a destinationon its own. Therefore, a complete map kit ofthe Distri ct, Forest and adjacent areas is essential.The driver should be given an orientation tothe area showing major mountains, ri vers, lakes,roads, etc., and then spend some time studying

    maps and asking questions.

    The driver needs to know where appropriatefuel i s avail able in the local area (for both thehelicopter and the fuel tender). Some fuelvendors in sparsely populated areas operateon a limited basis or during specific/limitedtimes.

    Fueling ProceduresAll fueli ng wil l be accompli shed as outlined in

    the contract and government aviation manualsand handbooks. Generally, the foll owi ng apply:only the pil ot or qualified fueler wi ll dispensefuel into the aircraft; helicopter engines androtors wil l come to a complete stop pri or to thefuel tender approaching; the cabin of the aircraftwill be empty of all passengers, and non-essential personnel should remain 100' awayduring fueli ng operations; the fuel tender wi ll

    be grounded and the ai rcraft and tender wi ll bebonded during fueling. Fuel spil ls will be reportedto the pilot and Helicopter Manager. At thebase of operations or at project heli bases therewill be guidelines for fuel tenders: where topark; access to ramps and landing areas; traffi cpatterns; etc.

    Refueli ng the aircraft is potenti all y dangerousA good fueler takes pride in these high poi ntsof their day while following efficient, safeprocedures. Fuel tender drivers need exactclear instructions on how much fuel to put inthe aircraft and this amount depends on thehelicopters next mission.

    Record KeepingAny fuel tender mil eage incurred whi le operating

    away from the designated base wi l l be paid asspecifi ed in the contract (this does not includemiscellaneous trips for the benefit of the pi loor company). The driver shoul d keep a logbookand record dates, times, beginni ng and endingmileage, departure points and destinationsetc. The pilot or helicopter manager will beasking for this information almost daily. Arecord of aircraft fuel purchases, price paidand amounts dispensed from the fuel tender i salso encouraged.

    The driver needs to keep a record of the dutyand drivi ng time. Their duty ti me is frequentlydi fferent than the pi lots.

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    CH APTER 3CH APTER 3H A P T ER 3FLIGHT FOLLOWING

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    INTRODUCTION Fli ght following procedures are designed forthe safety of pilot, passengers and aircraft.Fli ght following is a proven method of trackingaircraft location, making aircraft easier to locateif forced to land or an incident occurs. Thisgives emergency forces a position to start fromand reduces search time looking for a downedaircraft to a minimum.

    PROCEDURES

    Ten to fifteen minute check-ins are fairlystandard throughout most agencies. Deviationfrom these standards require prior approvaand all concerned parties will be informed ofthe situation.

    The most desirable method of check-in is toprovi de your Lat/Long and direction of travelCommon geographical l andmarks along wi thtownship/range/sections and di rection of traveare other ways to determine position. Rememberi f geographi cal names are to be used they areoften dupl icated in any given area or may nobe on the map.

    The helitack manager/observer on board theaircraft is re