1. RT-372 HELICOPTER PROGRAM UPDATES 2006

2. AMC Working Groups National Fire & Aviation Executive Board (NFAEB) Fire Directors National Interagency Aviation Council (NIAC) Chair: Dave Dash, BLM Deputy Chair: Neil Hitchcock, USFS SMJ Aircraft Screening & Evaluation Board (Vacant) Single Engine Air Tanker Board Mark Bickham, BLM Interagency Air Tanker Board Scott Fisher, USFS Interagency Aerial Supervision SC Rusty Warbis, BLM/Gordan Harris, USFS Interagency ATGS SC Bob Leighty, USFS Interagency Aviation Training SC Kris Damsgaard, AMD Interagency Helicopter Operations SC Brad Gibbs - BLM Automated Flight Following SC Bob Roth, USFS Aviation Management Council Larry Brosnan, USFS Mark Bathrick, AMD

3. IHOps Working Groups IHOps Steering Committee Brad Gibbs - BLM 208-387-5182 IHOG Working Group Cameron Dingman, BLM 775-748-4023 Rappel Working Group Tom York, USFS 916-640-1031 Aerial Ignition Working Group Jill McCurdy, USFS 801-622-7072 Training Working Group Glen Claypool, BLM 208-387-5160 ACETA Working Group Mark Reese, AMD 208-334-9310 Short Haul Working Group Ryan Stailey, AMD 623-879-0589

4. IHOps WG Updates  March 06 - New chair (Brad Gibbs, BLM NAO)  IHOW small meeting conducted in Boise  March 28 th through 30 th  GS-07 squad leader PD in for classification  Updated chapter 70 of Military Use Guide

5. Training WG Updates  New chair (Glen Claypool, BLM NAO)  A-219 external load operations  Coordinated with IAT Training WG  S-372 WG (NWCG) process of re-writing the course

6. Aerial Ignition WG Updates  New chair (Jill McCurdy, FS R-4)  Continued evaluation of equipment  Northern Torch (Hockey Stick)  SEI dispenser (Red Dragon)  SEI Ping Pong balls (smaller, retrofit for Primo)  Australian dispenser (Rain Maker)  Call for comments for 2007 IAIG re-write open until May 15 th (Send to Jill)

7. ACETA WG Updates  New chair (Mark Reese, AMD)  Revised Handbook Pending  Program activity continues in a variety of locations

8. Rappel WG Updates  New Chair (Tom York, FS R-5)  Revised Guide for 2006 pending  Continued efforts towards standardization

9. Shorthaul WG Updates  New chair (Ryan Stailey, AMD)  New Handbook in 2004  2007 Handbook revision in process  Hoist Operations oversight added to WG duties

10. IHOG WG Updates  Addressed later

11. USFS Policy Updates   FS adopted Interagency Aviation Training (IAT)   5109.17 has been revised (Contains IAT courses)   FS Exclusive Use Helicopter Contract updated to mirror new National Type I & 2 CWN Contract   End Product Contract Policy change

12. USFS Helicopter Program Updates  Total of 16 Type 1 national helicopters for 2006  FS pursuing funding for permanent staffing of the Type 1 helicopters  Draft operations plan for National Type 1 and 2 helicopter operations completed and out for review  Total aircraft  17 type 1  29 type 2  57 type 3

13.  Rope Assisted Deployment (RAD) – continuing as “Test” program USFS Helicopter Program Updates

14. BLM Policy Updates  OPM 06-04 Aviation User Training.  Required security awareness training for all aircraft and facility managers  BLM National Aviation Plan (NAP)  Available mid March   http://www.aviation.blm.gov/admin.htm http://www.aviation.blm.gov/admin.htm   Emphasis on utilization of BLM procured aircraft to increase efficiency and effectiveness   Wild Horse & Burro HB revision pending

15. BLM Ex-Use Fleet Budget Reduction  Declining budget and continued recession forced lower allocation of money dedicated to exclusive use platforms  BLM total exclusive use aircraft reduced from 82 (2005) to 65 in 2006  2 Water Scoopers (No change from 05)  7 Jump Ships (-1 from 05)  4 Utility Fixed Wing (No change from 05)  8 Air Attack (-4 from 05)  3 Aerial Supervision Modules (-1 from 05)  17 SEATs (-7 from 05)  24 Helicopters (6 T2, 18 T3, -5 from 05)

16. BLM Helicopter Program Updates  Reduced Minimum Ex-Use Crew size from 9 to 7  Reduced overall Exclusive Use Helicopter Fleet by 5 (Bakersfield, Richfield, Prineville, Winnemucca and Fairbanks)  Continued platform performance upgrades to remaining fleet  Total aircraft  6 type 2 (3 in Fairbanks, Apple Valley, Twin Falls and Lakeview)  18 type 3

17. Narrow Band Radio Issues  NB is now required for all Fed radio systems.  Local agreements may cover cooperators still using wideband.  Clipping of transmissions occurs when wideband equipment is used on narrowband repeaters.  Very loud on the receiving end of a WB transmission if using NB.  Digital Aircraft radios required 2009

18. RADIO HEADS-UP  2005 STAT team Review identified multiple – widespread radio issues  USFS Safety Alert 2005-06/AMD Safety Alert 05- 04  Mission aircraft must be on the same mode (wideband/narrowband) as the firefighter and the dispatch center  Check all radios to assure they are in narrowband mode  Double check that airguard is present and in the correct mode  Multi agency (county, city) will continue to be an issue as there is no requirement for them to convert

19. Helicopter Cost Efficiency Program (HCEP)  On-line program ranks helicopters by cost per pound efficiency  Program to be tested in 2006 by NIC  Program developed to maximize cost-efficiency and match performance to user requirements during the ordering process.  Ordering unit may provide supplemental info:  Highest operating elevation and temperature  Operating restrictions: landing area size, etc.  Intended missions: IA, pax, bucket, cargo, etc.  Ordering by “Type” is optional

20. Supplemental Information Sheet (DRAFT) Completed by AOBD or local Aviation Manager Provided to Dispatch with Resource Order

21. Utilization of HCEP  Used in conjunction with:  Ross  AFF  Wildcad  Most Efficient “Price Per Pound” Aircraft may not be the Right Tool based on a variety of factors:  Urgency  Location  Availability  Contract Type

22. HCEP Address  http://www.aviation.fs.fed.us/carding/index.asp http://www.aviation.fs.fed.us/carding/index.asp  You will need to have a Username and Password assigned  Click on “Log into Aviation Resources Protected Area”

23. Sheila Valentine

25. Select Options to Narrow Search Criteria Select Options to Narrow Search Criteria

26. Ability to Sort

27. 310-1 Change: HCWN→HELM  NWCG Approved  Effective with new 310-1 (January 2006)  Essentially unchanged except for mnemonic changed to “HELM” and  RT-372 now a 3 year requirement  IHOP Task Group continues to develop proposal for HELB/HELM reorganization

28. Helicopter Manager Position Standards  Exclusive Use – pre-requisite and training qualifications listed in Redbook chapter 17 (USFS, BLM, NPS, FWS), Bluebook (BIA) and 5109.17 (FS)  HELM and HELB - pre-requisite and training qualifications listed in 310-1  Resource (Project) Helicopter Manager - pre-requisite and training qualifications listed in IHOG

29. Helibase Crash/Rescue  IHOP Task Group has drafted minimum standards for EERA Crash Rescue Units:  Vehicle capacity & capability requirements  Personnel Training & Qualifications  Personal Protective Equipment  Standards were tested in select Emergency Equipment Rental Agreement language in 2005  Effort underway to develop national over site for these services

30. Computer Based Training (CBT) for Firefighting Pilots  On-Line registration, training, testing, cert.  Content: fire behavior, tactics, ICS & fire organizations, terminology, FTA, contract administration, communications, etc.  CBT may be pre-requisite to obtaining pilot qualification card for fire missions  SEAT CBT program operational in 2005  Helicopter CBT implementation in Fall 2006

31. On-Line Aviation Firefighting Training (Home Page)

32. On-Line Aviation Firefighting Training (Module Selection Page)

33. On-Line Helicopter Fire Pilot Training (Sample: Fire Behavior Module)

34. NICC Helicopter Coordinator  Position instituted in 2003. Works directly for NICC/National MAC.  Purpose: increase efficient mobilization and utilization of helicopters and personnel for large fire support and Initial Attack.  Tracks utilization of Exclusive Use & CWN.  Makes recommendations for cost-efficiency.  Documented savings of $1.8 million in 2005

35. Automated Flight Following (AFF)  Required in T1 & T2 CWN in 2006  More and more aircraft being equipped with AFF  AFF must be agreed upon prior to flight.  For Pt-Pt, FAA flight plans must be filed  Training package is complete; will become IAT module (A-115)  Find AFF information, training package, policies, etc. at: http://aff.gov

36. 2005 2006 A Summary of Revisions IHOG

37. IHOG Revision Update IHOG IHOG Working Group  CHAIR: Cameron Dingman, BLM  Dianne MacLean, FWS  Ken Barnes, NPS  Meg Gallagher, AMD  Bob Quirino, USFS  Dave Underwood, BIA  Vacant, States

38. Revision Process IHOG Work Group opened field comment period: Dec 03 – Oct 04 IHOG Work Group held meeting to screen suggested changes: Nov 04 IHOP Steering Committee reviewed revision list at workshop in Anaheim: Feb 05 Aviation Ops Oversight Team reviewed final revision & signed approval letter: Feb 05 Editor makes final changes, document given to GB Cache for contract printing and final publication: PENDING

39. General Information Emphasis on reducing volume and eliminating redundancy  Revisions will reflect new CWN Type I & Type II Contract changes  New Binder & New Color  Targeted for Cache availability: June 2006  Electronic IHOG and forms package @ http://www.nifc.gov/ihog/ http://www.nifc.gov/ihog/ IHOG

40. General Information 450+ changes proposed (Includes forms package)  Approximately 200 changes approved  Revision summary is available on-line IHOG

41. Review  Use of the verbs “must” and “shall” convey mandatory compliance.  Use of “ought” and “should” convey required compliance with justified exceptions. Document…  Use of “may” and “can” conveys optional compliance  These definitions are in Chapter 1 IHOG

42. Chapter 1  For aviation operations utilizing Active Duty/Reserve Military helicopters, and National Guard units officially “federalized” by DoD, refer to Chapter 70 of the Military Use Handbook for specific policy and procedural information.  The use of National Guard units for federal firefighting purposes within their state must be outlined in national, regional, state or local agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) between federal agencies and the specific National Guard units.  “Exceptions to the IHOG may only be authorized through agency specific procedures.” IHOG

43. Chapter 2  Changed “Project” Helicopter Manager to “Resource” Helicopter Manager throughout IHOG  Limited Use Type III helicopter staffing policy is added; only HELM required  “Aerial Supervision” requirement removed from “Two-for-One” criteria  All Helicopter and Helibase staffing to consist of fully qualified personnel  Parking Tender requirements changed to meet the intent of Safety Alert 04-03 IHOG

44. Chapter 2  Prerequisites, training and currency changes made to Resource (Project) Helicopter Manager Position  Helispot Manager is no longer a stand alone Redcard position but a duty that may be assigned to a HECM (like Loadmaster).  Every effort should be made to assign the most capable person based on the complexity and nature of the assignment IHOG

45. Chapter 2 “State and Local agencies may have other minimum requirements for personnel and aircraft. Alaska agencies such as the Alaska Fire Service (AFS) have different staffing requirements when operating in Alaska. However, at a minimum, a Manager must be ordered and assigned to all Exclusive Use and Call When Needed Helicopters in Alaska”. “State and Local agencies may have other minimum requirements for personnel and aircraft. Alaska agencies such as the Alaska Fire Service (AFS) have different staffing requirements when operating in Alaska. However, at a minimum, a Manager must be ordered and assigned to all Exclusive Use and Call When Needed Helicopters in Alaska”. IHOG

46. Chapter 3  Risk assessment process simplified and standardized  New Risk Assessment Worksheet added  “Aviation Watch Out Situations” added as an Exhibit and can be used as a Rapid Risk Assessment. IHOG

47. Chapter 5  Changed all references of “OAS” to “Aviation Management Directorate (AMD)” IHOG

48. Chapter 7  Verbiage accommodates new Load Calculation form, terms and instructions  Policy now states that HOGE allowable payloads should be used for first-time landings at unimproved sites. IHOG

49. Chapter 9 PPE requirements simplified for flight and ground operations (Chart 9-1, 9-2)  Flight Suits or Nomex Shirt/Pants are both acceptable for all personnel  Flight Helmet/Hardhat requirement for firefighters clarified with new definition of “Managed” Helispot & Helibase: “…considered to be managed when there is a helicopter crewmember or helispot manager in place on the ground before the firefighters are delivered to the Helispot/Helibase.” “…considered to be managed when there is a helicopter crewmember or helispot manager in place on the ground before the firefighters are delivered to the Helispot/Helibase.” IHOG

50. Chapter 9  Deleted sentence saying that Bulk Lift Bags are: “single trip only, I.e. use only once”.  Added If a tag line is utilized for water bucket operations then the long line shall be a minimum of 50 feet in length  Pilots utilizing long lines with water buckets must be approved for vertical reference long line operations IHOG

51. Chapter 10  Clarified: Government employees may not be passengers or aircrew members aboard helicopters operated as restricted category aircraft.  Changed content and format of the standard passenger briefing to include normal and emergency operation of doors to meet FAA requirements. IHOG

52. Chapter 10 New emergency seating positions; based only on type of restraint system available  Emergency Seating Position WITH SHOULDER HARNESS (four point OR single diagonal strap): sit in full upright position with head and back pressed against seat and use arms to brace in position. If time permits and so equipped, lock the inertial reel  Emergency Seating Position WITH LAP BELT ONLY: bend over as far as possible and hold onto your legs IHOG

53. Chapter 11  Clarification on when and how a swivel should be used  Allows manual cargo hook release to be checked only once per day, if requested by contractor  Clarifies horizontal rotor clearance required for long-line operations (defined as standard Safety Circle appropriate to type of helicopter) IHOG

54. Chapter 13 Boiled down the direction regarding Rapid Refueling to:  Hot refueling of helicopters is permitted if requested by the Government.  Review the procurement document for requirements prior to any hot refueling operations.  Fuel servicing vehicle drivers shall comply with Department of Transportation Safety Regulation Part 390-399, and any duty limitations imposed by the helicopter procurement document IHOG

55. Chapter 14  Turbine Engine Power Assurance check requirements are clarified to allow for alternate documentation and non- numeric results (ex: correct vs. incorrect, above spec vs. below spec) IHOG

56. Chapter 17 Changed to: A. Emergency Operations. In certain life threatening emergencies it may be necessary for personnel to deviate from policy for life and death situations. This may include PPE deviations, seating configurations, and riding in unapproved aircraft and/or with unapproved Pilots. IHOG

57. Appendices  Appendix A & B: “HCM and HBM Forms/Checklists” revised/updated.  Appendix C: Crash Rescue Plan added  Appendix D: deleted instructions for FS- 122 and OAS -23, referenced CWN Contract and Flight Use Invoice for directions  Appendix E: Crew/Base Readiness Evaluation updated IHOG

58. Appendices  Appendix F: Briefing/Debriefing checklist updated  Appendix G “Helibase Crew Reference & Daily Checklist” deleted.  Appendix J “Incident/Project Helicopter Ops & Safety Evaluation” deleted.  Appendix L “Helicopter Makes and Models” deleted.  Appendix M “Crash/Rescue Diagrams” new models added IHOG

59. Forms Package  Package consists of three parts: Helicopter Management (HCM), Helibase Management (HBM), Helibase Job Aids (HJA) Helicopter Management (HCM), Helibase Management (HBM), Helibase Job Aids (HJA)  Some forms were deleted (HCM-10, HCM-13, ICS forms, HBM-4, HBM-6)  All forms revised and some renumbered  Forms no longer available from the cache as hardcopies (except as part of Helibase Support Kit) download and print your own IHOG

60.  All forms capable of electronic completion (Microsoft Excel)  Some forms may be “linked” for future automation (Daily Diary, Daily Cost Sheet, Electronic Payment Document, Year-End Reports.  Helicopter Payment (HCP) (electronic FS-122, OAS-23 and cumulative payment) although not a formal part of the IHOG it is available for download online with the rest of the forms package IHOG Forms Package