MAF Unit Aviation Plan / 2015

Malheur National ForestUnit Aviation Plan

Revised By:/s/ Eric J. Bush Eric Bush DateMalheur NF, Unit Aviation Officer 06/01/2015

Reviewed By/s/ Kurt S. KleinerKurt Kleiner Date State Aviation Manager 6/16/2015

Approved By

Steve Beverlin DateMalheur National Forest, Forest Supervisor 6/18/2015

The first element of command and control is people – people who gather information, make decisions, take action, communicate and cooperate with one another in the accomplishment of a

common goal. David Festerling

MAF Unit Aviation Plan / 2015

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MAF Unit Aviation Plan / 2015TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 AVIATION MANAGEMENT PLAN

2.0 PNW ORGANIZATION AND STAFFING

3.0 ADMINISTRATION

4.0 AVIATION SAFETY MANAGEMENT

5.0 AVIATION OPERATIONS

6.0 AVIATION TRAINING

7.0 AIRSPACE COORDINATION

8.0 AVIATION SECURITY

9.0 AVIATION FACILITIES

10.0 APPENDICES(Appendices located in MAF Aviation Library: O:\NFS\Malheur\Program\AviationMgmt-5700\Admin_Policy\Airbase\John Day Airbase\Unit Aviation Program)

Appendix 1 – Unit Aviation Mishap Response Plans

Appendix 2 – John Day Airbase Operations Plan

Appendix 3 – SEAT Airtanker Base Operations Plan

Appendix 4 – MAF Aerial Detection Guide

Appendix 5 – MAF Pilot and Aircrew Briefing Packet

Appendix 6 – Pre-Approved Aviation Missions – Programmatic Risk Assessments

NOTE

Forest supplements (subsections) are added only where necessary and follow the National - Regional Aviation Safety Management Plan template.

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MAF Unit Aviation Plan / 2015Chapter 1.0 - AVIATION MANAGEMENT PLAN

1.1 Purpose

This unit plan supplements the National Aviation Safety and Management Plan (NASMP) and Pacific Northwest / Alaska Aviation Safety and Management Plan (PNWAMP) to derive a comprehensive unit aviation planning document. It’s tiered directly to the NASMP by chapter and sub-chapter, with the goal of aligning the Malheur aviation program with the policy, standards, and best practices established and documented at higher levels.

A tiered approach to aviation plans minimizes duplication and redundancy of information in regard to aviation policy and programmatic guidance, and allows unit level plans to focus more specifically on local conditions, local capacity, and the coordinated local execution of safe flight operations.

1.6 Authority

This Plan is authorized by FSM 5711.04 and the National and Regional Aviation Safety and Management Plan.

The Malheur Aviation Program, as described in this plan, is within the Line Officers delegation of authority to the Unit Aviation Officer (UAO) to provide aviation program administrative and technical oversight.

Line Officer Delegation of Authority Letter

The delegation is routed for current signatures any time there is a Forest Supervisor position vacancy filled, and is electronically filed along with the UAO position agreement documents in the MAF aviation library on the “O”- drive.

MAF Unit Aviation Plan / 2015

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MAF Unit Aviation Plan / 2015Chapter 2.0 - AVIATION ORGANIZATION AND RESPONSIBILITIES

2.4 Forest Aviation Staff

Forest Supervisor: The Forest Supervisor is responsible for all aviation activities on the Malheur National Forest. Responsibilities outlined in FSM 5704.6 is delegated to the Unit Aviation Officer.

Malheur Unit Aviation Officer: The Aviation Officer is designated by the Forest Supervisor, and is responsible for general oversight and guidance for all aviation operations being conducted on forest lands. This includes support to the fire program, resource programs (non-fire), and all administrative uses of aircraft.

In the event that the MAF UAO is not available, the following will serve as designated alternates for the unit listed. The MAF UAO is responsible to inform and brief designated alternates when handing off UAO responsibilities. The designated alternates are:

Todd Gregory, Malheur NF, Assistant Fire Staff OfficerJeremy McIntosh MAF Rappel Program SupervisorJoseph Fansler MAF Rappel Program SupervisorAnthony Hernandez MAF Rappel Program Supervisor

Some of the primary duties and responsibilities of the UAO position are the following:

1. Responsibility, and delegated authority, to stop any aviation activities that are unsafe, or are not being carried out within established agency policy and/or operating standards.

2. Delegated review authority of Low and Moderate complexity Project Aviation Safety Plans (PASP’s). See: Figure 4: PASP Review/Approval Criteria Ch 5.0.

3. Is primary contact for Regional Aviation Staff regarding aviation operations. Participates in annual aviation related workshops / meetings, and participates in local/regional conference calls, as scheduled.

4. Reviews unit SAFECOMS (form FS 5700-12), and coordinates with the Regional Aviation Safety Manager in determining appropriate follow up actions, and participates in Incident/Accident investigations, as requested.

5. Maintains coordination with other government agencies (National Guard, FAA), and cooperators (ODF, DOI) on aviation related operations that affect the unit(s).

6. Coordinates directly with forest dispatch offices on flight planning, air support, and planning needs that develop.

MAF Unit Aviation Plan / 20157. Provides unit in-briefing information, and is primary contact for IMT Air Operations

Branch personnel when mobilized on forest incidents.

District Rangers: Several aviation related authorities reside with the District Ranger (sub-unit Line Officers), they include:

1. Approval authority (Signature) of unit Project Aviation Safety Plans (PASP’s), as necessary.

2. Approval authority (signature) for transportation of non-federal passengers on agency controlled flights. (Required form 5700-12 Day Trip Authorization);

3. Approval authority for non-agency employee Search & Rescue requests (Assistance to Co Sheriff’s);

4. Specific authorizations for the use of mechanized equipment within designated wilderness areas, if so delegated (i.e. aircraft landing approvals).

District Aviation Officers (DAO): The District Ranger will designate a District Aviation Officer (DAO) who will function as the primary aviation contact on the unit. The DAO is recognized as the District Fire Management Officer (FMO), unless otherwise formally designated. The following responsibilities are expected of District Aviation Officer's:

1. Is the initial contact on the unit for aviation related questions, and assists unit level personnel with flight operation planning.

2. Assigns qualified unit personnel to aviation related projects, and Identifies shortage aviation positions needing forest level emphasis. Coordinates unit aviation training needs with the MAF UAO.

3. Provides a communication link from the unit level to the MAF UAO, and likewise, from the MAF UAO to district personnel for the dissemination of aviation technical and safety related information, policy and program updates, etc.

4. May officially supervise exclusive use contract personnel, or be designated as COR on aviation contracts, if qualified.

Dispatch Center Coordinators: The Dispatch Coordinator will have a thorough knowledge of aviation operations, and shall insure that dispatch operations involving the use of aircraft are staffed and supervised at appropriate levels. See: Chapter 3.14 Dispatching, and Chapter 6.1 Aviation Training.

The following roles and responsibilities are assigned to the Dispatch Coordinator position at John Day Interagency Dispatch Center (JDIDC):

MAF Unit Aviation Plan / 2015

Dispatch Coordinator Roles and Responsibilities:

1. Assures agency ordering procedures, flight tracking/flight following, and mishap response standards are being met.

2. Participate in the briefing and debriefing process with aircrews on forest aviation missions, and maintains operational coordination with other government agencies, and neighboring units on subjects involving aviation operations.

3. Initiates actions to order appropriate Aerial Supervision for complex aviation operations (Ref: Aerial Supervision Matrix, NW Mob Guide).

4. Initiates aviation mishap response actions as outlined in the unit Aviation Mishap Response Guide (AMRG). Ensures that seasonal updates to the unit AMRG are made and copies distributed to all permanent and temporary aviation bases.

5. Schedule all administrative flights on the forest and coordinates with the Northwest Coordination Center (NWCC) for the use of regional agency aircraft. Identifies/assigns qualified Flight Managers for all fixed-wing missions.

Aviation Project Managers: A Project Manager will be designated for all aviation projects on the forest. Project Managers are responsible to see that a PASP (non-pre-approved missions) or Mission Planning Sheet (pre-approved missions) are prepared for planned flight activities (see: Ch. 5.0 Figure 4). The Project Manager is also expected to provide either direct supervision of project operations, if qualified, or provide oversight (assurance) that on-site supervision and staffing meets or exceeds agency policy.

Additional responsibilities include:1. Ensure safety and project operational briefings are provided to all personnel involved

with the project, including the pilot(s).

2. Ensure that project aviation activities are conducted in accordance with all applicable agency policy, regulations, and contract specifications.

3. Keep the UAO, DAO, or Contracting Officer briefed on daily project progress or record keeping, as specified, for flight activities pertaining to project work.

4. Insure Aviation Mishap Response plans are in place, and briefed to project support personnel assigned, and report aircraft accidents/incidents within required timeframes.

MAF Unit Aviation Plan / 20152.4 Forest Aviation Staff Continued:

John Day Airbase Manager: The John Day Airbase Manager is the MAF UAO and has responsibility for safety, management, and coordination/oversight of interagency aviation operations to include all agency exclusive use and temporary aviation resources based/assigned at Grant County Regional Airport. The Airbase Manager is the COR for the bases (4) Exclusive Use aircraft, and supervises (3) Rappel Program Manager’s, SEAT Manager, and Fire Clerk personnel. The Airbase Manager is supervised by the Assistant Fire Staff Officer on the MAF.

Rappel Program Managers: The Rappel Base Program Manager’s (First-Line Supervisors) primary responsibility is for safety, management, and direct supervision of rappel program personnel, and for assigned Regional, National, or CWN helicopters temporarily assigned to primary bases. Rappel Program Managers are rappel spotters, contract ACOR’s and are directly supervised by the Airbase Manager.

Single Engine Air Tanker Manager (SEMG): The Single Engine Air Tanker Base Managers’ primary assignment is the safety, management, and supervision of the SEAT Base and associated ramp personnel The SEMG is supervised by the Airbase Manager. The MAF SEAT Manager also supports the ODF SEAT stationed at the FS SEAT Base as part of the interagency aviation program at the John Day Airbase.

Air Tactical Group Supervisor (ATGS): A qualified ATGS is stationed in La Grande to staff an Exclusive Use Regional Air Attack Platform hosted by the Wallowa-Whitman NF. The La Grande ATGS is for sub-geographic aerial supervision support for initial attack and extended attack incidents, and is supervised by the PNW Light Fixed-Wing Program Manager.

Aerial Detection: The Oregon Department of Forestry, John Day Unit, contracts (1) light fixed-wing aircraft at the John Day Airbase for aerial detection. Coordination is necessary between the ODF and FS when ordering an ATGS for the ODF fixed-wing. The standard aerial detection route covers both ODF and FS lands. Orders for aerial detection missions are coordinated through the ODF dispatcher, John Day Airbase, and the ODF and FS duty officers. Established route information is on file at the airbase. John Day Dispatch and John Day Airbase maintain an on-call list of qualified Aerial Observers (AOBS).

Leadplane Pilot: A Leadplane Pilot may be temporarily pre-positioned to the John Day Airtanker base when aviation activity dictates the need. These pilots are officially assigned to the Deschutes National Forest (Redmond Air Group-RAG), with all administrative functions performed by RAG.

MAF Unit Aviation Plan / 2015Figure 1: MAF Unit Aviation Organization - Contacts

Name Title Unit Office Phone

Eric Bush Unit Aviation Officer MAF 541-575-3371

Roy Walker Forest Fire Staff Officer MAF 541-575-3103

Todd Gregory Assistant Fire Staff Officer (Alternate UAO) MAF 541-575-3102

Teresa Youmans Dispatch Coordinator MAF 541-575-3101

Joseph Fansler Airbase Training Mgr. (Alternate UAO) MAF 541-575-3374

Anthony Hernandez Airbase Operations Mgr. (Alternate UAO) MAF 541-575-3373

Jeremy McIntosh Airbase Operations Mgr. (Alternate UAO) MAF 541-575-3376

Brandon Culley FMO/District Aviation Officer MAF/BMRD 541-575-3406

Brian Bishop FMO/District Aviation Officer MAF/PCRD 541-820-3802

Miles Hancock UMF/WWF Unit Aviation Officer UMF/WWF 541-975-5418

MAF Unit Aviation Plan / 2015

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MAF Unit Aviation Plan / 2015Chapter 3.0 - ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTION

3.1 General

All Forest Personnel: It is imperative that when employees consider the use of aircraft that they become familiar with federal/agency aviation policy and best practice guidelines for insuring safe efficient aircraft utilization. Personnel should solicit assistance from local unit aviation specialists when planning and carrying out flight activities when questions arise. Forest level primary contacts include: UAO, DAO’s, Aircraft Base Managers or Dispatch Coordinator’s.

Aviation Library - Electronic Documents / Records - “O drive” Filing AreaElectronic storing of Aviation Program files are located at the following O drive location: O:\NFS\Malheur\Program\AviationMgmt-5700\Airbase\Unit Aviation Plan

This filing area will serve as the designated aviation electronic library for the Malheur aviation program as a single point for storing documents specific to the MAF aviation program, including related policy letters, unit level plans, accident prevention information, and training references.

The MAF UAO will build the filing structure (folder naming convention) and be responsible for electronic filing and content. Future suggestions on filing area content, file creation or naming, and ways to enhance the use of the library should be directed to the MAF UAO. Additional regional documents are found in the SORO Library at http://ordvac.com/soro/library/Aviation/

3.3 Aviation Plans

Forest Supervisors retain approval authority (signature) for the MAF Unit Aviation Plan and individual Base Plans listed as appendices.

The MAF Unit Aviation Plan is revised annually by the MAF UAO with a copy forwarded to the Regional Aviation Officer for review and inclusion into the SORO library. A forest level master copy of the plan will reside in the MAF aviation library filed on the O-drive, with copies also filed with individual forest Fire Management Plans as required appendices.

Formal regional level review will take place anytime significant unit level policy changes are necessary, or on a triennial basis at a minimum.

Whenever a new Line Officer is employed on the Forest, his or her name and signature shall be added to the cover of this Forest Aviation Plan, and the plan will be re-issued

Aviation Base Operating Plans shall be reviewed, and as necessary updated by the rappel program managers, then submitted to the MAF UAO for review and signature before obtaining Forest Supervisor final approval/signature.

MAF Unit Aviation Plan / 2015

MAF UAO will coordinate review and signature gathering, all finalized base plans will be filed in the aviation library (O-drive), as Unit Aviation Plan appendices, and a copy delivered to Fire Management Staff in charge of the Fire Management Plan library.

3.4 Aircrew Orientation Briefing Package

See: UAP Appendix 5 – MAF Pilot Briefing Packet

3.7 Contracting

Forest Contracting Officer (CO): Forest level aviation contracts can only be initiated and approved by the Forest Contracting Officer. Note: All “Aviation Services” contracts require an approved PASP. “End Product” aviation contracts do not require a PASP. (See also: 3.10 End Product Contracts below).

Aviation Contracting Officer's Representative (COR): Aviation COR duties and responsibilities will be outlined in a Designation of Authority letter from the Contracting Officer for all Exclusive Use (EU) aircraft contracts, and field Project Inspectors (PI’s) may also be designated either by letter (for EU contracts) or sometimes assigned via the contract to which an aircraft manager is assigned (i.e. CWN scenarios).

3.10 End Product Contracts

Aviation “End Product” ContractsFSM 5700 requires a pre-solicitation determination for aviation related contracts as either; “End Product” or “Flight Services”, and the UAO has the responsibility to coordinate with forest procurement offices (Contracting Officer) for adding this determination into the contract file. The importance of this pre-solicitation designation is for developing the appropriate contract clauses, specifications, and level of aviation oversight required by agency policy. (See: PNW Aviation Plan 3.10 and FSM 5711.2 - Exhibit 01 - End Product Exhibit)

Note: End Product COR’s/Project Inspectors are responsible for reporting End Product Flight hours to the UAO, at the conclusion of the project for aircraft use reporting purposes.

3.12 Cooperator Aircraft

When the Forest Service uses a State/local government owned and operated aircraft, authority for such usage, and any resulting cost reimbursements, will be specifically based on existing and supplemental Fire Operating Agreements.

MAF Unit Aviation Plan / 2015 Cooperator Aircraft Letters Of ApprovalsCooperating agency aircraft must be formally pre-approved by the Regional Aviation Officer. On the MAF this commonly applies to the ODF fixed-wing and helicopters and the Oregon Air National Guard helicopters. Any needed inspection/approvals (of aircraft and/or pilots) will be coordinated by the MAF UAO through the Regional Aviation Officer.

ODF Special Purpose Appropriations (SPA) Helicopters and ODF Fixed-Wing – Requests and billings for the use of ODF helicopters and fixed-wing are guided by the Master Cooperative Fire Protection Agreement, Northwest Operating Plan found in Ch. 50 of the PNWCG Incident Business Guide and Supplemental (local) Fire Operating Plans.

3.14 Dispatching

Forest dispatch offices are the ordering point for all administrative and mission use flights, and as agency authorized procurement offices, will contact vendors and order/schedule and track all aircraft flight activities.

Administrative Flights - Ordering and Scheduling: Passengers will contact dispatch for assistance with the completion of required cost comparisons and/or authorization documentation as referenced in the Administrative Use of Aircraft - Desk Reference. Aviation users should be prepared to provide their dispatch office(s) with the following information:

Passengers by names, weights, and weight of cargo. Identification of designated Flight Manager. Requested flight date(s) and time(s). Point of flight departure, pick up points, and final destination. Identify whether the flight is one way or round trip. Accounting charge numbers, Job Code (s). A Day Trip authorization (5700-12) form approved by a Line Officer for any non-

federal passenger(s)

Flight requests should be placed at the earliest possible time to allow for adequate ordering and flight planning time. The dispatch office will provide the ordering person with a flight confirmation as soon as final arrangements have been made.

Unless agency flight following is being utilized (optional), the pilot shall file an FAA flight plan, and be instructed to notify dispatch upon departure, and arrival at final destination.

Lead Plane Use: Administrative Flights utilizing PNW fleet aircraft will be coordinated through the NWCC Aircraft Desk per NWCC Mob Guide procedures.

Project Flights – Ordering and Scheduling: Selection and procurement of CWN aviation resources is a responsibility of the forest dispatch offices, and they should be notified of an impending procurement as early in the process as possible to identify scheduling conflicts (resource availability) and assist with other pertinent planning details.

Routine project flights are covered under the MAF “Programmatic Project Aviation Safety Plan” (See: Ch. 5.7 Flight Planning) with Mission Planning Sheets developed between

MAF Unit Aviation Plan / 2015Flight Managers, Project Managers, pilots, and the controlling dispatch center as part of the flight planning and scheduling process. Mission Planning Sheets identify flight specific information such as Aircraft assigned, frequency assignments, project locations, airspace boundary or MTR considerations, etc.

Tactical Aircraft, and Emergency Flights - Ordering and Scheduling: All aircraft involved in fire support mission will be ordered/dispatched through the forest dispatch office in accordance with Chapter 20 of the NICC, NWCC or Unit Mobilization Guide, or as otherwise specified in dispatch office supplemental operating plans. When a scheduling conflict occurs between administrative use, mission use, and emergencies, the emergency shall take precedence.

For initial attack responses, aircraft needs are established through preplanned dispatch block cards, IC/on-scene requests, and the decision authority of the supervisory dispatcher. Dispatch offices should alert pilots and aircrews of an impending fire or emergency dispatch, as soon as possible, with any information available at that time to best prepare them for an impending dispatch, followed by a Tactical Aircraft Order Form, once completed.

Dispatch units assist in the pre-flight planning process by acquiring and assembling essential aviation safety related information, the most important of these being:

a. Initial Identification of Airspace Hazards: Known aerial hazards within the incident operational area, including power lines, towers, other responding agency aircraft, and determining if the mission will be near administrative unit boundaries, or within any special use military airspace (MOA’s/MTR’s). Note: A plotting check on the Forest Hazard Map should be made for each incident supported by aircraft.

b. Confirmation of Communications: Identify and confirm the assigned Flight Following (Command), and Air-to-Air, and Air-to-Ground (Tactical) frequencies assigned to the incident or area of operation. Note: Boundary fire communication procedures should receive special emphasis in the MAF local area.

c. Check Navigational Information: Verification of navigational information, i.e. GPS coordinates, legal description, geographic place name(s) etc., prior to providing the information to aircrews. Note: A plotting check on the dispatch map or in established dispatch software should be made in each instance.

Once all mission specific information is collected, a Tactical Aircraft Order Form will be provided to the Base Manager / Pilot and/or Aircrew to initiate the mobilization order.

MAF Unit Aviation Plan / 20153.15 Flight Use Reports

All Forest Service aircraft payments are currently being processed through the ABS electronic database managed from Albuquerque Service Center (ASC). Flight Managers, PI’s, and/or COTR’s are responsible for electronic invoicing into ABS on a daily basis.

ABS Web site: https://apps.fs.usda.gov/cfo/ibs/aviation

Government Representative Signature: A review of the daily flight invoice (form 6500-122), and signature by a government representative is necessary for each days use. Signature is confirmation that services have been provided to the government.

The Government Representative is typically the designated COR or PI for Exclusive Use Contract aircraft, and the Flight Manager, PI, or Aircraft Dispatcher for CWN contracts. Note: The contract COTR should be directly contacted if invoicing or ABS issues arise, being ultimately responsible for the quality control of invoice documentation and the approving official for payments in ABS.

3.20 Program Reviews / Reporting

Aviation program activities will be continually monitored by the MAF UAO for cost effectiveness, accident prevention (safety), and suitability of aircraft selection (procurement). General oversight will be conducted by the MAF UAO with assistance from the appropriate national or regional aviation program staffs, primarily through annual program/base reviews.

Annual Reports: Annual reports of forest level flight activity are consolidated by the MAF UAO on a CY basis, and filed in the aviation library O-drive. Flight use data comes directly from the Aviation Business System (ABS) database, and from data requests (reports) requested from the Office of Aviation Services for DOI procured aircraft utilized on the units.

Miscellaneous aviation use reports are requested on an as needed basis.

Each aviation base or Exclusive Use aircraft manager is responsible for submitting Annual Use Reports to their specific Regional/National program level manager for the aircraft they manage, with a cc. of these reports to the MAF UAO.

Base / Program Reviews: Base/Program Reviews are a core function of aviation program quality assurance, allowing national and regional program managers to observe and assess field operations to which they provide support and oversight. They also promote field level adherence to safe procedures and standards.

Base review site visits are open to any forest Line and Staff Officer who wishes to participate or sit in. Findings and action items are identified using standardized checklists which are summarized and shared with Line from the Regional Aviation Officer via formal correspondence.

MAF Unit Aviation Plan / 2015The MAF receives formal regional reviews for the following Programs/Bases:

Rappel Program Biennial base reviews (site visits) coordinated by the PNW Helicopter Operations Specialist (HOS).

Single Engine Airtanker Base Annual base review (site visit), coordinated by the PNW Airtanker Base Specialist.

Quality Assurance (QA)FS contracted aircraft and vendor personnel receive a contract QA review that is scheduled by the national office in Boise, ID and the R6 Helicopter Program in Redmond, OR.

Forest Aviation Program A component of forest level F&AM program reviews, coordinated by SORO F&AM Staff on a Triennial basis.

MAF Unit Aviation Plan / 2015Chapter 4.0 - AVIATION SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

4.0 Aviation Safety Management Systems

Safety Management Systems (SMS) concepts and principles guide management and oversight of fire and aviation operations to promote a positive safety culture with an emphasis on personal safety and accident prevention.

4.1 General

National and Regional (PNW) SMS documents and publications are disseminated via the National Aviation Safety Office to the Regional Aviation Safety Manager to the PNW Unit Aviation Officers, then to field level personnel. The MAF UAO accomplishes local field dissemination of information via managed aviation personnel mailing lists within Lotus Notes.

SMS Promotion – National Web Links

National Interagency Aviation SMS Web Site/Library – Lessons Learned

National Interagency SMS Publications - Web LinksInteragency Aviation Accident Prevention BulletinsInteragency Aviation Safety AlertsInformation BulletinsTechnical BulletinsInteragency Aviation Lessons Learned

Forest Level Aviation Safety Alerts and Aviation Information Memos are developed and distributed by the MAF UAO, as deemed appropriate, and then filed in the MAF Aviation Library on the O-drive. Forest Personnel should consult with the MAF UAO on any aviation safety related topic or procedural issue they feel warrants local emphasis.

4.4 Risk ManagementNational Risk Management web site and Program Risk Assessmentshttp://www.fs.fed.us/fire/av_safety/risk_management/index.html

Specific national program area’s (Aerial Supervision, Rappel, Helicopter, Airtanker/SEAT,) each have deliberate risk assessments that should be referenced by local managers involved with these fire support programs.

The MAF UAP Appendix 6 (PPASP package) contains locally developed deliberate risk assessments tied to pre-approved project flight activities (rotor wing / fixed-wing), also summarized in Ch. 5.0 Figure 4: MAF PPASP Approved Mission Types.

MAF Unit Aviation Plan / 20154.5.2 Aviation Safety Communique

Incident Reporting: The formal reporting of aviation hazards, incidents, and mishaps is an integral part of SMS and the Forest Service National Aviation Safety and Mishap Prevention Plan. The goal of reporting incidents and near misses is to create a “Reporting Culture”, encouraging open and honest reporting of incidents, hazards, and policy deviations, as well successes “kudo’s”, when appropriate. All employees who manage or are otherwise involved in aviation operations should be familiar with the SAFECOM reporting system.https://www.safecom.gov/

Aviation Safety Communique’ SAFECOM - The system uses the SAFECOM (Form FS-5700-14) to report any condition, observance, act, maintenance problem, or circumstance which has potential to cause an aviation-related mishap. The system is not a substitute for “on-the-spot correction(s) to a safety concern, or is it intended to initiate or imply punitive actions. Categories of reports include aircraft mishaps, aviation hazards, aircraft maintenance deficiencies, and airspace intrusions.

Aviation Personnel - Responsibility - The forest employee most directly involved with an incident is responsible to submit a SAFECOM electronically into the SAFECOM database within two (2) working days.

The MAF UAO has administrative access to the SAFECOM system to provide follow up actions “comments” on all reported unit incidents, and maintains a running log of SAFECOM’s processed to be recorded in the units annual flight use report.

4.5.3 Aircraft Accident Investigation Processes

Incidents with Potential/Accidents: In the case of aviation accidents or Incidents with Potential, the MAF UAO or acting will be notified immediately, regardless of the time of day, in accordance with the forest Aviation Mishap Response Guide. In addition, a SAFECOM shall be submited as soon as practcal.

The determination of mishap classification as either an incident with potential or accident is made at the point of mishap reporting, based on the circumstances (resulting aircraft damage and injuries) by the Regional Aviation Safety Manager and the National Aviation Safety Office, Boise.

Mishap Investigations: The level of agency involvement in aviation mishap investigations is determined by the National Aviation Safety Office (NASO). Incidents with potential may be investigated at the Regional or National level, while most accidents fall under the authority of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). A complete discussion, including definitions of Incidents, Incidents with Potential, and Accidents can be referenced in IHOG Appendix C or in the FS Accident Investigations Guide, Ch 9 – Aviation Accidents.

Organizational Learning - Cultural Learning Analysis tools will be considered by management for applicable aviation related mishaps. For more information see: Facilitated Learning Analysis (FLA)Accident Prevention Analysis(APA)

MAF Unit Aviation Plan / 2015 Chapter 5.0 -AVIATION OPERATIONS

5.1 General

This plan is provided as a reference tool to Line Officers, Aviation Managers, and forest aviation users to assist them in successfully meeting land management and fire suppression support objectives.

The Malheur Forest relies heavily on aircraft support, with aviation activity accounting for an average of 1,000 flight hours per year. The primary usage of aviation assets is related to support of fire management programs with the highest aircraft usage between June 15th and September 30th each year.

The most common aircraft uses for the Forests are:

1. Tactical fire suppression (Aerial Supervision, retardant/water application, and personnel and cargo transport).

2. Fire detection and reconnaissance. 3. Helicopter aerial ignition. 4. Resource reconnaissance or survey flights. 5. Backcountry access. 6. Administrative use travel.7. Law enforcement support missions. 8. Search and rescue

Fire Suppression and Support: Fixed and rotor wing aircraft are used for initial attack, extended attack, and large fire support (fire suppression activities) and shall follow agency policy and procedures outlined in the Interagency Standards for Fire and Fire Aviation Operations, FSM 5700 Aviation Management, FSH 5709.16 Flight Operations, and field level operations guides specific to the flight activity (i.e. IHOG, Aerial Supervision Guide, Rappel Guide, etc.)

U.S. Forest Service Emergency Medical Short-Haul Program: The Malheur NF is in preliminary discussions with Region Six regarding the addition of Short-Haul on the Malheur NF.

Resource Staff Area’s Support: Fixed and rotor wing aircraft are used on a regular basis by forest natural resource programs for transportation services, and tactical or technical aviation assistance to field level projects. The majority of aviation assistance to resource projects is derived from within the fire program, while also recognizing and striving for a basic level of expertise and qualifications being maintained within individual resource staff areas.

MAF Unit Aviation Plan / 2015Aircraft - Exclusive Use

Figure 3: MAF Exclusive Use Contract Aircraft

Location Aircraft Mission Contract DatesJohn Day Type II Rappel Initial Attack - National May 15th – Sept 11th

John Day Type I Restricted Fire Support - National June 16th – Sept 13th

John Day Type III Helitack Initial Attack - Regional Type I Air Attack package

June 9th – Oct 2nd

John Day SEAT Initial Attack – Forest July 6th – Sep 3rd

John Day SEAT Initial Attack – ODF TBDJohn Day Type II Restricted Initial Attack – ODF TBDJohn Day Type III Helitack Initial Attack – ODF TBDJohn Day Light Fixed-Wing Initial Attack – ODF - Detection TBD

Aircraft - Call When Needed (CWN)

Light Fixed-wing (LFW) are available through R-6 LFW Contract (FS), and through Aircraft Rental Agreements (ARA’s) administered through the Department of Interior, Office of Aviation Services (OAS) in Boise, ID. These aircraft are available on a “Call When Needed” procurement and selection basis through the forest dispatch offices. Link to: R-6 LFW contract Schedule of Items

Local Light fixed-wing Vendors Baker Aircraft Baker City, OR Skyrunners Walla Walla, WA

Type III Helicopters are regionally contracted in R-6 for fire and project use, and ordered through standard dispatch channels. (Ref: Northwest Mob Guide Ch. 20). The Type III contract Schedule of Items, and Specified Flight Rate Sheets, are accessed from the PNW Acquisition Management (Fire Procurement) web site:

Local Area Type III – Helicopter Vendors Leading Edge Aviation Clarkston, WA Hillcrest Aviation Lewiston, ID J.R. Helicopters Yakima, WA Henderson Aviation Redmond, OR

National CWN Type I & II Helicopters Contracted out of the National Interagency Fire Center, Boise ID, and are procured via standard Mob Guide Ch. 20 procedures. The Contract, Schedule of Items, and Specified Flight Rate sheets can be accessed from: http://www.fs.fed.us/fire/contracting/

MAF Unit Aviation Plan / 20155.7 Flight Planning

Operational planning of all aviation activities must be done with the utmost concern for personnel safety. The primary references to assist unit personnel in addressing planning considerations includes; National program direction (Operations Guides), national/regional aviation plans, mob guides, and this unit aviation plan and appendices.

The MAF UAO has the responsibility to monitor, promote, and improve air operations primarily by providing technical assistance to forest staff and personnel, including PASP review/processing prior to Line Officer approval.

Programmatic Project Aviation Safety Plans (PPASP): Figure 4 below illustrates pre-approved flight activities, including non-fire project mission types covered under the forest Programmatic Project Aviation Safety Plan (PPASP) package, found in UAP Appendix 6.

Project Managers/Flight Managers are responsible to review the PASP and Deliberate Risk Assessment covering the planned flight activity they will be performing, making note of the overall risk level (Low, Medium, Serious, High) identified and approved by Line.

PASP defined risk level will be noted on the Mission Planning Sheet.

Note: The MAF UAO maintains a PPASP hard copy folder (file) of the forest PPASP package as a flight planning reference.

Mission Planning Sheet - Pre-Mission Operational Risk Assessment form: A mission planning sheet and “day of” operational risk assessment are required forms for all PPASP approved project flights, and are the responsibility of the Project Manager and Flight Manager having direct oversight of the flight activity to complete.

Once completed, a copy of the Mission Planning Sheet and risk assessment will be submitted to the controlling dispatch center for filing. Flight Managers should also maintain a copy.

Non-fire missions scheduled to the forest rappel programs may utilize their established GAR risk assessment process as “equivalent” to the Operational Risk Assessment form, but shall be filed with Mission Planning sheets at the base of operations.

Project Flight Operations outside PPASP:Any aviation project not specifically described in figure 4 should have a project specific PASP developed by an assigned project manager/flight manager, submitted to the MAF UAO to obtain the required level of review and approval. Note: Personnel are reminded that full regional level approval needs adequate processing time to acquire full review/signatures.

The MAF UAO is the primary contact for questions regarding PASP development.

MAF Unit Aviation Plan / 2015Figure 4: MAF UAP & PPASP Approved Mission Types

Rotor Wing

Flight Operations approved by this plan.

Fixed-wing

Flight Operations approved by this plan

Activities requiring a PASP w/ Regional level review, and Line Officer approval.

Fire Suppression/Fire Support Activities.

Search and Rescue (Immediate Response)

External Cargo Delivery – Vertical Reference “Long-Line”

Aerial Ignition – PSD

Passengers/Cargo Transport including – Unit Training Ops

Reconnaissance / Survey

Fire Suppression/Fire Support Activities.

Reconnaissance / Survey

Administrative Use – Travel

Law Enforcement (Special Mission’s)

Aerial Application (spraying)

Aerial Ignition - Helitorch

High Complexity External Load missions (Heli)

High Complexity fixed-wing missions (Low Level, etc)

Project Flights associated with cooperators (non-approved a/c)

Any Mission Use project flight not identified in PPASP.

Approved PPASP package on file in the MAF Aviation Library (O-drive) – UAP Appendix 11.

PASP forms and Risk Assessment (templates) can be requested from the MAF Aviation Officer.

5.8 Flight Following

Automated Flight Following (AFF) – AFF procedures and guidance are found in Ch. 20 of the Mobilization Guide.

General local emphasis points on Flight Following and AFF use are:

Dispatch offices shall maintain the capability to monitor AFF anytime flight activities are being conducted.

The decision to utilize AFF, as the primary mode of flight following, should be established (briefed) during the pre-flight planning process.

Standard 15 minute radio calls, as a preferred option, may be decided at the discretion of the dispatch unit monitoring the flight activity. (mission specifics, should dictate the method utilized- Fire detection, for instance, may utilize radio check in’s)

MAF Unit Aviation Plan / 2015 Aircraft AFF units are expected to be operating during all flight activities, even if

standard 15 minute radio calls are utilized. (contract required equipment)

A non-functioning or intermittent AFF unit is not by itself a safety issue or reason to ground an aircraft. As contract required equipment, however, the issue should be resolved by the contract COTR or Project Inspector, in a reasonable amount of time, once the issue is identified.

Note: Be Aware that some non-federal cooperator aircraft will not have AFF as required equipment.

Tracking of Aircraft: The Forest Dispatch offices are responsible for tracking (flight following) all aerial resources, to include granting approval of any formal “hand off” of the flight following function to aerial supervisors or ground personnel.

Aerial Supervision - Flight Following: The Flight Following function may be transferred to Incident Supervisory Aircraft (ATGS/Lead Plane/HELCO) only when specifically confirmed via radio call agreement between dispatch and the ATGS/ATCO/HELCO staffing the Supervisory Aircraft.

Helicopter - Local Flight Following: (positive tracking and check in’s by trained ground based personnel “on-scene”) should only be utilized if a formal request (“hand off/initiation”), radio call is made between the helicopter personnel and the responsible controlling dispatch office, ensuring continuous “positive radio contact”. Special Note: If the integrity of an immediate mishap response action cannot be maintained, then local flight following should not be considered or requested.

Command Frequency Monitoring - Mission Use aircraft are expected to maintain the capability of standard flight following procedures (15 minute radio check-ins) at all times. The assigned use of Automated Flight Following (AFF) does not relieve aircrews from this responsibility of assigned command frequency monitoring.

Incident Complexity – IMT Transitions - Special emphasis needs to be placed on dispatch unit planning for complex communication situations such as extended attack and Incident Management Team (IMT) transitions to insure flight following/flight tracking is adequately coordinated. Flight tracking of IMT assigned aircraft is routinely transferred between the forest dispatch office, and the ATGS or incident helibase and then back again. In addition, scenario’s where IMT’s have been delegated initial attack response areas poses a significant coordination challenge due to the boundary coordination issues involved. A formal written understanding or agreement between dispatch offices and IMT’s is strongly recommended in these situations. Request UAO assistance if coordination problems arise.

MAF Unit Aviation Plan / 20155.9 Radio Frequency Management/Communications

Communications: Command frequencies (repeaters) and tactical frequencies (line of sight) will be assigned at the time of dispatch and documented on the Tactical Aircraft Order Form and Aircraft Resource Order.

Forest Radio Plans contain all available command and tactical frequencies and should be used as a primary reference during in-briefs. The most commonly assigned Command and Tactical frequencies for the MAF area are also listed in the MAF Pilot and Aircrew Briefing Packet - UAP Appendix 5.

If frequency conflicts or frequency congestion issues arise during operations, aircrews are expected to identify and report the problem to dispatch immediately. Alternate frequencies may be assigned at that time. Note: Frequency changes are best coordinated at the beginning or end of an operational shift.

National Air Guard Monitoring: All dispatch offices and aircrews will continuously monitor National Air Guard, with a working understand of the frequencies intended uses. (Ref: IHOG Pg 4-11). In the event communications cannot be established, or communications are lost, then a communication on National Air Guard is authorized to identify or resolve the problem. Air Guard is also within local forest radio plans, and local firefighters mobile radios.

Incoming aircrews should be briefed that if communications are lost during operations, and a call on National Air Guard cannot resolve the problem, then pilots should immediately return to the departure base, or nearest alternate base, and check in with controlling dispatch by telephone.

Airport Common Traffic Advisory Frequencies: All aircrews are expected to monitor and utilize the published Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF), and obey standard published traffic patterns at established airports. Also, aircrews and passengers are reminded to observe and enforce the use of Sterile Cockpit Procedures (Only essential communication within an airport/helibase traffic area)

5.11 Mishap Response

Unit Aviation Mishap Response Guide: John Day Dispatch and the MAF UAO are responsible for preparing and annually revision of the Unit Aviation Mishap Response Guide, which is then distributed to each permanent and temporary aircraft base. See: UAP Appendix 1.

MAF Aviation Accident Notification Guide - (Figure 5 - following page) suppliments the Unit Aviation Mishap Response Guide, by further clarifying expectations and notification responsibilities of the on-scene “Officer in Charge”, dispatch organizations, and forest F&AM staff during accident and Incident with Potential scenerios. A copy should accompany all copies of the unit Aviation Mishap Response Guide.

MAF Unit Aviation Plan / 2015Figure 5: MAF Aviation Accident Notification Guide

Unit Dispatch / On Scene “Officer in Charge” (OIC)

Initiate unit Emergency Action Plan (EAP) (Initial response based on situation, i.e. Ground Ambulance, Air Ambulance, Haz Mat response, etc.)

Document all preliminary details/information (situation) to pass on with initial notifications.

Insure an “on scene” Officer In Charge (OIC) is identified, and remains on scene until relieved of duty by UAO or assigned designee.

Initiate and maintain a positive communication link with OIC. Radio frequency, Phone number, etc. (Routine check in’s to update documentation, order additional resources, update dispatch on situation at the scene.)

NOTE: Any established crash/fire/rescue plan in place at public airports is primary to any agency response. Close coordination with airport management is essential as to not delay lifesaving efforts and for post-accident administrative control of the mishap site.

Dispatch notifies:o Unit Aviation Officer (UAO):o FAA Flight Service * o County Sheriff’s Office **o GACCo 1-888-4MISHAP (1-800-464-7427)

UAO notifies: o Forest Fire Staff Officer (FFMO)o Regional Aviation Safety Manager (RASM)***o Regional Aviation Officer (RAO)o Regional/National Aviation Contracting Officer (RACO)

Fire Staff Officer notifies, or coordinates notification of:o Forest Line Officer (Forest Supervisor)o Forest Law Enforcement Officer (LEO)o Forest Public Information Officer (PIO)o Forest Safety Officero Forest Personnel Officero District Ranger

Fire Staff’s will coordinate with Line Officer, LEO, PIO, Safety Officer, and Personnel Officer to make all required notifications at the Regional level within their respective departments.

* Notification to preclude National SAR response due to ELT activation.** Activates local/regional S&R unit, if applicable.*** RASO will coordinate with National Office / NTSB on appropriate level of Investigation.

MAF Unit Aviation Plan / 2015

5.16 Search and Rescue (SAR)

SAR Emergencies/Assistance: MAF Rappel Crew maintains a compliment of personnel with Advanced Wilderness 1st aid and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) qualifications and are trained and prepared for missions related to emergency medical response and injured personnel transport, and are available upon request.

County Sheriff Offices control SAR operations within their county boundaries and coordinate with local agency dispatch offices for aircraft and/or agency personnel requests. Before accepting a SAR mission, appropriate FS Line Officer coordination, involvement, and approval is necessary anytime agency owned/contracted aircraft and/or agency personnel are requested for SAR activities.

If ultimately accepted, the highest level of Crew Resource Management (CRM) and risk management must be employed.

Go No-Go decisions should be thought out and based on all available information at the time by the individuals involved, and follow agency standards in terms of pre-flight planning (detailed aircrew briefings), aircraft staffing (adequate crew compliment), and aircraft utilization (planned flight profile) to the extent possible. Note: If agency standards cannot be maintained, the mission should be either turned down or adjusted accordingly.

5.17 Airtanker Operations

Large Airtankers – Airtankers are commonly used on the MAF by fire personnel trained on the safe and efficient utilization of the resource. IC’s and other incident personnel must recognize that Large Airtankers cannot be specifically assigned (committed) to an incident by N#, due to contract specified Large Airtanker Rotation Policy. Fire line supervisors must be prepared to adequately brief all in-coming Air tanker resources.

A Lead Plane order will be requested simultaneously by dispatch with any request for Large Airtankers, regardless of fire situation or incident complexity.

ODF contracted Airtankers (DC-7’s) are not federally approved, but loading and staging from federal Airtanker bases is authorized. Their tactical use on federal fires is limited to only those fires that are a threat to ODF protected lands and where ODF maintains operational control. There are specific instances where the FS may assume operational control, via formal request (Immediate Threat to Life).Ref: PNW Aviation Plan 5.17 .

5.18 SEATs

SEAT’s – The Exclusive Use SEAT(s) in John Day are resources for Initial Attack and Extended Attack support within the sub-geographic area. CWN SEATs are commonly ordered during periods of high fire danger or severity and may be based from temporary

MAF Unit Aviation Plan / 2015facilities. (See also: Ch. 9.0 Aviation Facilities). SEAT loading is authorized at La Grande and Redmond large airtanker bases. The John Day SEAT base can also be utilized as a reload base for surrounding SEAT’s.

5.20 Helicopter Operations

Helicopters are utilized extensively for personnel transport, cargo delivery, and water or retardant application, and support both fire suppression and project work on the MAF forest.

Helicopter External Load Missions - By their nature, these missions contain the greatest potential hazards for the pilot and personnel involved and are considered “High Risk” missions. Safety of personnel (Operational Risk Management) will be the prime planning consideration with a mission specific risk assessment briefed to all involved personnel.

Note: Non-fire cooperator external load projects require formal processing and approval of a PASP prior to operations.

National (Initial Attack) Type I Helicopter - When available at the host base (John Day), or alternate base within the MAF, this resource is a key strategic resource for Initial Attack and Extended Attack support within the Northeast Oregon area. The resource may also be utilized for non-fire projects if scheduling allows, and if the use is coordinated (approved) through the National Helicopter Coordinator and/or Contracting Officer at NIFC.

National Type II Helicopters – May be assigned to forest Initial Attack or Large fire support based on sub geographic need.

Exclusive Use (Rappel/Helitack) Resources for Project Work: The Exclusive Use Helicopters stationed at John Day, La Grande, and Sled Springs are available for project work throughout the summer when not specifically engaged in fire or training assignments. In most cases, the project will only need to pay for the hourly flight costs, making their utilization cost effective locally. Note: The uncertainty of fire activity may limit the planned use of exclusive use resources. Requests or inquiries on helicopter availability and scheduling should be routed through the Center Managers as initial contacts.

CWN Helicopter Staffing – A qualified Helicopter Manager (HMGB) will be assigned to all helicopters operating on the forests. Helicopter Managers may be available locally, or may be ordered via resource order through the forest dispatch offices. Once the helicopter is mobilized, all operations will be under the control of the assigned Helicopter Manager who will report directly to either the IC or Air Operations Branch (fire) or project manager (non-fire) until the helicopter is formally released or reassigned.

Qualified Helicopter Crewmember modules (HECM’s) will be assigned to all CWN standard category helicopters operating on the forest. Locally available crewmembers will be used to staff in-coming CWN helicopter resources for both Fire and Non-Fire (Project) assignments. If local crewmembers are un-available to fill out a required module, a resource order will be placed by the forest dispatch office to acquire the position(s).

MAF Unit Aviation Plan / 2015

5.20.2 Rappel

As a key strategic Initial Attack resource, rappel operations are guided by the National Rappel Operations Guide (NROG), PNW Rappel Operations Plan, and forest level F&AM program management direction. John Day Dispatch should be familiar with Aerial Delivered Firefighter Pre-Positioning Plans and boosting protocols related to Rappel and Smokejumper resource mobilization. Rappel modules from out of area/region, temporarily stationed on forest, shall receive a formal in- briefing by the UAO or personnel designated by forest F&AM staff prior to the resource being operational.

The Green, Amber, Red (GAR) model risk assessment tool, as prescribed by the NROG, will be utilized for mission planning by the Exclusive Use “Rappel program” modules.

5.21 Aerial Ignition Operations

Local aerial ignition modules (equipment and personnel) are available via normal dispatch ordering channels, with CWN Bell 206 L model helicopters being the typical aircraft meeting local aerial ignition needs. Aerial ignition equipment (Primo Mark III PSD’s) are maintained by the John Day Airbase.

PLDO instructor certifications are coordinated with the R-6 Helicopter Operations Specialists as directed by the Interagency Aerial Ignition Guide (IAIG). Initial PLDO training sessions are scheduled based on local needs, and local Plastic Sphere Dispenser (PLDO) recurrent training is held annually, typically in the spring each year. PLDO certifications and re-certification procedures shall follow IAIG (national program) direction.

MAF Unit Aviation Plan / 20155.25 Light Fixed-Wing Operations

Dispatch offices control the procurement of CWN Light Fixed-Wing resources, and are responsible to coordinate with the Pilot/Flight Manager for creating an accurate flight manifest to be retained on file.

All fixed-wing flight activities require an assigned Flight Manager, either on-board or present at the flights point of departure, at a minimum, to ensure adequate mission oversight. The level of minimum training and experience required of the Flight Manager is dependent on the flight type (Admin or Mission), and overall flight complexity (Low/Medium/High risk) as identified in the associated PASP and Risk Assessment. Flight Manager training requirements are listed in: Ch. 6.0 Training, and Aerial Detection Guide - UAP Appendix 8.

LFW - Administrative Travel: Light fixed-wing aircraft may be used for mobilizing firefighters to incidents or personnel to training/meetings when it is an efficient and cost effective method of travel. All authorizations/justifications for administrative use of aircraft will be in accordance with agency guidelines governing Administrative Aircraft Use.

5.25.1 Reconnaissance or Patrol Flights

Aerial Detection - Fire detection and reconnaissance flights may be made with either fixed or rotor wing aircraft and shall remain above 500 feet AGL accept during takeoffs and landings. Dispatch offices will coordinate aerial detection needs primarily based on a flight by flight “request” basis from unit Duty Officers, as the need arises. Flight Managers (AOBS), may be assigned by the requesting Duty Officer directly, or coordinated by dispatch from local availability lists.

AOBS qualified personnel are available at the John Day Airbase and local districts. The MAF UAO shall provide a AOBS availability list to John Day Dispatch. All MAF qualified AOBS personnel shall adhere to the required training as stated in the FSFAQG, and will have the position listed in their IQCS record. Per MAF UAO and MAF Fire Staff, John Day Airbase IA Helicopter Managers (ICT4) and Helicopter Rappel Spotters are considered qualified AOBS once the required course training is met as stated in the FSFAQG.

Flight routing will be pre-planned with dispatch, and Flight Managers (AOBS) are expected to assist with “See and Avoid” and actively assist with time critical risk assessments and decision making (CRM) as aircrew members.

Center Managers, in consultation with the MAF UAO, may direct CWN LFW into forest Standby Status (daily commitments) to meet any consistent on-going area-wide need such as impending lightning threat or elevated fire season severity situations.

MAF Unit Aviation Plan / 20155.25.3 Backcountry Airstrip Operations

The Malheur NF has several category III and IV airstrips that are utilized periodically by general aviation, fire and recreation personnel. These are paved or gravel airstrips outside the national forest boundaries. Prior approval shall be acquired prior to use. Land-Use agreement requests can be coordinated with local contracting personnel.

Aircraft performance and limitations is a critical safety consideration for operations into all category IV airstrips, and an airstrip specific pilot endorsement is required for agency use.

All Flights shall be ordered/scheduled through the Forest Dispatch Office, with a Flight Manager identified who meets either AOBS or Advanced fixed-wing Flight Manager training requirements as referenced in Ch 6.0 Training, and Aerial Detection Guide -UAP Appendix 8.

Refer to Ch 9.0 – Facilities for additional Backcountry Airstrip information.

Category IV Airstrip - Pilot Requirements - Category IV strips are classified as Mountain/Remote Airstrips, and before being dispatched to a Category IV airstrip the pilot must have a current airstrip specific endorsement on his/her pilot card, initialed by a regional pilot inspector.

Category IV airstrip pilot endorsement Requirements: At a minimum; Pilots must have 200 hours pilot experience in Typical Terrain and Density Altitudes. Pilots must complete 5-takeoffs/landings at 2 different category IV airstrips in the

preceding 12 months. Pilots are also restricted from operating at category IV airstrips which they have not landed at in the preceding 12 months.

Category III & IV Airstrips not approved in this plan - Planned agency use from any category III or IV airstrip not specifically referenced in Ch 9.3 Temporary Bases/Facilities as approved, will only be considered on a case by case basis, and after formal review and approval. A Project Aviation Safety Plan (PASP) may be required for obtaining such approvals. Contact the MAF UAO if more information is needed.

5.26 Law Enforcement and Investigations (LEI) Operations

All agency Law Enforcement missions will be planned in accordance with the PNW Aviation Plan, 5.26.6 Law Enforcement and Investigations Aviation Plan.

All local Law Enforcement flights/projects will be coordinated by the LEI Zone Special Agent, with the most common projects being related to Rapid Assessment and Initial Detection (RAID).

Zone Special Agent or designee will coordinate with the MAF UAP in developing a PASP with an assigned agency LEI Helicopter Manager. Dispatch roles and responsibilities will be outlined in the PASP, and may include cooperator notification/coordination procedures specific to the interagency aspects of the RAID missions.

MAF Unit Aviation Plan / 2015Chapter 6.0 – AVIATION TRAINING

6.1 Aviation Training for all Flight Activities and Positions

NWCG (Fire Positions): Aviation training should be addressed in all employees Individual Training and Development Plans, with specific fire position guidance found in: Forest Service Fire and Aviation Qualifications Guide.

Basic Air Operations (S-270) is the fundamental NWCG fire related aviation course, and is required of all employees proceeding to the Crew Boss level or above. Fire operations personnel at or above the Division Supervisor/Type III IC level, and without aviation specific qualifications can reinforce their aviation knowledge by attending other forest level NWCG aviation courses or complete on-line coursework within the IAT program.

Red Carded Personnel Assigned to Resource Flights - IAT FS Appendix 1 states: “Individuals holding a current certification under the Incident Qualification and Certification System (IQCS) are also qualified to perform equivalent non-fire/resource aviation project positions”. (Example: ATGS, HMGB, HECM, or AOBS assigned as Flight Manager for an Aerial Survey mission).

Non-Fire Aviation Positions: The MAF UAO works directly with individual unit training officers, unit line and general staff, and unit FMO’s for identifying non-fire training needs on the three forests. Once identified and scheduled, all training events will be announced via email and listed on the Eastern Oregon Training Zone - Training Schedule.

IAT non-fire positions with current aviation program training emphasis include: Fixed-wing Flight Manager (FWFM) Fixed-wing Flight Manager - Mission Use: Aviation Supervisor:Agency Administrator (Line Officer):

Interagency Aviation Training (IAT) Program: The IAT Program, adopted by the Forest Service in 2005, establishes coursework “A-courses” and coursework modules that apply to both NWCG fire positions, and non-fire (resource) aviation management positions. There are two primary references within IAT that aviation personnel, supervisors, and training officers will need to be familiar with and reference periodically. They are:

IAT Guide: Interagency (DOI/FS) non-fire aviation position standards and training modules.

IAT FS Appendix 1 (FS Requirements): Agency clarification document on IAT implementation related to aviation positions, required training, and position/training equivalencies.

IAT web site: https://www.iat.gov/

IAT Profile: All personnel accomplishing IAT coursework, either on-line or classroom should establish a personal profile within the IAT electronic database so “A Course” completion certificates and individual training records remain complete.

MAF Unit Aviation Plan / 2015Basic Aviation Safety Curriculum - Flight Management Positions: All personnel in Flight Management positions require recurrent training of basic aviation safety coursework, and have two methods for meeting this requirement. They are:

1. Take the required training modules on-line within IAT on a triennial basis, or;2. Classroom attendance of local fixed-wing Flight Manager (FWFM) sessions on a

triennial basis, or;3. A combination of on-line and classroom attendance meeting the triennial currency.

Fixed-wing Flight Manager (FWFM) Course Scheduling – The MAF UAO coordinates annual sessions of Flight Manager training in the May-July timeframe each year, rotating the sessions between forests (SO’s & sub units) to allow flexibility to both permanent and seasonal personnel in meeting initial or recurrent requirements. Sessions outside the May-July timeframe can be coordinated directly from the MAF UAO by request.

FWFM training sessions includes 8hrs of curriculum; 4 hrs of basic coursework in the A.M., and 4 hrs of advanced coursework in the P.M. For more information on Flight Manager training requirements, see: UAP Appendix 8 - MAF Aerial Detection Guide.

A-314 Aviation Program Overview for Line Managers/Aviation Supervisors – The MAF UAO coordinates this training to Line and Staff during scheduled FLT meetings, and at scheduled FMO meetings for forest level and sub unit F&AM Staff, and by specific request.

Position Enhancement Training Emphasis: The Fire and Aviation Qualifications Guide lists position specific training which supports development of knowledge and skill , but is in addition to “required” training. Personnel and Supervisors are encouraged to schedule these additional course listings for aviation personnel once basic aviation qualifications have been met.

Unit Aviation Officer, Alternate UAO’s: The UAO should have a thorough knowledge of applicable federal regulations, agency aviation policy, and the components of agency aviation safety programs. The UAO's background should include aviation related experience, such as a sub-unit aviation officer or apprenticeship details, which include “hands on” fixed and rotor wing aircraft management and oversight. The UAO and anyone identified as an alternate UAO via a written letter of delegation from a Line Officer is required to complete the IAT courses specified for an “Aviation Manager” in the IAT Guide. Additional recommended training includes:

Completion of Senior Level Aviation Management (SLAM). Upper level IAT coursework (policy, risk management etc) Crew Resource Management (CRM) Training. Contracting Officer Representative (COR) training. M-410, Facilitative Instructor. Private Pilot Ground School. Regional UAO workshop participation.

MAF Unit Aviation Plan / 2015Alternate UAO’s (Fire Staff, Assistant Fire Staff, and Dispatch Coordinators): In addition to the recommended training listed above under UAO, the IAT requirements for Aviation Supervisor position should be incorporated into individual training and development plans.

District Aviation Officers (FMO’s): IAT requirements for the Aviation Supervisor position should be addressed in individual training and development plans as minimum IAT required training. FMO’s should strive to develop and maintain aviation knowledge and skills through formal training and continued operational involvement. Fixed-wing Flight Manager or AOBS qualifications are highly recommended in preparation for occasional administrative use and mission use flight involvement.

District Rangers (Unit Line Officers): “Aviation Program Overview for Line Managers” A-314 (released spring 2008) is the Agency Administrator training requirement within IAT. Maintaining FWFM qualifications is recommended for those District Rangers utilizing aircraft for administrative travel, or participating on a routine basis in mission use flights, i.e. Backcountry Airstrip, Resource Survey, Photo missions, etc.

Forest Supervisors (Forest Line Officers): The current IAT course titled “Aviation Program Overview for Line Managers” A-314 (released spring 2008) is the IAT required training for Agency Administrators. Fixed-wing Flight Manager Qualifications are highly recommended in preparation for occasional administrative use and mission use flight activities.

Dispatch Office Staffing: Dispatch Coordinators have the responsibility to adequately staff their offices with qualified personnel to handle the anticipated aviation workloads on the forests. The following are suggested minimum standards for aviation dispatch personnel (staffing and supervision).

The currently recognized qualification standards for aviation dispatching are:

1. NWCG position of Dispatcher, Aircraft (ACDP), or2. IAT Aviation Dispatcher position, or 3. Equivalency certification based on either positions (above)

Minimum Office Staffing – When aviation operations are being conducted, dispatch offices should maintain a minimum staffing level of a Supervisory Dispatcher meeting NWCG or IAT Aviation Dispatcher position qualifications. Note: The expectation is for the supervisor to provide direct aviation dispatching oversight to subordinate dispatchers assigned to flight activity in cases when qualified aviation dispatchers are either unavailable, absent, or otherwise in short supply.

Aviation related training to further enhance the Aviation Dispatcher position includes: Other Knowledge and Skill training listed in F&A Qualifications Guide for

(ACDP) position. Private Pilot Ground School. FWFM or other on-line IAT aviation coursework. Attendance in R-6 Aviation Awareness workshops/seminars.

MAF Unit Aviation Plan / 2015Aviation Dispatching - Positions Development - A goal of the MAF aviation program is to advance all dispatch personnel responsible for aviation resource ordering, mission planning, and/or flight monitoring, to the NWCG (ACDP) position standard as soon as practical for all office positions with aviation responsibilities. To help accomplish this, the following should be given emphasis by each Dispatch Coordinator (office):

Update office operating plans to clearly identify the level of aviation responsibility for each office position, and identify appropriate minimum aviation training required.

Develop personnel training and development plans for each employee related to their assigned position and its associated level of aviation responsibility. Position enhancement training and employee’s future target position should also be identified.

Coordinate with MAF UAO for both formal and informal local aviation training sessions that enhance position development. (i.e. aviation workshops, dispatching scenarios, pre-season aviation briefings, etc)

Aviation COTR’s: For aircraft Exclusive Use contracts, the COTR shall meet the Level III certification requirements listed in Departmental Regulation 5001-1. All agency approved COTR trainings apply to aviation COTR certification/recertification, however, the PNW aircraft Contracting Officer (C.O.) schedules annual formal COTR training in Redmond that uses Aviation CO instructors, and is more relevant to aviation contracts.

The PNW COTR certification program can be referenced at: http://fsweb.r6.fs.fed.us/acquisition-mgmt/acquisition/cor-certification/

MAF Unit Aviation Plan / 2015Chapter 7.0 – AIRSPACE

Airspace Coordination - Positions such as Unit Aviation Managers, Dispatchers, Flight Managers, Project Managers, and Aircrew Members are all collectively responsible for successful airspace coordination. Specific direction and guidelines are outlined in the Interagency Airspace Coordination Guide (IACG), available on the web at: http://www.airspacecoordination.org/guide/index.html

Airspace considerations requiring continual emphasis in the MAF are:

Fire Traffic Area (FTA) Procedures: Essential for safe aircraft coordination over an incident. Must be briefed to all incoming aerial resources (Pilots and Aircrews). http://airspacecoordination.org/coord/fta_dim.pdf

Non-towered airport traffic procedures: Essential for safe aircraft coordination in commercial and public airport traffic areas.

Congested Area Operations: (Urban Interface) Coordinated efforts between responding aerial resources, ground personnel, and the public is especially critical to overall mission safety. (Ref: FSM 5714.11 – exhibit 01, Mob Guide, IASG)

Dispatch Boundary Area’s: Neighboring unit aircraft responding to the same geographical area poses a significant hazard to operations if not adequately coordinated, i.e. Aircraft identifier (N#) and operating frequencies shared.

Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR’s): Implemented when other aircraft may pose a significant hazard to incident aircraft. (ordered via dispatch, briefed during pre-flight)

Military Activities (MTR’s/MOA’s): The possibility of conflicts with military activities should be considered during any aviation activity. (Flight Planning)

Note: The following should be addressed pre-season on each dispatch unit: Airspace hazards identified on forest hazard map and/or dispatch map. Dispatch personnel adequately trained in airspace coordination, including

administrative boundary procedures and Aerial Supervision policy (Matrix). Airspace Critical Contacts, phone lists, updated annually.

Aviation Flight Hazard Maps - A Forest hazard map will be located in the dispatch offices and each aviation base, including any established temporary base (SEAT base or helibase). Inclusion of local hazards will be an on-going process, as new hazards are identified and reported by field personnel. The Forest Dispatch map will be the collection point for any new identified hazards that need inclusion into the Aviation Hazards base map. Base Maps for all PNW units can be found at: ftp://199.134.225.65/Incident_Specific_Data/PACIFIC_NW/!SORO/Aviation_Hazards/The following, at a minimum, will be identified on the base hazard maps:

Military Training Routes and Operating area’s (MTR’s/MOA’s) Primary power transmission lines. Microwave and wind turbine tower sites. Significantly high bridges or misc. towers. Aerial logging and/or high line cable operations.

MAF Unit Aviation Plan / 2015Helicopter Logging and “End Product” Operations – Reporting - Contracted Helicopter Logging and other End Product contract operations pose a significant airspace hazard to firefighting if not reported. Project areas need to be defined, timeframes established, and routine communications made, to the extent possible. The project administrators (COTR/PI) are responsible to provide dispatch units with the following project related information:

Name, type, and location of the project. Projected date(s) project will be conducted. Identify designated COR/PI’s name and contact information. Map of general project location, planned landing areas, and/or fueling sites. Aircraft N#’s, and frequencies being monitored. Name of contractor, and contact information.

Once received, Dispatch will update the forest dispatch or flight hazard map, and add info into any pilots/aircrew briefings through the duration of the project.

MAF Unit Aviation Plan / 2015Chapter 8.0 – AVIATION SECURITY

Security procedures are addressed in the Base Operations Plan, and will be briefed to incoming aircrews and base management personnel when reporting to a base of operation.

IMT and Helibase security procedures will be addressed by the Air Operations Branch as temporary bases are established.

MAF Unit Aviation Plan / 2015

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MAF Unit Aviation Plan / 2015Chapter 9.0 – FACILITIES

9.1 General

9.2 Permanent Air Bases (Tri-Forest Area)

John Day Airbase – The Malheur NF hosts assigned aviation resources at the Grant County Regional Airport (GCD) in John Day as follows; (1) National Type II (Rappel), (1) National Type I (Large Fire Support), (1) National Type III (Helitack Initial Attack/Support), and (1) Exclusive Use Single Engine Airtanker and all associated support personnel. The Oregon Department of Forestry hosts (1) Type II Restricted Helicopter, (1) Type III Helitack Helicopter, (1) Type III Single Engine Airtanker, and (1) light Fixed-Wing detection aircraft. Temporary resources include various interagency fixed and rotor-wing aircraft supporting initial attack and project operations throughout the year. See: Base Operations Plan, UAP Appendix 2 for more details.

La Grande Airtanker Base - The Wallowa-Whitman NF hosts the La Grande Large Airtanker Base located at the Union County Airport (LGD) in La Grande. See: Base Operations Plan, UAP Appendix 6 for details.

Sled Springs Rappel Base – The Wallowa-Whitman NF, Wallowa Fire Zone hosts a permanent Helibase/Rappel Base at Sled Springs work center near Enterprise. See: Base Operations Plan, UAP Appendix 4 for details.

Blue Mt Rappel Base – The Umatilla NF hosts a permanent Helibase/Rappel Base temporarily located at Union Co Airport in La Grande (LGD) See: Base Operations Plan, UAP Appendix 3 for details.

Pendleton SEAT re-load facility - The Umatilla NF hosts a SEAT re-loading Base, located at the Eastern Oregon Regional Airport (PDT) in Pendleton. See: Base Operations Plan, UAP Appendix 5 for details..Blue Mt Interagency Fire Center – The Wallowa-Whitman NF maintains a Light fixed-wing ramp and improved helipads at the Union Co Airport (LGD), to host a Regional ATGS module, a National Type I Helicopter, and to stage incoming or transitioning fixed-wing and helicopter resources. See: Appendix 7, MAF Air Attack Plan & Appendix 9, BMIFC Ramp Plan for details.

9.3 Temporary Bases/Facilities

Pre-season Emergency Facility Land Use Agreements are in place at the following Public Use airports to meet seasonal fire program support needs within the sub-geographic area.

1. Baker City Airport (BKE) – Baker City - Helibase, SEAT’s, fixed-wing.2. Joseph State Airport (4S3) – Joseph – Helibase, fixed-wing.3. Monument Airstrip (12S) – Monument – Helibase, Fixed-Wing

MAF Unit Aviation Plan / 2015

Temporary Helispots and Helibases - Helicopter Landing Areas will be selected and identified according to IHOG standards, and all Helibase (multiple helicopter) locations will be pre-approved by the MAF UAO, or the assigned Air Operations Branch prior to use.

Frequently utilized improved or “Natural Opening” helispot/helibase locations are documented in a reference datasheet maintained by the MAF UAO and located in the MAF Aviation Library (O-Drive).

9.9 Land Use Agreements

Any temporary “emergency” need or use of private or public facilities and/or land, in support of aviation operations, requires an Emergency Facility & Land Use Agreement (LUA) processed by forest level Acquisition Management (AQM) personnel. Note: Only personnel with the appropriate level of authorized procurement authority can commit the government into financial agreements. IMT’s typically have the delegated procurement authority and staffing to initiate LUA’s supporting their operations.

Several pre-season LUA’s, for routinely used temporary facilities are in place on the MAF forests (Baker City and Joseph State Airports).

The MAF UAO should be consulted if aviation related LUA’s are being considered.

9.10 Facilities Security

Each permanent facility is required to have a Base/Site security plan which is included in the Base Operations Plan. Facility Security Assessments are conducted by the MAF UAO and reside in a secure filing area after copies are submitted to the National Office.

MAF Unit Aviation Plan / 2015Chapter 10.0 – APPEDICIES

Appendices located in MAF Aviation Library:

O:\NFS\Malheur\Program\AviationMgmt-5700\Admin_Policy\Airbase\John Day Airbase\Unit Aviation Program)Appendix 1 – Unit Aviation Mishap Response Plans

Appendix 2 – John Day Airbase Operations Plan

Appendix 3 – SEAT Airtanker Base Operations Plan

Appendix 4 – MAF Aerial Detection Guide

Appendix 5 – MAF Pilot and Aircrew Briefing Packet

Appendix 6 – Pre-Approved Aviation Missions – Programmatic Risk Assessments