Interagency Helicopter Policy Initiatives

1. Interagency Helicopter Policy Initiatives 2004-2005

4. Exclusive Use Position Standards 2004 “Redbook”

5. Revise Helicopter “Type System” • Purpose: “Allow for more refined ordering of helicopters to match aircraft performance to mission requirements and ensure efficient utilization.” • Interagency Group analyzed several existing proposals; IHOP has made recommendation to AMC. • Type Categories unchanged for 2004.

6. “Revised Ordering” Proposal • Beta Test to be conducted in 2004 in one Geographic Area. • Require Supplemental Information to accompany all helicopter orders. • Highest PA/OAT expected • Payload Requirement • Standard vs. Limited • Type of Missions anticipated • Landing Area Considerations • Provide a computerized Cost-Efficiency tool to Dispatchers. By N#: Payload & Cost/lb. @ various Density Altitudes.

7. 310-1 Helicopter Proposals • The 310-1 will begin the revision process in 2004 for targeted implementation in 2005. • This is the best opportunity to make NWCG helicopter position changes. Current proposals include: • Helispot Manager - reinstitute the position • HECM, DECK, TOLC, ABRO, HESM – combined TB? • HEBM – change 1 vs. 2 criteria? • HLCO – change prerequisite experience? • HELB/HCWN – change to HEMG Type 1, 2 & 3?

8. IHOG Revision • Revision process is starting for target publication in 2005. Comment period open now till 10/31/04. • Known Changes: • IHOG will be re-formatted in Adobe “InDesign” • Emphasis on reducing volume & redundancy • Appendices and Forms Package to be revised • Need for new technical info and graphics • Major overhaul of Ch. 3, Risk Management (?)

9. New National CWN Contract • New solicitation already drafted. Revision work will continue until advertisement in 2005. • Reformatted to reduce volume and make more user-friendly.

10. Pilot Fire Training • IHOP has been tasked with developing fire orientation/training for helicopter pilots new to fire operations. • Training will be a pre-requisite to being issued an Agency Pilot Approval Card. • Applicable to Exclusive Use & CWN pilots. • Will include fire behavior/tactics, ICS organization & terminology, incident airspace & commo, IA and helibase ops, etc. • Proposed Format is Computer-Based-Training (CBT) with electronic registration, testing and certification. Target completion for 2005.

11. NICC Helicopter Liaison/Coordinator • Position instituted in 2003. Works directly for NICC/National MAC. • Purpose: increase efficient mobilization and utilization of helicopters and helicopter personnel for large fire support. • Gathers information from Wildcad, ROSS and GACC reports. Provides daily reports to NICC and NMAC. • Tracks utilization of Exclusive Use & CWN. • Makes recommendations for cost-efficiency.

12. NEW HazMat Policy (pending…) • Goal is to have DOT view all agency aviation operations (fleet/Contract/CWN) as non-commercial. • May not need an exemption. • Handbook and Training under revision. • Policy is targeted for implementation early 2004.

13. Torso Restraint Requirements • Torso restraint will be required at all helicopter seats, effective January 1, 2006 • Consist of single or double strap shoulder harness with automatic or manual inertia reel; fasten with single point metal-to-metal, quick release mechanism. • Applies to Exclusive Use, CWN and ARA. • Standard Category Type I, II & III.

14. Revised Passenger Briefing • Current briefing outline in IHOG and on the Briefing Card does not include normal door operations (as required by FAA). • Procedures must be addressed, either by pilot or helitack personnel. • Safety Alert on this subject will be issued • IHOG & Briefing Cards to be revised for 2005

15. Aerial Ignition Update • 2004 Aerial Ignition Guide, Training Modules and Forms are posted at: http://aviation.blm.gov/library.htm • Hard Copy available in Cache by May 1. (NFES# 1080) • New policy, procedures and procurement language for “Contractor-Furnished Equipment & Personnel”

16. NewInteragency Load Calculation

17. Interagency Load Calculation • Developed by interagency team. Field tested and general comment period in 2003. • Form replaces both OAS and USFS forms. • Form is triplicate; pressure sensitive • Form is slightly larger than old OAS-67 • Cover/Flap Info: Instructions, Temp Conversion Chart, Bambi Bucket Payload Chart • Available in Cache System Feb. 1, 2004 (NOW). • Will retain same NFES# 1064. $1.74/PD • Electronic Version is available (MS Excel).

18. Summary of LC Changes • Must select most restrictive parameters, Line 1 or 2 • New 3rd column for HOGE-J • Must provide Flight Manual performance reference in Line 7a • New title and instructions for Line 10: “Gross Wt Limit” • Clear/Simple directions for determining Selected Weight • HazMat reminder in lower-right

19. B206L3 DEP: 5000’ 30 C DES: 7000’ 25 C Equipped Wt: 2400 lbs Pilot: 200 lbs Fuel: 420 lbs Download: 180 lbs Max Internal: 4150 lbs Max Ext-Jett: 4250 lbs AS350B2 DEP: 7000’ 25 C DES: 4000’ 35 C Equipped Wt: 2750 lbs Pilot: 200 lbs Fuel: 595 lbs Download: 160 lbs Max Internal: 4961 lbs Max Ext-Jett: 5512 lbs Load Calculation Exercise

21. B206L3 HIGE OAT 25C PA 7000’ CGW Area A: 4050 lbs CGW Area B: 4250 lbs

22. B206L3 HOGE OAT: 25C PA: 7000’ CGW Area A: 3975 lbs CGW Area B: 4050 lbs

24. AS350B2 HIGE OAT: 25C PA: 7000’ CGW: 4850 lbs

25. AS350B2 HOGE OAT: 25C PA: 7000’ CGW: 4500 lbs