Aviation Operating Plan and Standards (AOPS)

280 Pages·2017·10.8 MB·English

WADNR Aviation Operating Plan & Standards (AOPS)
Aviation Operating
Plan and Standards
(AOPS)

Change #0 – March 30, 2017
____________ ___________ ___________

2017

Washington Department of Natural Resources
Wildfire Division – Aviation Section
1111 Washington St SE
Olympia, Washington 98504-7037

AOPS – Cover – TOC - Approval i Revision 0 – March 30, 2017
WADNR Aviation Operating Plan & Standards (AOPS)

This page is intentionally blank.

AOPS – Cover – TOC - Approval ii Revision 0 – March 30, 2017
WADNR Aviation Operating Plan & Standards (AOPS)

REVISION PAGES & MASTER TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter Name Page Initials Date Change
#
Chapter 1 – Introduction & Administrative Data 1- DR 3/30/2017 0
Chapter 2 – Aviation Safety, Security, Emergency 2- MC 3/30/2017 0
Response
Chapter 3 – Pilot & Aircraft Requirements 3- DR 3/30/2017 0
Chapter 4 – Aircraft Operations & Flight Rules 4- DR 3/30/2017 0
Chapter 5 – Aircraft Maintenance & Servicing 5- DR/LS 3/30/2017 0
Chapter 6 – Training 6- DR 3/30/2017 0
Chapter 7 – Base Operations for Fire-Ready Aircraft 7- MC 3/30/2017 0
Chapter 8 – Communication & Radio-Use Policy 8- MC 3/30/2017 0
Chapter 9 – Incident Operations 9- DR 3/30/2017 0
Chapter 10 – Non-Incident Operations 10- MC 3/30/2017 0
Chapter 11 – Helitack 11- MC 3/30/2017 0
Chapter 12 – Fuel Trucks 12- MC 3/30/2017 0
Chapter 13 – Aviation Life Support Equipment (ALSE) 13- MC 3/30/2017 0
Chapter 14 – UAS Operations (Reserved for future 14- MC 3/30/2017 0
Exp.)

AOPS – Cover – TOC - Approval iii Revision 0 – March 30, 2017
WADNR Aviation Operating Plan & Standards (AOPS)
This Aviation Operating Plan & Standards has been approved and constitutes regulatory
guidelines, procedures, and rules for Washington State Department of Natural Resources –
Wildfire Division – Aviation Aircraft Public Use Program and Contractor Operations.
Effective Date: April 30, 2017
Sign:_________________________________________________Date:___________________
David Ritchie
Washington Department of Natural Resources
Wildfire Division - Aviation
Chief Pilot/Trainer (CP/T)
Sign:_____________________________________________Date:__________________
Michael Cuthbert
Washington Department of Natural Resources
Wildfire Division - Aviation
Aviation Program Manager (APM)
Sign:____________________________________________Date:__________________
Washington Department of Natural Resources
Wildfire Division - Aviation
Aviation Assistant Division Manager (AADM)
Sign:_____________________________________________Date:_________________
John Kaikkonen
Washington Department of Natural Resources
Wildfire Division - Aviation
Deputy Division Manager (DDM)
Sign:_____________________________________________Date:_________________
Bob Johnson
Washington Department of Natural Resources
Wildfire Division - Aviation
Division Manager (DM)
AOPS – Cover – TOC - Approval iv Revision 0 – March 30, 2017
WA DNR Aviation Operating Plan & Standards (AOPS)
Aviation Operating
Plan and Standards
(AOPS)

Chapter 1 – Introduction & Administrative

2017

Washington Department of Natural Resources
Wildfire Division – Aviation Section
1111 Washington St SE
Olympia, Washington 98504-7037

Chapter 1 – Introduction & Administrative 1-1 Revision 0 – March 30, 2017
WA DNR Aviation Operating Plan & Standards (AOPS)

REVISION PAGES & TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter Name Page Initials Date Change
#
Chapter Cover 1-1 DR 3/30/2017 0
Change Page 1-2 DR 3/30/2017 0
Overview, Publications 1-3 DR 3/30/2017 0
Publications 1-4 DR 3/30/2017 0
Publications 1-5 DR 3/30/2017 0
Operations Overview 1-6 DR 3/30/2017 0
Operations Overview 1-7 DR 3/30/2017 0
Organization & Management 1-8 DR 3/30/2017 0
Operational Authority 1-9 DR 3/30/2017 0
Organization Chart 1-10 DR 3/30/2017 0
Operational Authority Cont. 1-11 DR 3/30/2017 0
Aviation Maintenance 1-12 DR 3/30/2017 0
Responsibilities and Duties 1-13 DR 3/30/2017 0
Responsibilities and Duties 1-14 DR 3/30/2017 0
Responsibilities and Duties 1-15 DR 3/30/2017 0
Responsibilities and Duties 1-16 DR 3/30/2017 0
Responsibilities and Duties 1-17 DR 3/30/2017 0
Responsibilities and Duties 1-18 DR 3/30/2017 0
Responsibilities and Duties 1-19 DR 3/30/2017 0
Aircraft Operations, FEPP Guideline 1-20 DR 3/30/2017 0
Approved Aircraft Uses 1-21 DR 3/30/2017 0
Entitlements, Agreements 1-22 DR 3/30/2017 0
Insurance 1-23 DR 3/30/2017 0
Insurance 1-24 DR 3/30/2017 0

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WA DNR Aviation Operating Plan & Standards (AOPS)

CHAPTER 1 – ADMINISTRATION

1. Program Regulatory Overview.

Washington DNR helicopters work under FEPP guidelines and are considered public
use aircraft. WA DNR Wildfire Aviation has established Policies, Procedures, and
regulations to govern all Public Use Operations of DNR aircraft. These publications
are listed under 2. Aviation Publications of this Chapter. These manual are
considered regulatory for all aviation personnel assigned and/or operating under WA
DNR Wildfire authority.

2. Aviation Publications.

a. Aviation Operating Plan and Standards (AOPS)
i. Overview.
1. Encompasses Procedures, Policies, and Standards for all DNR
Aviation Operations. This Manual is considered regulatory for all
aviation personnel and must be adhered to unless an emergency
dictates otherwise. Any deviation from this manual will require an
aviation deviation report to be filled out and sent to the CP/T or APM.
ii. Update Cycle: Annual Review at a minimum
iii. Responsible for Development, Content and Updates.
1. Aviation Program Manager (APM)
iv. Signature Page Approvals:
1. Division Manager (DM)
2. Deputy Division Manager (DDM)
3. Aviation Assistant Division Manager (AADM)
4. Aviation Program Manager (APM)
5. Chief Pilot/Trainer (CP/T)

b. Pilot Training Manual (PTM)
i. Overview.
1. Encompasses Procedures, Policies, and Standards for DNR Aerial
Wildland Firefighter Pilot Training, Flight Maneuver Performance, and
Pilot Records Maintenance. This Manual is considered regulatory for
all aviation personnel and must be adhered to unless an emergency
dictates otherwise. The CP/T may adjust training requirements
depending on pilot experience, performance, or conditions. Any
deviation from this manual will be noted in the Pilot’s Training folder.
ii. Update Cycle: Annual Review at a minimum.
iii. Responsible for Development, Content and Updates.
1. Chief Pilot/Trainer (CP/T)
iv. Signature Page Approvals:
1. Aviation Assistant Division Manager (AADM)
2. Aviation Program Manager (APM)
3. Chief Pilot/Trainer (CP/T)

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WA DNR Aviation Operating Plan & Standards (AOPS)

c. WA DNR TM 55-1520-210-10 UH-1H(M) Operator’s Manual
i. Overview.
1. Encompasses technique data, systems information, Limitations,
Normal Procedures, Abnormal Procedures, Emergency Procedures,
and Aircraft Performance Data required to operate WA DNR aircraft
safely. This Manual is considered regulatory for all aviation
personnel and must be adhered to unless an emergency dictates
otherwise. Any deviation from this manual will require an aviation
deviation report to be filled out and sent to the CP/T or APM.
ii. Update Cycle: Annual Review at a minimum, as needed
iii. Responsible for Development, Content and Updates.
1. Chief Pilot/Trainer (CP/T)
iv. Signature Page Approvals:
1. Aviation Assistant Division Manager (AADM)
2. Aviation Program Manager (APM)
3. Chief Pilot/Trainer (CP/T)
4. Aviation Maintenance Supervisor/Inspector (AMS/I)

d. Maintenance Operations Manual (MOM)
i. Overview.
1. Encompasses technique data, Administrative, Requirements, Record
Keeping, Inspections, Flight Checks/Tests, ALSE, Inoperative
Equipment Listing, Aircraft Weight & Balance, and Winterization &
Storage Procedures required to operate and maintain the helicopter
safely. This Manual is considered regulatory for all aviation personnel
and must be adhered to unless an emergency dictates otherwise.
Any deviation from this manual will require an aviation deviation
report to be filled out and sent to the CP/T or AMS/I.
ii. Update Cycle: Annual Review at a minimum and as needed/required.
iii. Responsible for Development, Content and Updates.
1. Aviation Maintenance Supervisor/Inspector (AMS/I)
iv. Signature Page Approvals:
1. Aviation Assistant Division Manager (AADM)
2. Aviation Program Manager (APM)
3. Chief Pilot/Trainer (CP/T)
4. Aviation Maintenance Supervisor/Inspector (AMS/I)

e. Safety Management System (SMS)
i. Overview.
1. Encompasses Administrative, Safety Policy, Promotion, Assurance,
Risk Management required to operate and maintain safety in all WA
DNR operations. This Manual is considered regulatory for all aviation
personnel and must be adhered to unless an emergency dictates
otherwise. Any deviation from this manual will require an aviation
deviation report to be filled out and sent to the ASO or APM.
ii. Update Cycle: Annual Review at a minimum and as needed/required.
iii. Responsible for Development, Content and Updates.
1. Aviation Safety Officer (ASO)
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WA DNR Aviation Operating Plan & Standards (AOPS)

iv. Signature Page Approvals:
1. Division Manager (DM)
2. Deputy Division Manager (DDM)
3. Aviation Assistant Division Manager (AADM)
4. Aviation Program Manager (APM)
5. Chief Pilot/Trainer (CP/T)
6. Aviation Maintenance Supervisor/Inspector (AMS/I)
7. Aviation Safety Officer (ASO)
8. Division Safety Officer

f. DNR Aviation Mishap Response Guide & Checklist
i. Overview.
1. Encompasses Administrative, Emergency Actions, Media Relations,
Overdue & Missing Aircraft, Emergency Contact List, and the Response
Notification Call-Down List required for any DNR aviation mishap. This
publication is considered regulatory for all aviation personnel and must
be adhered to unless an emergency dictates otherwise. Any deviation
from this publication will require an aviation deviation report to be filled
out and sent to the ASO or APM.
ii. Update Cycle: Annual Review at a minimum and as needed/required.
iii. Responsible for Development, Content and Updates.
1. Aviation Safety Officer (ASO)
2. Aviation Program Manager (APM)
iv. Signature Page Approvals:
1. Aviation Assistant Division Manager (AADM)
2. Aviation Program Manager (APM)
3. Chief Pilot/Trainer (CP/T)
4. Aviation Safety Officer (ASO)
5. Division Safety Officer

g. Helicopter/Helitack Operations Guide (HOG)
i. Overview.
1. Encompasses Administrative, Organization, Contact List, Training,
Equipment, Vehicles, Responsibilities, Rates, Operations, Crew
Guidelines, and Briefings. This publication is considered regulatory for
all aviation personnel and must be adhered to unless an emergency
dictates otherwise. Any deviation from this publication will require an
aviation deviation report to be filled out and sent to the ASO or APM.
ii. Update Cycle: Annual Review at a minimum and as needed/required.
iii. Responsible for Development, Content and Updates.
1. Helitack Operations Manager (HOM)
iv. Signature Page Approvals:
1. Division Manager (DM)
2. Deputy Division Manager (DDM)
3. Aviation Assistant Division Manager (AADM)
4. Aviation Program Manager (APM)
5. Assistant Region Manager (ARM) – Wildfire & Forest Practices
6. Helitack Operations Manager (HOM)
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WA DNR Aviation Operating Plan & Standards (AOPS)

h. Other Interagency Publications.

DNR may also adopt sections of other agency/interagency materials (such as the
IHOG) when deemed appropriate. When adopted as agency policy, these sections
are specifically referenced in this document and do not constitute agency policy
until so referenced. No aviation operations conducted by DNR may be in conflict
with this Plan.

3. Aviation Operations Overview

The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) operates a
combination of fixed wing and rotor wing aircraft to support agency/cooperator
operations. DNR procures (via the Federal Excess Property Program (FEPP)) its
aircraft and also relies on contracted and cooperator aircraft, principally for large fire
support.

a. DNR’s aviation program includes the following missions, functions and
activities.

i. Initial Attack with agency helicopter

Currently DNR operates a fleet of 8 FEPP UH-1H(M) (Huey) helicopters for
wildland fire support. All helicopters are based in Olympia and staffed by DNR
pilots. As fire season begins, the helicopters are staged at strategic locations
throughout Washington State (coinciding with fire danger levels). The primary
base of Helitack operations is at Bowers Field in Ellensburg, adjacent to DNR’s
Southeast (SE) Region Headquarters, where the Helitack crew resides. A fleet
of DNR fuel trucks support on-site helicopter operations with DNR employees
conducting fueling operations.

ii. Air Attack with cooperator fixed wing aircraft

The Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) operates a
fixed wing Partnavia P-68 for aerial surveys, passenger transportation and fish
planting. DNR has equipped this aircraft with specialized FM radios and other
avionics to meet the interagency qualifications as an aerial platform for Air
Tactical Group Supervisor (ATGS) operations. The aircraft and its WDFW
pilots are included in the annual federal authorization letter sent to DNR
permitting use of the P-68 for interagency ATGS missions. The aircraft and the
ATGS onboard are commonly referred to as “air attack.” Their purpose is to
coordinate aerial resources on a wildfire and provide tactical support to ground
based fire supervisors.

iii. Personnel Transportation with cooperator fixed wing aircraft

DNR performs limited personnel transportation. The WDFW P-68 is the
primary aircraft used under a contracted agreement for this purpose. The
Washington State Patrol also offers transportation services using their King Air
200, Cessna 182 and 206 fixed wing aircraft. Flights conducted in any WSP
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