A-100 Basic Aviation Safety
actions verbs in aviation documents
- "shall" and "must" are mandatory not discretionary - "ought" and "should" convey mandatory compliance - "may" and "can" convey optional compliance
mechanic duty day
- 16 hour duty day - shall have two 24-hour periods of rest (off duty) within any consecutive calendar days
Aviation Policy Hierarchy
- Code of Federal regulations (14 CFR)/Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) (least restrictive) - USDA-FS/DOI Policy Handbooks, Guides and Standards - USDA-FS Agency/DOI Bureau National Aviation Plan - USDA-FS: Regional DOI: Regional/State - USDA-FS: Forest DOI: Unit/Refuge/Park/Agency - Project Aviation Safety Plan (PASP) (most restrictive)
DOI Departmental Manuals (DMs)
- DM chapters provide a general overview of the aviation program requirements - DM Parts 350 through 353 (Part 354 is reserved) provide management responsibilities, policies, and procedures for utilizing and operating aircraft within the DOI - approval of DMs occur at the Assistant Secretary's level
Special Use Policy
- DOI OPM 29 Special Use Activities for Manned Aircraft identifies the specific manned special use activities referred to in 351 DM 1 and establishes definitions, policies, pilot qualifications and PPE requirements for special use activities conducted by the DOI - this OPM identifies the specific special use activities referred to in 351 DM 1 and establishes definitions, policies and pilot qualifications and evaluation requirements for special use activities conducted by the DOI - applicable to all manned aircraft pilots, Fleet (agency owned) and Contract (vendor), conducting special use activities under the operational control of the DOI
single pilot flight hours
- a maximum of 8 hours flight time during any assigned duty period - a maximum of 14 consecutive duty hours during any duty period - a maximum of 42 hours flight time during any 6-day period - when pilots acquire 36 or more flight hours in a 6-day period, they are given the following 24-hour period to rest
Flight Following
- a method of monitoring aircraft flight activities in accordance with DOI/bureau and USDA-FS policies; this may be from a Dispatch Center or at a remote location to monitor a flight and initiate an aircraft mishap emergency response if needed - the bureau/agency requires position reporting to not exceed 1-hour intervals under normal circumstances; local minimums may be more restrictive
flight planning/flight following
- a written flight plan with no flight following dramatically increases the response time for Search and Rescue (SAR) efforts - it may require more than 5 hours for individuals to check and confirm there is a missing aircraft - deviation from a flight plan only complicates the potential of location a downed aircraft - by the time SAR efforts locate the aircraft and arrive on scene, an average time of 37 hours has passed
Principles of Risk Management
- accept no unnecessary risk - make risk decisions at the appropriate level - accept risk when benefits outweigh cost - integrate risk management throughout the mission from start to finish
Secondary Restraints
- additional restraints are only required when performing certain duties when the aircraft doors are open or removed and the aircrew member is conducting specific duties - some missions where doors are open or removed may benefit from the use of a secondary restraint even when a seatbelt is used - if aircrew members will be leaning into the shoulder restraint performing his/her specific duties, then a secondary restraint provides additional protection in the event that the seat belt release mechanism is inadvertently opened - the harness must be attached to an approved tether and helicopter hard point
passenger and aircrew member responsibilities
- aircrew members should speak up and state their information persistently until there is resolution - question the actions and decisions of others - seek help when needed - everyone should be open and non-defensive - if you see something, say something
a proper pre-flight assessment includes checking:
- all control surfaces are securely attached - propeller - spinner - landing gear - linkage - along with other aircraft components
Anti-Exposure Suits
- an anti-exposure garment must be worn in single engine aircraft and readily available to occupants of multi engine aircraft when conducting extended overwater flights and when the water temperature is colder than 50 degrees Fahrenheit - a garment's thermal protection aids in reducing cold shock by preventing cold water from touching the skin, or creating a thermal barrier warming cold water trapped between the garment and the body
oxygen equipment
- at cabin pressures altitudes above 12,500 feet (MSL) up to and including 14,000 (MSL) unless the required minimum flight crew is provided with and uses supplemental oxygen for that part of the flight at those altitudes that is of more than 30 minutes duration - at cabin pressure altitudes above 14,000 feet (MSL) unless the required minimum flight crew is provided with and uses supplemental oxygen during the entire flight time at those altitudes - at cabin pressure altitudes above 15,000 feet (MSL) unless each occupant of the aircraft is provided with supplemental oxygen
Leather or Approved Non-Leather Boots
- boot tops must extent above the ankle and must be constructed so that metal parts, such as shoestring eyes or zippers, do not contact the wearer's skin - non leather boots must be flight approved in accordance with US military standards for aviation use
Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)
- currently UAS do not perform point-to-point missions, however they may be involved in aviation special use missions - UAS Missions require PASPs for all projects
fuel truck drivers duty limitations
- drive time and rest breaks: only 11-hour drive time in a 14-hour drive period - shall have two 24-hour periods of rest (off duty) within 14 consecutive calendar days
what are some things to consider during egress/rescue operations?
- evaluate site safety (flammables, toxic fluids, sharp objects, hazardous cargo, biohazards) - stay clear of smoke - preserve life (do whatever necessary to extract injured passengers) - extinguish fires - secure area for investigators - document or photograph the location of any debris - identify witnesses and get contact information
indicators of effective crew resource management
- everyone is involved in planning - SOP's/policy are being followed - open communication - thorough briefings everyone knows their roles and responsibilities - tunnel vision is recognized focused on the mission - hazardous attitudes are recognized and mitigated - continuous risk management
responding personnel...
- exercise good judgement - use available protective devices/clothing - use extreme caution when working around wreckage
first aid kit
- first aid kits are required for all agency/bureau flight activities other than point-to-point flights, and airplane operations above 500 feet AGL - first aid kits are recommended for all missions
All-Leather, or Leather & NOMEX Gloves
- flight gloves (type GS/FRP-2) are constructed of a soft leather palm and stretchable NOMEX fabric for the back are preferred - newly developed gloves that meet the flame-resistant NOMEX and leather design are available that are compatible with touchscreen devices
post-flight debriefings should:
- have an open and honest discussion with aircrew members to share their feedback - contain enough detail and clarity about what did not did not occur and why - everyone should leave with a strong desire to improve their proficiency
The Risk Management Process
- identify hazards - assess risk - develop controls and make decisions (mitigate) - implement your controls - supervise and evaluate
twelve standard aviation questions that shout "Watch Out"
- is the flight necessary? - who is in charge? - are all hazards identified and have you made them known? - should you stop operation on the flight due to change in conditions? (communications, weather, confusion, turbulence, personnel, conflicting priorities) - is there a better way to do it? - are you driven by an overwhelming sense of urgency? - can you justify your actions? - are there other aircraft in the area? - do you have an escape route? - are any rules being broken? - are communications getting tense? - are you deviating from the assigned operations of the flight?
aircraft hazards on helicopters
- main rotor: height - tail rotor: location and safe distance from it - danger of departing uphill - where to step and walk (on or near the helicopter) - active anti-torque pedals and flight control surfaces - depart within sight of the pilot(s) or an aircrew mSaved 72 terms just nowember - both fixed-wing and helicopter: time pressures (to accomplish the passenger briefing)
after the accident: if you're in an accident where you've crashed in a remote location, consider the following:
- maintain positive communication among the survivors to maintain positive attitudes among the group -if you become a leader in this situation, lend moral support to the injured and any discouraged survivors - have a positive mental attitude; odds of survival increase when survivors choose not to lose hope
Pilot Briefing on Mission & Flight Hazards
- mission briefings and passenger safety briefings are the first line of defense for safe flights - effective mission briefing should be interactive and allow time for questions - the elements covered should be relevant to the safe and successful out come of the mission - elements to be considered for a mission briefing are listed in the Project Aviation Safety Plan (PASP)
pilot weather minimums
- most pilots have self-imposed weather minimums; agencies may also have minimum weather restrictions; as an aircrew member, you should abide by these restrictions and speak up if weather is a concern - if you still feel uncomfortable based on weather conditions, request the pilot to land the aircraft, if you are already airborne, or refuse to take the flight
Project Aviation Safety Plans (PASPs)
- most restrictive policy - a written description of the procedures and methods by which an organization will conduct safe and efficient aviation operations - all signed PASPs become policy for their specific mission
fire extinguisher
- must be a hand held bottle, minimum 2-B:C rating, mounted and accessible to the flight crew when seated - must be maintained in accordance with NFPA 10: Standards for Portable Fire Extinguishers or the Contractor's Part 135 operations specifications - aircraft with 10 to 30 passenger seats must be equipped with an additional extinguisher mounted in the passenger compartment
FSH 5709.16 36.7 - Small Unmanned Aircraft System Operations
- only Agency approved Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) of any size may be used for USDA-FS missions - all UAS operations shall comply with Agency policy for privacy, transparency, reporting, tracking and data management; the National UAS Operations Plan provides operational guidelines and further references to policy - UAS missions in the Fire Management function will adhere to the PASP or Operations Plan, as applicable
Mechanic Qualification Card
- only issued for Exclusive-Use (EU), Call-When-Needed (CWN), or On-Call contracts when a mechanic is required to be on site with the aircraft - the following need to be identified by an aircrew member: name of mechanic, expiration date, aircraft (airframe type), engine type
Fuel Service Vehicle Card
- only issued where the vendor is required to provide a fueling vehicle - the following need to be identified by an aircrew member: company name, expiration date, license number
Aircraft Data Card (must be identified by aircrew member)
- operator name - aircraft data card/record expiration date - registration number (tail number) - aircraft make, model and series authorized uses
gear and cargo security
- passengers should provide the pilot with accurate weights of items to be loaded - the pilot or an approved aircrew member will place the item in the aircraft and secure them for the flight
guidelines of a post-flight debriefing:
- performed immediately after the flight with involved mission personnel - leaders should be skilled in facilitating a debrief - reinforce that respectful disagreement is okay - keep focused on what, not who - don't make it personal - ensure everyone participates - document in AAR - conclude the debrief on a positive note
flight planning and flight following is just one way to aid in your survival, the following tips can increase your survival rate:
- physical ability and fitness will aid in the survival effort - knowledge of survival techniques and survival training are highly valued when dealing with mental challenges incurred during a survival situation
in-flight emergency actions will include:
- pilot declares the emergency - protective clothing (collars up, sleeves down, visors down on flight helmet, gloves are on) - seat restraints are snug - keep away from controls - secure loose gear - locate emergency exits - consider unlatching the door, if permitted - assume the brace position
Pilot Qualifications (must be identified by aircrew member)
- pilot name and additional photo ID - authorized aircraft or UAS to fly - company name - expiration date - approved/authorized missions
Five Steps to a Safe Flight
- pilot/aircraft data card -- approved and current - flight plan/flight following initiated - PPE in use when required - pilot briefed on mission & flight hazards - crew & passenger briefing
who do we consider the crew?
- pilots - aircrew members - aviation managers - dispatchers - mechanics - fuel truck drivers - passengers - anyone else who is integral to the mission
Flight Plan
- pilots should file and operate on a Federal Aviation Authority flight plan in the US; they are to be filed prior to take off - the bureau-approved flight plan may be used to accommodate specialized bureau missions - the bureau approved plan can also be provided to the flight follower or dispatch center prior to departure with the aircraft planned route or flight path
aviation missions are categorized into three basic types:
- point-to-point - special use - Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)
PASP elements to consider for mission briefing:
- project name and objectives - justification - project dates - location - projected cost of aviation resources - aircraft - pilot(s) - participants/supervision - communication plan, flight following, and emergency search and rescue - aerial hazards analysis - protective clothing and equipment - weight and balance/load calculation - risk/hazard assessments/safety management system (SMS) - signature
14 Elements of a PASP
- project name and objectives - justification - project dates - location - projected cost of aviation resources - aircraft pilots - participants/supervision - communication plan, flight following and emergency search-and-rescue - aerial hazards analysis - protective clothing/equipment - load calculations/weight and balance - risk/hazard assessment/ Safety Management System (SMS) - signatures
aircraft hazards on fixed-wing airplanes
- propeller - items hanging from the wings - areas on the wings - where it is safe to walk - active rudder pedals and flight control surfaces - touching or turning the propeller, when shut down
fire-resistant clothing
- protects wearer from flash fire burns - preferred material is an aramid fiber which is commonly known as "NOMEX"
flight helmets
- provide adequate hearing and eye protection - if someone is planning to remove their flight helmet anywhere near a running aircraft, they need to make sure to have alternative hearing protection
as a minimum, the following must be specified in a flight plan:
- route of flight - estimated time of arrival (ETA) - how an aircraft will be tracked during flight - Interagency Mishap Response Guide and Checklist (IAMRGC)
as a minimum, a bureau-approved flight following must...
- specify actions to be taken in the event of an overdue or missing aircraft - position reports resulting from the use of a bureau-approved flight following program must be documented by the receiving office and provide enough information to enable easy location of an overdue or missing aircraft
survival kit
- survival kits are required for all DOI and USDA-FS flight activities other than point-to-point flights and airplane operations that remain above 500 feet AGL - the survival kit contains items that will aid you in surviving until rescue arrives
Crew & Passenger Safety Briefing
- the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires that each passenger flying on board an aircraft must receive a briefing - this must be done prior to every flight, regardless of how many times the passengers have received a briefing - in addition to the oral briefing a supplemental printed safety card must be carried in the aircraft in a location convenient for the use of each passenger
Point-to-Point
- these types of missions are flights between airports where the route of flight is determined only by pilots based on navigational requirements - ex. an agency administrative flight where personnel are flying from the local airport to another airport for a meeting
Personal Flotation Device (PFD)
- users of PFDs must be briefed on how a PFD is worn, how to inflate it, and procedures to exit from an aircraft ditching in water - aircraft occupants must wear inflatable PFDs aboard agency flights when aboard Agency flights when performing water takeoffs or landings
pilot daytime flight operations
- vendor flight operations are defined as 30 minutes before the official sunrise, through the day, until 30 minutes after the official sunset - vendor flight operations are defined in DOI/USDA-FS contracts - fleet flight operations are prohibited during civil twilight (period after sunset or before sunrise ending or beginning when the sun is about 6 degrees below the horizon) unless authorized
additional topics that should be provided during the mission briefing:
- weather - fueling - HAZMAT - cargo loading/unloading - any other items essential to the mission
Emergency Location Transmitter (ELT)
- were developed to assist in locating downed aircraft - may activate automatically, reacting to impact G forces, or can be turned on manually - ELTs must be installed in all DOI/USDA-FS contracts - all DOI-owned or operated helicopters must, as a minimum, be equipped with 121.5 MHz ELTs, which can be activated by a switch in the cockpit
pilot duty hours
- within the boundaries of the United States, all flight crewmembers must have two 24-hour days off duty within any 14 consecutive calendar days - prior to any assigned duty period, all flight crewmembers must have a minimum of 10 consecutive hours of rest; this includes not performing any preflight or post flight activities
UAS Mission Policy
OPM-11 DOI Use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) purpose is to provide DOI with policy on the operations and management of DOI operated UAS
DOI Operational Procedures Memorandum (OPMs)
OPMs are defined to provide temporary, or interim, Departmental policy directives issued to permit timely dissemination or instructional and/or procedural materials to update, modify, or supplement policy in the DMS
all contracted pilots and under operational control of the DOI/USDA-FS that carry passengers, operate under...
Part 91 and Part 135
FSM 5710 10.5 Definitions
Special Use Missions Flights are non-routine flights utilizing aircraft to perform missions which may require only crewmembers, special training, qualifications and/or equipment
Code of Federal Regulations (CFRs) is...
a set of permanent rules that spell out, in detail, how the Executive Branch interprets statutes that have been enacted by Congress, creating the US Code
aircraft hazards
aircraft hazards should include the items specific to the aircraft that will be utilized for your mission
Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) are defined as...
an aircraft and the associated elements (including communication links and the components that control the unmanned aircraft) that are required for safe and efficient operation
Multi-engine fixed wing aircraft (PFD guidelines)
an inflatable PFD must be immediately available to all occupants in multi-engine fixed wing aircraft that are operating beyond power-off gliding distance from shore
Single Engine fixed wing aircraft (PFD guidelines)
an inflatable PFD must be worn by all occupants in single engine fixed wing aircraft that operate beyond power-off gliding distance from shore
All single or multi-engine helicopter (PFD guidelines)
an inflatable PFD must be worn by all occupants in single engine or multi-engine helicopter that are operating off of or to water, or overwater operations including water bucket dipping and snorkeling operations
USDA-FS Guides
are a supplement for the FSM and establishes standards for approval and use of aviation equipment when conducting USDA-FS aviation activities
USDA-FM Handbooks
are the principal source of specialized guidance and instruction for carrying out the direction issued in the USDA-FS Manual (FSM)
reasons for refusing a flight
ask yourself what is driving your decision... is it one of the following? - management - peers - time constraints - emergency, feeling of urgency - media - VIP's - budget - there is a violation of regulations aviation policy or safe aviation practices - communication issues - airspace congestion or inadequate management - environmental conditions that make the work unsafe - aircraft capabilities, performance and/or limitations - pilot/crew lack of the necessary training, qualifications or experience - defective or inappropriate equipment is being used
emergency egress
before each takeoff the pilot in command of an aircraft carrying passengers shall ensure that all passengers have been orally briefed on location and means for opening the passenger entry door and emergency exits
standards are defined...
behavior, action, processes, or equipment type, agreed upon by the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) for wildland fire performance -- and is necessary to meet consistent, interagency fire management activities
DOI Departmental Guides
communicate preferred procedures for a specific aspect of aviation operations; they are not policy, nor are they mandatory at the DOI Departmental level, however they can be adopted as such by a bureau
National Aviation Plan
each aviation plan differs in the way that they provide aviation guidance to their agency/bureau -- some opt to place policy in their manuals while others create a National Aviation Plan
smoking
each passenger shall be briefed on when, where, and under what conditions smoking is prohibited
in-flight emergency
if a situation become dangerous, you need to be prepared for the event of an in-flight emergency; it's important to know key actions to take during this type of situation
protocols for refusing a flight
if an unresolved safety hazard exists, the individual(s) needs to: - communicate the issue, event, or concern immediately to their supervisor, and all involved mission personnel, that they are turning down the assignment, as given all involved mission personnel may include: - project aviation manager - dispatcher - pilots - aviation managers - other aircrew members document the situation, as appropriate - document as appropriate - file an aviation safety communique (SAFECOM)
PFD must be maintained and
inspected according to manufacturer's instructions
aircraft fueling
making sure that the aircraft has enough fuel seems simple, however keep in mind that there are many factors to consider...key factors include: - aircrew members identifying that the fuel source and aircraft fuel requirements match - pilots ensure the proper type and grade of fuel - personnel kept at a safe distance of at least 50 feet from the fueling operation - aircraft is clear of passengers - no smoking within 50 feet of fueling process - aircraft engines and propellers or rotors stopped - fuel container bonded with aircraft - fire extinguishers available during refueling - known location of emergency pump shutdown
seat belt and harness
occupants shall wear seatbelts and shoulder harnesses during all phases of flight, unless there is a valid operational or safety requirement that would cause the pilot-in-command to direct otherwise
Part 135 explains that...
operator of business aircraft that wish to conduct operations for compensation or hire are generally certificated under Part 135 of the FARs
minimum aircraft survival kit
per the IALSE, here are the minimum aircraft survival kit items: - fire starter - magnesium fire starter - signal mirror - whistle - one knife (includes "multi-tools" with knives) - wire, saw, axe, hatchet, or machete - nylon rope or parachute cord (50 feet, minimum 1/8 inch [3 mm] thick) - collapsible water container (sealing clear plastic bag(s) - water purification tablets - water (one quart per occupant required except when operating over areas without adequate drinking water) - food (2 days emergency rations per occupant, with a caloric value of 1,000 calories per day)
Project Aviation Safety Plan (PASP)
plan that are used on Special Use Missions are called Project Aviation Safety Plans (PASPs); these plans are developed for all Special Use Missions and Unmanned Aircraft Systems
DOI Departmental Handbooks
provide detailed procedures requirements, or policy established in the DM
Title 49...
regulates Transportation, which affects how we transport hazardous materials (HAZMAT), by aircraft, as well as accident reporting and aircraft security
Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) are...
rules prescribed by the FAA governing all aviation activities in the United States
handbooks, guides and standards
the USDA-FS's 5700 Manual (FSM) and USDA-FS's 5709.16 Handbook (FSH) are policies set by USDA-FS which requires employees to follow directions in aviation manuals, handbooks, and aviation guides listed in FSM 5706
FAA briefing requirements
the following are the minimum items that are required by the FFA to be included in every briefing: - smoking - use of safety belts - placement of seatbacks in upright position before takeoff and landing - location and means for opening the passenger entry door and emergency exits - location of survival equipment - if flight involves extended overwater operation, ditching procedures and use of required flotation equipment - if involved operations above 12,000 MSL, normal and emergency use of oxygen equipment installed on aircraft - location and operation of fire extinguishers - if a rotorcraft operation involves flight beyond auto-rotational distance from shoreline, use of life preservers, ditching procedures and emergency exit, location and use of life rafts
Required Dispatch/Flight Follower Information (End of Flight)
the following information is required by dispatch/flight follower at the end of a flight: - length of time on ground (if mission is to be continued) - closing out the flight plan with FAA flight service station - communication with dispatch/flight follower that the flight has ended and the aircraft is on the ground
Required Dispatch/Flight Follower Information (Beginning of the Flight)
the following information is required by dispatch/flight follower before a flight: - number of people onboard the aircraft including pilot(s) - fuel on board (FOB) expressed in hours (or minutes based on duration for specific aircraft) - destination - estimated time enroute (ete) or estimated time of arrival (eta) - confirm positive Automated Flight Following
fuel and electrical shut off
the pilot or crew member should explain how to shutdown the aircraft in the event of an aircraft accident and the pilot is incapacitated
USDA-FS Manual (FSM) 5700
the policy of the USDA-FS requires employees to follow the direction in aviation manuals, handbooks, and the aviation guides, as listed in FSM 5706
purpose of crew resource management
the purpose of crew resource management (CRM) is to reduce the number of mishaps through better crew coordination by focusing on: - situational awareness - communication skills and assertiveness - teamwork and leadership - task allocation - adaptability - decision-making based mission analysis within a framework of Standard Operating Procedures
Title 14 is...
the set of rules for Aeronautics and Space, which regulates everything that occurs in the air
Special Use
these are missions where the FAA generally doesn't have pilot qualification standards, regulations or oversight
Regional/State Aviation Plan
these aviation plans create comprehensive aviation roles and responsibilities, administrative procedures, leaders intent, authority, and policy to each Unit/Forest Service/Refuge Park plan
Unit, Forest, Refuge, Park, Agency -- Aviation Plan
these plans are designed to supplement the National Aviation Plan and the State/Regional Aviation Plan and function as the third tier, within one document; these plans should identify safety procedures and include documented procedures for all aviation operations
personal survival kit
to maximize your chances of surviving an accident, you along with all onboard passengers need to carry a personal survival kit; the following items should be included in your personal survival kit (per interagency IALSE): - fire starter (e.g. two matchboxes in waterproof containers or metal matches) - laser rescue light or key chain LED light - signal mirror - whistle - knife or multi-tool with a knife blade - water purification tablets - sealing clear plastic bag(s) - personal locator beacon or PLB - radio (if issued) - tactical flashlight with strobe - cell/satellite
