Type 1 Helicopter Operations

Over several years, federal, state, and municipality agencies have transitioned Type 1 helicopters from single-mission water delivery aircraft to multi-mission aircraft. Type 1 multi-mission helicopters offer increased power margins, speed, response range, safety features and safety equipment. Therefore, the use of Type 1 helicopters is predicted to become more prominent in wildland fire. There are several operational differences to consider compared to legacy fleet helicopters and established standards.

Landing Site Selection, Helispot Management, and Helispot Construction:

• Type 1 Helicopter landing areas require a much larger area due to the size and design features of the aircrafts such as how most Type 1 helicopters use wheels instead of skids. Some Type 1 helicopters can land on more slope than helicopters with skids; however, the best practice is to have a clear, flat, and level landing area.

  • Touchdown Pad: 30 feet x 30 feet, clear and level.

  • Safety Circle: 110-foot diameter.

• Type 1 helicopters can weigh over 20,000 lbs. Therefore, identified landing sites should be as hardpacked as possible. Landing on the inside or the edge of the fireline or on soft, wet, or muddy sites is not recommended.

• Helispot management with good radio communications with the helicopter is highly recommended due to limited visibility from the helicopter cockpit. Communication of any site specifics or hazards can be discussed prior to the helicopter attempting to land.

• If a Type 1 helicopter has a tank and snorkel for water-dropping operations, additional clearances on the touchdown pad are needed. Tanks attached to the bottom of the aircraft only have 4 to 6 inches of clearance above the ground. Ensure all obstacles are cleared from the pad. For example, large rocks need to be removed, trees need to be flush cut, etc. or they can damage the external tank.

• With increased rotor wash speeds from Type 1 helicopters, ensure all Foreign Objects of Debris (FOD) and loose materials are secured or removed from the helispot prior to landing.

Rotor wash:

• Rotor wash speeds from Type 1 helicopters can be more than 80 mph (nearly double that of Type 2 helicopters) and can produce rotor wash speeds of 55 mph at a 100-foot hover above the ground. Due to the increased rotor wash, traditional helicopter marshalling is not recommended.

• Strongly consider dust abatement prior to conducting helispot landings with little or no vegetation. Rotor wash may cause:

  • Intense brown-out conditions on loose soil.

  • Adverse effects to fire behavior.

  • Blowing debris and material that can injure personnel and damage vehicles.

  • Snags and branches to fall in the surrounding area.

Passenger Transport Missions:

• A passenger briefing is required prior to flying onboard. Specifics of the aircraft will be discussed including PPE requirements, seating assignments for aircraft weight and balance, operation of seatbelts and doors, and the location and operation of emergency equipment and exits onboard.

Water Dropping Missions:

• Type 1 helicopters will continue performing water-dropping missions from buckets or tanks. They carry thousands of pounds of water that can injure personnel and damage vehicles and equipment. Before receiving a water drop, ensure the drop area is clear of all personnel and equipment.

Activity and Discussion:

• Review the Helicopter Landing Area Selection from the Incident Response Pocket Guide (IRPG), PMS 461 and establish parameters (pacing, etc.) to create the minimum Type 1 Helicopter Landing Size.

• With your team and using your unit’s vegetation and terrain, estimate how long would it to take to create a Type 1 Helicopter Landing Site and discuss the factors that would influence the timeline and construction.