Forest Health Protection Aviation Safety Plan

FOREST HEALTH PROTECTION AVIATION SAFETY PLAN

Primary/Host Agency: (Identify)
USFS, ODF, WDNR. / Interagency Operation:
Operation conducted jointly by USDA Forest Service (FS), Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) , and Washington Department of Natural Resources (WDNR)
Resource Operation - Conducted by Forest Health Protection FS, WDNR and ODF / This plan is for Fixed-Wing Operation. Helicopter operations will be conducted under a separate PASP
Type of Flight
Reconnaissance / Point to point: / X Special Use: All missions conducted above 500’ AGL / Reconnaissance: / Other:
New Project, full review required / X Currently approved project/activity, FYI to Regional personnel
Project Name:
Annual Cooperative Insect and Disease Detection Survey / Anticipated Project Date:
4/1/15 through 10/31/15
Project Plan Updated by:
Bob Schroeter / Title: Oregon Aerial Survey Coordinator / Date:Feb 26, 2015
This Plan is Reviewed and Submitted by:
Ben Smith / Title: R6 FHP UAO / Date: March 5, 2015
Project Plan Reviewed by:
Teresa Raaf / Title: R6 and R10 Director of State and Private Forestry / Date:
Project Plan Reviewed by:
Mary Verry / Title: Light Fixed-Wing Program Manager PNW/AK / Date:
Project Plan Reviewed by:
Kurt Kleiner / Title: acting RASM PNW/AK / Date:
Project Plan Reviewed by:
Aaron Schoolcraft / Title: RAO PNW/AK / Date:
Project Plan Approved By: / Title: Line Officer / Date:
Project Description:
Aerial sketch map surveys are flown over approximately 47 million acres of forested land in Oregon and Washington each year. The aircraft will move from one area to the next as dictated by weather and insect/disease/host biology. Generally, aerial sketchmap surveys are conducted between April 1 and October 31 of each year. Unusual conditions may necessitate survey missions outside of these times
Types of aircraft used will be predominantly fixed-wing, although helicopters may be used in some circumstances. The use of helicopters will be addressed under a separate PASP. Aircraft used will be acquired through cooperative agreement, agency owned, contracting or call when needed.
The majority of aerial survey flight time in Region Six is the grid pattern method. Using this survey technique the aircraft flies cardinal directions usually following section lines on the map or lines of latitude and longitude. Flight lines can be as short as four miles and as long as 80 to 100 miles. The observer in the front seat is responsible for detection directly in front and approximately two miles out from the right side of the flight line, while the rear seat observer is responsible for two miles out from the left side of the flight line. Each observer’s duty is to detect, locate on the ground, locate on the sketch map, draw the polygon on the map, label the polygon with tree species, damaging agents, number of trees and/or intensity and continue to orientate. At an airspeed approaching 120 miles per hour, this means the observer views and records four square miles every minute. This procedure requires concentration and communication by observers and the pilot.
The other type of flight pattern is contour flying. This pattern is flown in areas of relatively steep, well-defined topography. The aircraft is typically flown in a left hand pattern generally parallel to the drainage patterns rather than across them. In steep, wide canyons, the canyon is entered somewhere between the ridge on the left of the aircraft and the drainage on the right; escape routes in this scenario are to drainage right. With safety as the number one priority, the aircraft will fly along ridges whenever practical to accomplish mission objectives
FHP surveys planned for 2015 include: Swiss needlecast survey in Oregon and Washington, Sudden Oak Death surveys in SW Oregon (Spring and Fall), ‘Bear’ survey in Oregon, and the General Overview survey in Oregon and Washington. Other surveys can be conducted on an as needed basis during the survey season.

ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

PNW/AK Director of State and Private Forestry: Teresa Raaf (Agency Administrator) / 503-808-2340 / Cell: 541-792-0351
Region 6 acting Assistant Director of State and Private Forestry: Iral Ragenovich (Agency Administrator) / 503-808-2915
Project Supervisor and UAO: Ben Smith / 503-668-1761 / Cell: 503-803-9188 / Sat:
Fixed Wing Manager-Special Use: Glenn Kohler / 360-902-1342 / Cell: 360-280-6025 / Sat:
Fixed Wing Manager-Special Use: vacant / Cell: / Sat:
Fixed Wing Manager-Special Use: Robert Schroeter / 541-858-6123 / Cell: 541-840-2311 / Sat:
Fixed Wing Manager-Special Use: Danny Norlander / 503-945-7395 / Cell: 503-508-3797 / Sat:
Fixed Wing Manager-SU Trainee: Christine Buhl / 503-945-7396 / Cell: / Sat:
Fixed Wing Manager-Special Use: Aleksandar Dozic / 360-902-1320 / Cell: 360-584-7831 / Sat:
Fixed Wing Manager-Special Use: Amy Ramsey / 360-902-1309 / Cell: 360-878-2755 / Sat:
Fixed Wing Manager-SU Trainee: Wyatt Williams / 503-945-7472 / Cell: 503-509-0869 / Sat:
Charge Code: NA / AMD Billee Code: / OAS-23 / ABS / CWN# / ARA#
Aircraft Availability (Per Day): / Aircraft hourly rate: / Fixed Wing Standby rate: x hours=
RON x personnel = / “Minimum” number of hours per day: / Heli-Service Truck Rate: x miles =
Total Per Day: NA / Number of days ~120 cost per day = Total cost estimate
Projected Total Cost = $188,000
Vendor: NA / Vendor Phone: NA / Vendor Cell: NA
Aircraft Information: N9000V, N357PN, N147Z, N166Z, N758 and CWN / Make and Model: N9000V Partenavia Observer, N357PN Partenavia P68TC, N147Z Aero Commander, N166Z Cessna 206TU, N758 Kodiak / Color: N9000V White with Orange and Green; N357PN Green and white; N147Z White with Orange; N166Z White and Orange; N758 White, Orange and Brown.
Pilot Name: N9000V- Dan McCarron, N357PN- Martin Kimbrel, N147Z- Karl Olson and N758 Walt Rhodes / Pilot Phone # Dan–503-378-4054; Martin – 360-753-4717; Karl –541-504-7271; Walt – 541-312-6430 / Pilot Cell # Dan – 503-510-1328;Martin – 360-480-2085; Karl – 541-280-5875; Walt – 301-980-2998
Aircraft carded: X Yes No Letter of RAO authorization to cooperator aircraft N9000V and N357PN / Pilot carded: X Yes No Letter of RAO authorization for cooperator pilots of N9000V and N357PN

FREQUENCY INFORMATION

TBD as per specific unit scheduled for operation, use Aviation Frequency Guide as a reference for frequency information. Confirm frequency information with dispatch before flight.

RESOURCE TRACKING INFORMATION

Aircraft Home Base Location: N9000V in Salem; N357PN in Olympia; N147Z and N166Z in Redmond, OR; N758 in Bend, OR
Aircraft destination: TBD as per specific unit / Resource Order # NA / Flight # NA

Ferry Flight Following and tracking

TBD Dispatch or FAA / Initiate and terminate
By Phone: TBD as per specific unit / Radio: VHF AM/FM
FAA VFR with 60 minute check in: / FAA IFR:

Ferry Start Time:

TBD / Stop(s):
TBD / Stop(s):
TBD / Ferry Ending Time:
TBD
Scheduling Dispatch Phone: TBD as per specific unit / Contact: Aircraft Desk
Notes:
Destination Dispatch Phone: TBD as per specific unit / Contact: Aircraft Desk
Notes:
Project Flight Following Use AFF and periodic check in with dispatch(s) on radio. / Local Agency 15 minute: Yes / AFF equipped aircraft: Yes
Search and Rescue Procedures: (Follow the Northwest Crash, Search and Rescue Guide)

LANDING SITE(S) INFORMATION

Project Start Location: TBD as per specific unit / Runway Length:>2500’ / Elevation: / Surface:
Destination Location: TBD as per specific unit / Runway Length: >2500’ / Elevation: / Surface:
Destination Location: TBD as per specific unit / Runway Length: >2500’ / Elevation: / Surface:
Ending Location: TBD as per specific unit / Runway Length: >2500’ / Elevation: / Surface:

PASSENGER INFORMATION

Passengers - No passengers, all personnel qualified Fixed-Wing Flight Managers, Special Use or Air Crewmembers. Specific personnel TBD as per assignment

Name: / Weight: / Dept Pt: / Destination Pt:
Name: / Weight: / Dept Pt: / Destination Pt:
Name: / Weight: / Dept Pt: / Destination Pt:
Name: / Weight: / Dept Pt: / Destination Pt:
Name: / Weight: / Dept Pt: / Destination Pt:

Cargo

Weight: / CU FT: / Hazardous Mat Yes: X No: / Destination:
Weight: / CU FT: / Hazardous Mat Yes: X No: / Destination:

PPE REQUIREMENTS

Type of flight / Personal Protective Equipment Requirements
Fixed wing, point to point / Appropriate field attire based on the season, hearing protection recommended
X Fixed wing, mission flight, 500’ above / X Field attire mandatory, (long natural fiber pants and shirt)
Fixed wing, mission flight, 500' and below (DOI) / Full PPE required
All Helicopter operations / Full PPE required

RISK MANAGEMENT

Risk Management follows a five-step cyclic process that must be integrated into the decision making process at all levels. The five steps are as follows (see IHOG 3-2, for Risk Management Applied):
1.  Identify Hazards
2.  Assess Hazards
3.  Make Risk Decision
4.  Implement Controls (mitigations)
5.  Supervise
In keeping with the steps above, a thorough review of the completed System Safety Risk Assessments applicable to the planned mission(s) must be conducted and all hazards mitigated in like or appropriate manner. The hazards and mitigations listed in the Aviation Program Risk Assessments are thorough but incomplete. Each project will likely have additional hazards that must be identified, assessed, and mitigated. Then the risks must be weighed against the expected benefit of performing the operation.
Risk Management Instructions: To conduct a complete Risk Analysis for your project: 1. Review and utilize the applicable System Safety data available at http://www.fs.fed.us/fire/av_safety/index.html ; 2. Implement the mitigations as listed in the System Safety Assessments; 3. Complete and follow the reminder lists below; and 4. Conduct your individual analysis of the project following the five steps above and utilizing the Risk Assessment Matrix provided in this document. System Safety has predetermined values, but, as mentioned above, each project will present its own specific hazards that you must identify, mitigate, and manage.

Job Risk Analysis Reminder List (check appropriate boxes)

Is there an alternative method that would accomplish the mission more safely? / Yes / X No / NA
Is everything approved with clear instructions? / X Yes / No / NA
Are communications and flight following established? / X Yes / No / NA
Can terrain, altitude, temperature or weather that could have an adverse effect be mitigated? / X Yes / No / NA
Will the mission be conducted at low levels? (Below 500’ AGL) / Yes / X No / NA
Can the same objective be achieved by flying above 500’ AGL? / X Yes / No / NA
Are all aerial hazards identified and known to all participants? / X Yes / No / NA
Have mitigating measures been taken to avoid conflicts with military or civilian aircraft / X Yes / No / NA
Have adequate landing areas been identified and or improved to minimum standards / X Yes / No / NA
Are all agency personnel qualified for the mission? / X Yes / No / NA
Is the pilot carded and experienced for the mission to be conducted? / X Yes / No / NA
Are pilot flight and duty times compromised? / Yes / X No / NA
Is there enough agency personnel to accomplish the mission safely? / X Yes / No / NA
Will adequate briefings be conducted prior to flight? / X Yes / No / NA
Are all involved aware that the pilot has the final authority, but if any passenger feels uncomfortable, that they can decline the flight without fear of reprisal? / X Yes / No / NA
Is the aircraft capable of performing the mission with a margin of safety / X Yes / No / NA
Is the aircraft properly carded? / X Yes / No / NA
Do all personnel have the required PPE / X Yes / No / NA

Job Hazard Analysis Reminder List (check appropriate boxes)

Issue Mitigating Measure
X MTR’s and MOA’s / X Check routes in advance. Practice risk management.
X Private aircraft / X See and avoid.
X Airport traffic / X Stay in radio contact, sterile cockpit
X Weather / X Use weather advisory. Maintain VFR minimums.
X Terrain / X Maintain separation. Do not place the aircraft in performance related situations.
X Low level obstacles / X Complete a high level recon, no unnecessary low level flight operations.
Unimproved landings (NO NON-EMERGENCY LANDINGS CONDUCTED ON UNIMPROVED SITES) / Recon LZ. Download on first load.
X Pilot not familiar with area / X Supply hazard maps. Complete high level recon prior to low level operations.
X Noise / X Wear hearing protection.
X Internal and external loads / X No external loads on fixed wing flights. Secure other equipment in cabin.
X Unplanned aircraft events / X All personnel equipped with PPE, survival gear and trained in crash procedures.
X Hazardous materials / X Trained personnel will identify, manifest and insure that the pilot is aware.
X Non aviation personnel / X Maintain control, provide through briefings.
X Communications / X Maintain communications at all times, establish backup options and acquire alternate frequencies. Take a handheld FM radio on each flight. Call in prior to landing. If radio contact is lost, climb, check tones, etc. If unable to re-establish contact, return to best suitable landing area and check in via landline.
X Overload conditions/CG issues / X Complete accurate load calculations and or weight and balance.
X Winter/cold weather operations / X Utilize appropriate clothing for conditions, acquire and maintain a survival kit.
X Prop/rotor hazards / X Pilot shall provide a safety briefing; approach and departures shall be away from hazards.
X Multiple aircraft operations / X Provide adequate aerial supervision. Establish and maintain separation, utilize common frequencies.
X Aircraft Refueling / X Refueling is the responsibility of the vendor/pilot. Agency personnel shall not be on board. Aircraft shall be shutdown, unless rapid refueling is approved and requested by agency personnel.
Additional Hazard Identification, Assessment, and Controls specific to the project
SYSTEM SAFETY RISK ASSESMENT MATRIX
SEVERITY
LIKELIHOOD / Negligible / Marginal / Critical / Catastrophic
Frequent / Medium / Serious / High / High
Probable / Medium / Serious / High / High
Occasional / Low / Medium / Serious / High
Remote / Low / Medium / Medium / Serious
Improbable / Low / Medium / Medium / Medium
-Steps 1 & 2: Identify and describe the hazards present for this project. Assess the Likelihood of an occurrence of each hazard and determine the potential Severity of the outcome by referring to the definitions at the System Safety Matrix site located at http://www.fs.fed.us/fire/av_safety/risk_management/Risk_Matrix.pdf .
Once you have identified the likelihood and severity, determine the Risk Level using the matrix above.
-Step 3: Identify the mitigation controls to follow that will reduce the Likelihood of a hazard occurrence. **Remember, the severity will likely remain the same as first determined. The mitigations generally only affect the likelihood of an occurrence. Once you have established the mitigations and changed the likelihood, determine the post-mitigation Risk Level.
Describe Hazard:
Pre-Mitigation hazards rate out as:
/ Likelihood
/ Severity
/ Risk
Level
/
SEE SYSTEMS ANALYSIS FOR FHP DETECTION MISSIONS AT THE END OF THIS DOCUMENT.
Mitigation Controls:
Post-Mitigation hazards rate out as: / Likelihood / Severity / Risk
Level
/

Total Risk Assessment Value (The highest risk level identified from the System Safety Assessments and the above determined risks shall be applied as the overall total risk value): SEE DETECTION SURVEY SYSTEM HAZARD SUMMARY RATING AT THE END OF THIS DOCUMENT