Aviation

Consider the following questions when you have a helicopter with a bucket working in your area:

What the SAFECOM system is:

The Aviation Safety Communiqué (SAFECOM) AMD-34/FS-5700-14 should be used to report any condition, observation, act, maintenance problem, or circumstance with personnel or the aircraft that has the potential to cause an aviation-related mishap. SAFECOMS are a tool used to identify, document, track, and correct safety-related issues.

Retardant (jell, foam), paracargo, and water drops on a fire are routine events. However, there are risks associated with these missions that can pose serious threats to personnel and equipment. Consider the following for all drops you are coordinating:

Certain helicopter missions push the limits of the aircraft’s performance capabilities. Items that could reduce the effectiveness and increase the risk of the mission include weight, temperature, altitude, and visibility. Below are some points to remember when evaluating missions.

Consider the following points when selecting a landing zone for a helicopter:

• Locate a flat area that is of sufficient size for the type of helicopter you are expecting.
  • Type 1 – Clear and level touchdown pad measuring 30 feet by 30 feet; safety circle measuring 110 feet in diameter.
  • Type 2 – Clear and level touchdown pad measuring 20 feet by 20 feet; safety circle measuring 90 feet in diameter.
  • Type 3 – Clear and level touchdown pad measuring 15 feet by 15 feet; safety circle measuring 75 feet in diameter.
• Choose an

The following points should be considered when operating around an unimproved landing site:

As part of risk management, especially during high activity fires, each aviation manager and employee should be asking questions about every mission.

It is critical to respond quickly and effectively to aviation mishaps. A posted and accessible written mishap response action plan is an important first step. A checklist of actions will ensure that nothing is missed in a stressful, time-critical period. All crew members must know where to find the plan and must understand how to use it in an emergency.

Every aircraft and pilot used in support of a federal wildland fire mission must have a current Aircraft and Pilot Card or letter of authorization. The card must be held in the aircraft or with the pilot and give specific authorization to complete the requested mission. These missions could be all or any number of missions as follows:

Continued from: Mountain Flying Part 1

Orographic Lifting

As the wind blows moist air upslope, it will cool, and may form clouds. If, as is often the case in winter, the air is stable, the clouds will stay close to the mountain, forming a cap cloud. However, if the air is unstable, as is usually the case in summer, this initial lifting will be enough to start convection and result in thunderstorm formation.