Sacramento Metropolitan Fire Department

Sacramento Metropolitan Fire Department

Air Operations Helicopter
SOG

01 MARCH 2012

REVISION 1— 01 MARCH 2012

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION.

I. Objectives.

II. Scope.

III. Authority.

IV. Organization.

V. Review and Revision.

CHAPTER 2: PERSONNEL AND ADMINISTRATIVE

I. Introduction.

II. Qualifications, Certification, Currency and Experience.

III. Daily Operations (Fire Season).

IV. Authorized Landing Areas.

V. Minimum Safe Altitudes.

VI. Noise Abatement.

VII. Flight Violations.

VIII. Public Affairs (News Media Guidance).

IX. Serious Incidents/Accidents.

CHAPTER 3: SAFETY AND ACCIDENT PREVENTION.

I. Introduction, Purpose and Scope.

II. Program Manager’s Safety Philosophy.

III. Responsibilities.

IV. Safety Management System.

V. Crew Endurance Management.

VI. Aviation Safety Council.

VII. Safety Administration.

VIII. Emergency Response and Accident/Incident Reporting.

IX. Precautions for Toxic Materials.

X. Severe Weather and Environmental Hazards.

XI. Foreign Object Prevention.

CHAPTER 4: FLIGHT FOLLOWING AND COMMUNICATIONS.

I. Introduction.

II. Flight Following.

III. Communications Requirements.

VI. Helibase Communications.

CHAPTER 5: AIRCREW TRAINING PROGRAM.

I. Crew Selection Criteria.

II. Evaluation Requirements.

III. Aircraft Minimum Crew Requirements.

IV. Aircrew Mission Training/Qualification.

V. Annual Flight Evaluation.

VI. Crew Resource Management (CRM) Training.

VII. Environmental Training.

VIII. Instrument Flight Training.

IX. Aviation Life Support Equipment (ALSE) Training.

CHAPTER 6: MAINTENANCE.

I. Maintenance Shop Operations.

II. Maintenance Safety.

III. Packaged Oil, Lubrication (POL).

IV. Hazardous Waste Disposal.

V. Aircraft Towing and Parking.

VI. Lost Tool Procedures.

VII. Supply.

VIII. Corrosion Prevention and Control (CPC).

IX. Aviation Ground Support Equipment (AGSE).

X. Remote Operations.

XI. Aircraft Recover And Evacuation.

XII. Refueling Operations.

ANNEX-A STANDARD TERMINOLOGY

ANNEX-B CREW BRIEFING CHECKLIST

ANNEX-C PASSENGER BRIEFING CHECKLIST

ANNEX D –LOCAL ORIENTATION CHECKLIST

ANNEX E – EMERGENCY RESPONSE CHECKLIST

ANNEX F: HELICOPTER LOAD CALCULATIONS/PERFORMANCE PLANNING.

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION.

I. Objectives.

The objectives of the Sac Metro Air Operations Standard Operating Guidelines are to:

Promote safe, cost-efficient and effective aviation services in support of department and interagency goals and objectives.
Define and standardize department helicopter management and operational procedures.
Through standardization, facilitate the ability of personnel from different agencies to work cooperatively on incidents or projects as well as working effectively within department specific goals.
Provide a framework within which the department can provide supplemental, site-specific guidance.
Provide safe, efficient and cost effective support to the citizens of the Sac Metro Fire District.

II. Scope.

This SOG provides guidance for the day-to-day operations of the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District Air Operations mission. It is primarily designed to assist the members of the district in selecting and using standardized procedures for normal functions not covered by existing regulatory guidance. This document standardizes all district operations within its area of responsibility. The procedures contained in this guide apply to helicopter operations conducted by the department and to integrate its use in support of other state agencies. This guide applies to all Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District aviation personnel and any personnel involved in its scope of operations.

III. Authority.

The aviation directives and implementation of this guide are under the authority of the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District Chief.

IV. Organization.

The chapters of this guide are organized to assist the user in obtaining an understanding of standards and requirements for Sac Metro Air Operations. The appendices provide the user with training guidelines, standard operational and administrative forms, checklists, and other related topics. Operational aspects of this guide are designed, when applicable, to meet or exceed the standards set forth in other agency programs. This standardization of policies and procedures will make interagency support safer and more efficient.

V. Review and Revision.

Users are encouraged to recommend changes to this document through the Air Operations program manager. A general review of this document will be conducted at least every two years. At that time appropriate changes will be made through the authority of the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire Chief. It is recognized that interim revisions may be necessary prior to the bi-annual review. Proposed revisions will be considered and, if appropriate, recommended to the Air Operations Program Manager and Chief Pilot. Every effort will be made by the Air Operations Program Manager to ensure that revisions of major importance or impact are issued in a timely manner to all Air Operations personnel.

CHAPTER 2: PERSONNEL AND ADMINISTRATIVE

I. Introduction.

This section establishes common duties, responsibilities and authority for individuals functioning in Sac Metro Air Operations helicopter management and non-management positions. Position descriptions cover all aspects of both incident and project operations. Minimum daily staffing requirements for fire helicopters are also established. In addition, this chapter covers the various administrative areas of the Sac Metro Air Operations unit.

II. Qualifications, Certification, Currency and Experience.

To meet minimum qualification standards, an individual must be trained, experienced, current and certified. The Air Operations helicopter management and non-management positions exist, for incident and project applications. Training, experience and currency requirements for various positions are found in Operations, Training and Standardization sections of this document.

Air Operations is a multi-mission program with a primary mission of Firefighting. Other missions include Aerial Observation, Aerial Command Platform, Water Rescue, Hoist Rescue and EMS Transport. Air Operations has the potential for a further expanded role and is not limited to the above listed missions.

NOTE:Only authorized qualified and current aviators may act as Pilot in Command of a department aircraft except as required for maintenance flights. Department aircraft will only be used as authorized by current regulations, policies and procedures. All other personnel flying on Sac Metro department aircraft will be approved and authorized by the Chief Pilot

A. Program Manager.

The Program Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the District’s Air Operations Program with respect to administration, mission planning, preparation, execution, budget, and is the primary point of contact for supported (interagency) missions. The Program Manager keeps the SMFD Assistant Chief of Operations informed on all ongoing operations and ensures regulatory guidance, specific directives, and that the District’s intent is complied with and implemented. Additional responsibilities of the Program Manager may or will include the following:

Call When Needed (CWN) fire helicopter manager.
Resource Helicopter Manager for complex, special-use projects.
Identification of special projects requirements.
Completion and review of Aircraft Flight Request/Schedule and, if special use, Hazard Analysis.
Obtaining required approvals and authorizations for the flight.
Assurance that necessary equipment is available.
Manage resources (personnel, equipment, supplies and aircraft) assigned to the department.
Monitors and ensures contract compliance by the maintenance vendor and vendor personnel.
Ensures Hazard Analysis is incorporated into every aspect of the unit program.

B. Chief Pilot.

The Chief Pilot exercises supervisory control over all personnel and mission requirements under the direction of the Program Manager. The Chief Pilot is the District’s designated representative for all matters pertaining to Air Operations and flight related functional areas which include maintenance, safety, training and standardization. As such, it is within his/her authority to direct written procedures to be implemented for these operations.

The Chief Pilot is responsible for establishing and maintaining the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District’s Aviation Program. This includes, but is not limited to; screening and selecting qualified applicants, ensuring the soundness of mission requests, managing the flying hour program, establishing District policies and procedures, and supervising all aspects of safety, training and standardization, maintenance and personnel of the aviation division. In addition, the Chief Pilot monitors and implements the No-Notice Program for crewmembers. Additional responsibilities of the Chief Pilot may or will include the following:

Coordinates with the Program Manager, PIC, and crewmembers on flight planning, including but not limited to: Hazard analysis, Obtaining required approvals and authorizations for the flight, assurance that necessary equipment is available, identification of special project requirements, and verifies that the aircraft and PIC are approved and authorized for the type operation to be conducted by checking pilot qualifications and aircraft configuration.
Leads and participates in safety sessions, critiques, briefings and debriefings.
Maintains awareness of changes in aviation policy, regulations, and procedures.
Reviews aircraft flight requests/schedules and, if special use, Hazard Analysis.
Ensures the assigned department PIC is appropriately carded to meet interagency fire support.
Ensures that flight crews, assigned mission tasks, and training meet department and interagency standards.
Performs operational check flights on Air Operations aircraft.

C. Aviation Safety Officer (ASO).

The Air Operations Aviation Safety Officer acts as the principal advisor to the Program Manager on all safety matters. In addition, the ASO oversees all aspects of crew qualification, selection, training and briefings for ground and air operations. The ASO is responsible for providing safety education through out the program and ensures the incorporation of safety standards and procedures into all activity functions. Additional responsibilities of the ASO may or will include the following;

Ensures Hazard Analysis is incorporated into the unit program when applicable.
Assures that necessary safety equipment is available for the mission to be performed and meets district and interagency standards.
Monitors the Air Operations Crew Rest Program.
Ensures required personal protective equipment is available and utilized correctly.
Ensures that the Air Operations Flight Following procedures are established and meets department and interagency requirements.
Establishes and maintains the Air Operations Mishap and Pre-Accident plan.
Establishes and monitors the Safety-Accident Prevention Program.

D. Instructor Pilot (IP).

The Air Operations Instructor Pilot provides technical supervision of the flight crew qualification and selection program as specified by the Chief Pilot. In addition, trains and evaluates aircrews and other personnel IAW District specifications. The IP assists in the selection of flight crewmembers for designated missions/flights and performs duties as necessary. In addition, the unit Instructor Pilot monitors and implements the Chief Pilots No-Notice program.

E. Tactical Flight Officer Instructor (TFOI).

The Tactical Flight Officer Instructor is designated by the Chief Pilot and is responsible for the training and evaluations of Non-Rated Crewmembers (NRC) in accordance with the crew qualification and selection program of this guide. The TFOI works in conjunction with the Instructor Pilot to effectively train designated Tactical Flight Officers (TFO). In addition, the TFOI works closely with the Chief Pilot on policies, procedures and recommendations for the department. Evaluations for TFOI’s will be conducted by the most senior TFOI within the Air Operations unit.

F. Tactical Flight Officer (TFO).

The Tactical Flight Officer is the technical expert on wildland fire tactics and procedures and is responsible for the safe and efficient assigned operational mission or training. In addition, the TFO assists the PIC in the operational safety of the aircraft and its crew or passengers. The TFO complies with the flight crew qualification and selection program, including department training policies and procedures designated by the Chief Pilot. Additional responsibilities of the TFO may or will include the following;

Ensures required personal protective equipment is available and utilized correctly for all personnel and passengers about the aircraft.
Ensures all Emergency Medical Service (EMS) gear and medication is accounted for and on the aircraft.
Ensures that load calculation and manifests are completed correctly.
Ensures that flight following and aircraft radios and communications are functioning properly and operable.
Assists the PIC in aerial hazard identification; ensures a high-level reconnaissance is made prior to low-level flight.
Responsible for manifests, loading and unloading passengers and cargo and ensures a passenger briefing is conducted prior to any flight.
Constructs helispots, appropriate agency manifests, loads and unloads cargo and personnel, marshals’ helicopters, rigs external loads, etc.
Assists in performing daily inventory checks and in ensuring operational readiness of helicopter unit.
Participates in safety sessions and critiques, ensures own and others’ safety and welfare in all aspects of job.

G. Instrument Flight Examiner (IE).

The Instrument Flight Examiner conducts training and instrument flight evaluations per the appropriate aircraft training manual, Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR’s), regulations and IAW the Chief Pilot’s guidance. The IE, when not separately designated, will be the responsibility of the Instructor Pilot.

H. Unit Trainer (UT).

The Unit Trainer conducts specialized training to assist in the unit aviation training program. UT’s are prohibited from conducting emergency maneuvers or emergency procedure training in the aircraft. Additionally, UT’s are prohibited from evaluating aircrew base and special tasks designated by the department. UT’s must qualified per the SOG and current in the aircraft being flown. UT’s will be designated by the Chief Pilot on an as needed basis only.

I. Pilot-In-Command (PIC).

The Pilot-in-Command is responsible for the safe operation of the aircraft and is the final authority as to the operation of the aircraft under both FAA regulations and during any air operations missions or training directives. The PIC complies with the flight crew qualification and selection program of this guide, including department training policies and procedures designated by the Chief Pilot.

NOTE: The pilot’s decisions and judgment are final. No department or agency employee shall explicitly or implicitly ask or require a pilot to perform any mission or flight maneuver which compromises flight safety.

Additional duties of the PIC may or will include the following;

Adheres to Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR’s), Department regulations, and when applicable, interagency regulations when performing non-departmental missions.
Coordinates with Program Manager, Chief Pilot, dispatcher or when applicable when performing interagency missions, the helicopter manager, and/or helibase manager, reviews manifests and intended loads to ensure aircraft is capable of performing the mission and is responsible for knowledge of hazards in the area of operations.
Ensures that all aircraft and communications equipment is in good condition and operable; performs flight following as required by the department.
Carries a current Interagency Pilot Qualification Card for the mission(s) to be qualified for as dictated by the department.
Performs preflight aircraft checklist and preflight safety briefing of passengers, or delegates the briefing responsibility to qualified personnel.
Performs operational check flights as directed by the Chief Pilot.
Completes helicopter load calculations using applicable aircraft flight manual performance chart(s) or computer based program; ensures that the payload does not exceed the allowable maximum aircraft payload or aircraft maximum gross weight authorized.
Is responsible for the security of the aircraft.
Except in an emergency, does not deviate from flight plan or briefed mission without relaying change to appropriate dispatch office or other flight following facility.
Wears personal protective equipment as required by agency directive (agency pilots) or the procurement document) (vendor pilots).

J. Maintenance Personnel.

Assigned Maintenance Personnel are responsible for ensuring that equipment is maintained IAW appropriate District regulations and maintenance manuals, and that such equipment is ready prior to the mission execution. Maintenance is performed through a contractual agreement with the authorized department vendor.

III. Daily Operations (Fire Season).

A. Daily Schedule (Crewmembers).

SMFD Air Operations duty days for crewmembers typically begin at 0900 hrs. As the season progresses and the days get longer, Air Operations adjusts its hours of operation to begin at 1000 hours, providing maximum coverage during the hours of the day that historically have the highest number of incidents with severe fire behavior. Duty hours are based on sunrise and sunset. During the non-fire season, the daily schedule will be as directed by the Program Manager to meet the needs of the department.

B. Daily Schedule (Maintenance Personnel).

The duty day for Air Operations maintenance personnel will begin predicated on the aircraft status and maintenance to be performed prior to flight. All work must be completed prior to the duty time of crewmembers so that pre-flights inspections can be performed by crewmembers.

IV. Authorized Landing Areas.

A. Approved Sites.

Landings may be accomplished at approved heliports, helipads, landing areas and airports. Private and special restricted airfields will not be used without prior permission from the owner/operator through the Program Manager or Chief Pilot unless an emergency situation exits or during authorized missions. Aircraft and crews actively participating in Sac Metro Air Operations missions are authorized to operate and land anywhere within the boundaries of the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District. Flights outside the SMFD area of responsibility will be coordinated through and approved by the office of the Program Manager.