Aircraft Timekeeper

Introduction

Aircraft Timekeepers (ATIM) are assigned to airtanker bases at a local Unit or District level, and may be ordered at various locations nationally. ATIMs report to the airtanker base manager or fixed-wing base manager. The position is an integral part of airtanker base operations.

Major Duties

• Receives daily or more frequent briefings from the ATBM or FWBM.
• Obtains information for aircraft assigned to the base.  Distributes information (flight/load limits, etc.) to airtanker Base personnel.
• Records on/off times for tactical aircraft.
• Ensures landing fees are properly documented.
• Ensures retardant use is properly documented.
• Records all timekeeping information for each airtanker.
• May enter airtanker Base Log information to agency flight use reports for aircraft; relays information from Base Log to airtanker administrative bases. Responsible for documenting aircraft and retardant use to the proper incident(s) using appropriate agency coding.
• Maintains and summarizes tactical aircraft use and cost information and relays this information daily to the incidents air operations staff.
• Completes required agency reports and Aircraft Contract Daily Diary information after each operational period for airtanker and submits to the COR.
• Answers the telephone and radio; receives and relays orders for dispatch of tactical aircraft. Relays messages, and logs calls.

Knowledge Required by the Position

• Knowledge of the technical methods and procedures required for carrying out basic standardized duties which are common to airtanker base operations.
• Knowledge of timekeeping as it relates to aircraft contracts.
• Working knowledge and demonstrated application of tools and techniques used to make sound decisions and to effectively work with others in stressful situations.

Supervisory Controls

The Supervisor assigns work and sets priorities, provides objectives, and deadlines.

The employee plans, organizes and caries out recurring work without detailed instructions.

Completed work is usually evaluated for technical soundness and conformity to policy and requirements.

Guidelines

Employee will utilize and adhere to the Interagency Airtanker Base Operations Guide, the local Airtanker Base Supplement or Operations Plan, Interagency Standards for Fire and Aviation Operations, Interagency Single Engine Airtanker Operations Guide, Aircraft Contracts, Lot Acceptance and Quality Control, and Health and Safety Code.

The employee will refer needed deviations or questions to the supervisor or higher level while performing airtanker base operations activities.

Complexity/Scope and Effect

The purpose of the work is to support airtanker base operations. This will be primarily accomplished by the documentation of flight times, tracking landing and overnight fees, recording retardant quantities and communicating effectively and efficiently on the radio and telephone. Complexity can increase when numerous aircraft, or varying types of aircraft are operating.

Employee performs a variety of routine procedural tasks or one or more complex duties related to regular and recurring technical work.

Personal Contacts/Purpose of Contacts

Personal contacts are with co-workers, airtanker base managers, pilots and crews, contractor’s representatives, vendors, airport managers, dispatchers, fire and aviation personnel, and the general public on a regular basis.

The purpose of the contacts is to exchange information about air base procedures, schedules, or operating problems; clarify information on records explain the reason the work is being performed or other similar exchanges of factual information.

Physical Demands/Work Environment

The physical demands of the Aircraft Timekeeper are long hours communicating on a radio, telephone and using a computer.  The position requires frequent movement, good vision, good hearing and mental alertness. The work generally takes place in an office setting.

Long irregular hours are required, much of it occurring during periods of fire operations.

Position Needs

Please reference agency training qualification guides for specific training requirements.

• Duties listed as ATIM in the Interagency Airtanker Base Operations Guide (IABOG).
• Knowledge located within the airtanker base technician position description.
• Required training located within the Federal Wildland Fire Qualifications Supplement.
• Subject matter expert (SME) review.