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FOREST SERVICE MANUAL
NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS (WO)
WASHINGTON, DC
FSM 5700 - AVIATION MANAGEMENT
CHAPTER - ZERO CODE
Amendment No.: 5700-2013-1
Effective Date: November 20, 2013
Duration: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed.
Approved: VICTORIA C. CHRISTIANSEN
Associate Deputy Chief, S&PF
Date Approved: 11/18/2013
Posting Instructions: Amendments are numbered consecutively by title and calendar year.
Post by document; remove the entire document and replace it with this amendment. Retain this
transmittal as the first page(s) of this document. The last amendment to this title was
5700-2009-4 to FSM 5700_contents.
New Document
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20 Pages
Superseded Document(s) by
Issuance Number and
Effective Date
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(Amendment 5700-2009-1, 04/10/2009)
15 Pages
Digest:
Zero Code - Revises chapter in its entirety.
WO AMENDMENT 5700-2013-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 11/20/2013
DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed.
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CHAPTER - ZERO CODE
Table of Contents
5701 - AUTHORITY ........................................................................................................ 3
5702 - OBJECTIVES ...................................................................................................... 3
5703 - POLICY ................................................................................................................ 3
5703.1 - Pilot and Aircraft Approval .......................................................................................... 3
5703.2 - Contract Aviation Services Policy................................................................................ 4
5703.3 - All Flight Operations Policy......................................................................................... 4
5703.31 - Flight Operations - Public Aircraft Policy .............................................................. 4
5703.32 - Flight Operations - Civil Aircraft Policy ................................................................ 4
5703.4 - Helicopter Operations Policy ....................................................................................... 5
5703.5 - Fixed-Wing Operations Policy ..................................................................................... 5
5703.6 - Safety Management System Policy .............................................................................. 6
5703.7 - Manuals, Handbooks, and Guides ................................................................................ 7
5704 - RESPONSIBILITY ............................................................................................... 7
5704.1 - Washington Office, Deputy Chief for State and Private Forestry ................................ 7
5704.2 - Washington Office, Director, Fire and Aviation Management .................................... 8
5704.21 - Washington Office, Assistant Director, Aviation ................................................... 8
5704.22 - Washington Office, Branch Chief, Aviation Operations and Quality Assurance .. 9
5704.23 - Washington Office, Branch Chief, Airworthiness and Quality Assurance ............ 9
5704.24 - Washington Office, Branch Chief, Pilot Standardization and Quality Assurance 10
5704.25 - Washington Office, Branch Chief, Aviation Business Operations....................... 10
5704.26 - Washington Office, Aviation Strategic Planner ................................................... 11
5704.27 - Washington Office, Assistant Director, Risk Management.................................. 11
5704.28 - Washington Office, Branch Chief, Aviation Safety Management Systems ......... 11
5704.3 - Regional Foresters ...................................................................................................... 12
5704.31 - Regional/ Area Aviation Officers ......................................................................... 12
5704.32 - Regional/Area Aviation Safety Managers ............................................................ 13
5704.4 - Station Directors ......................................................................................................... 13
5704.5 - Northeastern Area, State and Private Forestry, Director ............................................ 13
5704.51 - Northeastern Area, State and Private Forestry, Aviation Officer ......................... 13
5704.52 - Northeastern Area, State and Private Forestry, Aviation Safety Manager ........... 13
5704.6 - Forest Supervisors ...................................................................................................... 13
5704.61 - Forest Aviation Officers ....................................................................................... 14
5704.7 - Pilots ........................................................................................................................... 14
5704.8 - Aviation Maintenance Personnel ................................................................................ 15
5704.9 - Forest Service Employees .......................................................................................... 15
5705 - DEFINITIONS .................................................................................................... 16
5706 - REFERENCES................................................................................................... 18
5709 - HANDBOOKS.................................................................................................... 20
5709.16 - Flight Operations Handbook ................................................................................ 20
WO AMENDMENT 5700-2013-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 11/20/2013
DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed.
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FSM 5700 - AVIATION MANAGEMENT
CHAPTER - ZERO CODE
Aviation management includes all activities associated with providing aircraft support services
for natural resource protection and management functions of the Forest Service. Support
services incorporate program leadership, supervision, cooperation, aviation expertise, training,
and safety program management for agency fleet, contract, and cooperator aircraft operations.
5701 - AUTHORITY
1. The Air Commerce Act of 1926, as amended (49 U.S.C. 171-184), provides the
authority for:
a. Forest Service aviation management functions and safety in the operation of public
aircraft used exclusively by the Government; and
b. The rulemaking, enforcement, and investigative responsibilities governing civil
aircraft operations.
2. The Civil Aeronautics Act of 1938, as amended; the Federal Aviation Act of 1958, as
amended (49 U.S.C. 1301 et seq.); and the Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) codified
in Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (FSM 5703-5703.32) provide
authorization for functions such as aircraft and pilot approvals, operational standards,
evaluations, and accident prevention and investigation
5702 - OBJECTIVES
Manage aviation functions and activities to achieve the following results:
1. Safe, cost-effective aviation services in support of the Forest Service mission, goals,
and objectives.
2. Coordination of aviation activities and operations with those of other agencies and
cooperators to meet mutually agreed upon standardized goals and objectives and to
achieve program efficiencies.
5703 - POLICY
The policy of the Forest Service requires aviation managers to follow the direction in aviation
manuals and handbooks and in the aviation guides listed in this chapter, section 5706.
5703.1 - Pilot and Aircraft Approval
All government employed and contracted pilots and agency-owned and -contracted aircraft must
meet Forest Service standards listed in FSM 5710, specific aircraft contracts and must have
specific approvals for Forest Service missions. Approval of pilots and aircraft from other
agencies, military services, or cooperators are referenced in FSM 5712 and FSM 5713
respectively.
WO AMENDMENT 5700-2013-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 11/20/2013
DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed.
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5703.2 - Contract Aviation Services Policy
For definition of terms see FSM 5705. Obtain and utilize contract aviation services only from
contractors certified under 14 CFR for the type of operation to be conducted. If passengers are to
be carried, the contractor shall be certified under requirements found in 14 CFR part 135.
The Assistant Director, Aviation shall be the Program/Project Manager for all nationally
managed and administered aviation contract Source Selection Plans and Acquisition Strategy’s.
5703.3 - All Flight Operations Policy
All Forest Service flight operations, whether contract or in-service, must comply with:
1. The Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) applicable to the missions as defined in
FAR 1.1 as "Public Aircraft" or "Civil Aircraft"; and
2. The direction in this manual; FSH 5709.16; the Interagency Smokejumper Operations
Guide; the Interagency Smokejumper Pilots Operations Guide; and the other interagency
operations guides referenced in FSM 5706.
5703.31 - Flight Operations - Public Aircraft Policy
Forest Service flight operations as defined in Public Law 103-411 (FAR 1.1) must comply with
the FARs applicable to public aircraft (FSM 5701), except for flight operations conducted under
the grants of exemption from specific FARs (FSM 5714) and for other flight operations
exceptions as authorized in this manual and in FSH 5709.16.
5703.32 - Flight Operations - Civil Aircraft Policy
Conduct all Forest Service flight operations defined in FAR 1.1 as "Civil Aircraft" operations
unrelated to Public Law 103-411, such as passenger carrying point-to-point, in accordance with
the following FARs:
1. FAR 39 - Airworthiness Directives (14 CFR part 39).
2. FAR 43 - Maintenance, Preventative Maintenance, Rebuilding, and Alteration
(14 CFR part 43).
3. FAR 61 - Certification: Pilots and Flight Instructors (14 CFR part 61).
4. FAR 65 - Certification: Airmen other than Flight Crewmembers (14 CFR part 65).
5. FAR 91 - General Operating and Flight Rules for "mission" activities
(14 CFR part 91).
WO AMENDMENT 5700-2013-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 11/20/2013
DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed.
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6. FAR 119 - Certification: Air Carriers and Commercial Operators (14 CFR part 119).
7. FAR 121, 125, and 135 of Subpart B, Operating Requirements (14 CFR parts 121,
125, and 135).
8. FAR 133 - Rotorcraft External-Load Operations (14 CFR part 133).
9. FAR 137 - Agricultural Aircraft Operations (14 CFR part 137).
5703.4 - Helicopter Operations Policy
Forest Service helicopter operations must comply with the following interagency guides
(ordering information is in FSM 5706):
1. Interagency Helicopter Operations Guide (IHOG),
2. Interagency Aerial Ignition Guide,
3. Interagency Helicopter Rappel Guide,
4. Forest Service National Night Air Operations Plan.
5. Forest Service National Rappel Operations Guide (NROG).
6. National Law Enforcement and Investigations (LEI) Short-Haul and Hoist (S-H/H)
Guide, and
7. Interagency Helicopter Pilot Practical Test Standards.
All helicopter related Incident Command System (ICS) position qualifications are governed by
FSH 5709.16, FSH 5109.17, the Forest Service Fire and Aviation Qualifications Guide and the
Interagency Aviation Training Guide.
5703.5 - Fixed-Wing Operations Policy
Forest Service fixed-wing operations must comply with the following interagency guides
(ordering information is in FSM 5706):
1. Interagency Aerial Supervision Guide (IASG),
2. Interagency Airplane Pilot Practical Test Standards,
3. Interagency Single Engine Airtanker Guide (ISOG), and
4. Interagency Smokejumper Pilots Operations Guide (ISPOG).
WO AMENDMENT 5700-2013-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 11/20/2013
DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed.
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All fixed-wing related Incident Command System (ICS) position qualifications are governed by
FSH 5709.16, FSH 5109.17, the Forest Service Fire and Aviation Qualifications Guide and the
Interagency Aviation Training Guide.
5703.6 - Safety Management System Policy
Forest Service aviation planning and operations must utilize the Safety Management System
(SMS) approach to controlling risk. SMS is founded in the International Civil Aviation
Organization System Management Manual Doc 9859. Forest Service aviation SMS is defined in
the Forest Service Aviation Safety Management System Guide. The four components of SMS
policy, risk management, assurance, and promotion are essential pieces of a comprehensive
safety-oriented management system.
A Safety Management System must comprehensively examine the functions of the Forest
Service aviation operations to identify hazards and to analyze associated risks. The specific
functional components include:
1. Safety management,
2. Organization and personnel,
3. Training and proficiency,
4. Flight operations,
5. International operations (when applicable),
6. Aircraft equipment requirements,
7. Aircraft maintenance,
8. Operations policies and procedures,
9. Emergency accident/incident response,
10. Environmental management,
11. Occupational health and safety, and
12. Security.
WO AMENDMENT 5700-2013-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 11/20/2013
DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed.
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5703.7 - Manuals, Handbooks, and Guides
Aviation operations require regulations, manuals, guides, and checklists to execute and
coordinate operations in a safe and effective manner. Where the terms “shall” and “must” are
used in manuals, handbooks, or guides, compliance with those items is mandatory and not
discretionary (FSM 1110.8 – Exhibit 01 Degree of Compliance or Restriction in Directives).
These principles should guide employees; they are authoritative, but require employees to apply
their judgment in order to solve problems.
5704 - RESPONSIBILITY
5704.1 - Washington Office, Deputy Chief for State and Private Forestry
The Washington Office, Deputy Chief, State and Private Forestry is responsible to the Chief.
The Washington Office, Deputy Chief shall:
1. Provide direction, leader’s intent, and administration of Agency-wide aviation
management programs, policies, and procedures.
2. Advise the Chief of current aviation-related issues.
3. Formulate, coordinate, and implement broad policies for administration of the Agency
aviation program.
4. Approve or disapprove aviation policies, aviation regulations, and deviations from
policy in non-emergency situations proposed by the Director, Fire and Aviation
Management.
5. Approve project aviation safety plans for national-sponsored fire, non-fire, testing, and
equipment projects.
6. Approve or disapprove any new aviation programs.
7. Approve or disapprove any Forest Service aviation guides or interagency aviation
guides and all addendums/changes to these plans.
8. Approve the acquisition of any agency-owned aircraft.
Fire and aviation management responsibilities may be delegated to the Director, Fire and
Aviation Management.
WO AMENDMENT 5700-2013-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 11/20/2013
DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed.
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5704.2 - Washington Office, Director, Fire and Aviation Management
The Washington Office, Director, Fire and Aviation Management is responsible to the
Washington Office, Deputy Chief, State and Private Forestry. The Washington Office, Director,
Fire and Aviation Management shall:
1. Provide oversight to a national aviation program through leader’s intent and direction.
2. Provide liaison for aviation planning and program coordination with other Federal and
State government agencies and non-government organizations, when required.
3. Ensure appropriate financial management and support for Agency aviation program
and resources.
4. Approve all national safety and aviation management plans and addendums/ changes
to these plans.
5. Approve or disapprove equipment and procedures prior to operational testing and
operational use.
6. Initiate aviation activity reviews and follow-up (FSM 1410 and FSM 5719).
Responsibilities may be delegated to the Washington Office, Fire and Aviation Management
Deputy Directors and/or the Washington Office, Assistant Director, Aviation.
For further direction, see FSM 5719.04a and 5720.43.
5704.21 - Washington Office, Assistant Director, Aviation
The Washington Office, Assistant Director, Aviation, is responsible to the Washington Office,
Director of Fire and Aviation Management. The Washington Office, Assistant Director,
Aviation shall:
1. Serve as the Forest Service national aviation Program Manager.
2. Approve all national aviation operations plans and addendums/ changes to these plans.
3. Provide liaison for aviation planning and program coordination with other government
entities, including the Federal Aviation Administration, Department of Defense,
Department of the Interior, the Interagency Committee for Aviation Policy, National
Interagency Aviation Committee, and State Foresters.
4. Provide liaison with regional aviation programs through the Regional/ Area Aviation
Officers.
WO AMENDMENT 5700-2013-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 11/20/2013
DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed.
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5. Maintain a current National Aviation Safety and Management Plan.
6. Coordinate with the Washington Office Acquisition Management on all aircraft and
aviation services contracts and procurement, including provide service-wide technical
requirements and standards for aircraft services.
Responsibilities may be delegated to the Washington Office, Branch Chief, Aviation Operations
and Quality Assurance; Washington Office, Branch Chief, Aviation Business Operations;
Washington Office, Branch Chief, Pilot Standardization; (FSM 5704.22) and the Washington
Office, Branch Chief, Airworthiness and Quality Assurance (FSM 5704.23) for leadership and
management of the Forest Service aviation program, including coordination of aviation activities
and aviation security policies and procedures with other staffs, agencies, and groups. For
additional responsibilities, see FSM 5711.04b
5704.22 - Washington Office, Branch Chief, Aviation Operations and Quality
Assurance
The Washington Office, Branch Chief, Aviation Operations and Quality Assurance is
responsible to the Washington Office, Assistant Director, Aviation, for the management and
supervision of aviation operations and quality assurance. The Washington Office, Branch Chief,
Aviation Operations and Quality Assurance has the responsibility to:
1. Develop and maintain an aviation operations and quality assurance program.
2. Ensure program leadership, coordination, technical expertise, oversight, and support
for national aviation operations programs and supervise the Program Managers and
Aviation Technical Specialists.
3. Develop specific mission or aircraft operations plans to be reviewed and updated
annually.
4. Coordinate interagency cooperation and leadership to ensure compatible and
standardized aviation operations.
5704.23 - Washington Office, Branch Chief, Airworthiness and Quality Assurance
The Washington Office, Branch Chief, Airworthiness and Quality Assurance is responsible to
the Washington Office, Assistant Director, Aviation for the management and supervision of
airworthiness and quality assurance. The Washington Office, Branch Chief, Airworthiness and
Quality Assurance has the responsibility to:
WO AMENDMENT 5700-2013-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 11/20/2013
DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed.
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1. Develop and maintain an airworthiness and quality assurance program.
2. Ensure national program leadership, coordination, technical expertise, oversight, and
support for the national Aviation Airworthiness and Quality Assurance programs and
directly supervise the Aviation Technical Specialists.
3. Assist the regions with technical support, coordination, and oversight to ensure
standardization within the national aircraft fleet requirements.
4. Manage and coordinate the working capital fund for all agency-owned and -operated
aircraft.
5. Coordinate interagency cooperation and leadership to ensure compatible and
standardized aviation airworthiness and logistics.
5704.24 - Washington Office, Branch Chief, Pilot Standardization and Quality
Assurance
The Washington Office, Branch Chief, Pilot Standardization and Quality Assurance is
responsible to the Washington Office, Assistant Director, Aviation, for the management and
supervision of pilot standardization and quality assurance. The Washington Office, Branch
Chief, Pilot Standardization and Quality Assurance has the responsibility to:
1. Develop and maintain a pilot standardization and quality assurance program.
2. Ensure program leadership, coordination, technical expertise, oversight, and support
for national pilot standardization and supervise the fixed-wing and rotor-wing
standardization pilots and aircraft inspector pilots.
3. Approve or rescind Forest Service employee pilot qualifications and/or designations
for pilot, pilot instructor, check pilot or pilot inspector.
4. Assist the regions with technical support, coordination, and oversight to ensure
standardization within pilot requirements.
5. Coordinate interagency cooperation and leadership to ensure compatible pilot
standardization.
5704.25 - Washington Office, Branch Chief, Aviation Business Operations
The Washington Office, Branch Chief, Aviation Business Operations is responsible to the
Washington Office, Assistant Director, Aviation, for the management and supervision of aviation
business operations. The Washington Office, Branch Chief, Aviation Business Operations has
the responsibility to:
WO AMENDMENT 5700-2013-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 11/20/2013
DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed.
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1. Develop and maintain an aviation business operations program, including planning,
budget, and policy.
2. Ensure program management, coordination, oversight, and business operations
support for the national aviation program and supervise the aviation technical specialists.
3. Provide leadership, technical expertise, and coordination for the national aviation
program.
4. Coordinate interagency cooperation and leadership to ensure compatible and
standardized aviation planning and operations.
5704.26 - Washington Office, Aviation Strategic Planner
The Washington Office, aviation strategic planner is responsible to the Washington Office,
Assistant Director, Aviation for aviation strategic planning. The Washington Office, Aviation
Strategic Planner has the responsibility to:
1. Develop and maintain an aviation strategic plan.
2. Provide leadership, technical expertise, and coordination for the national aviation
program.
5704.27 - Washington Office, Assistant Director, Risk Management
The Washington Office, Assistant Director, Risk Management, is responsible to the Washington
Office, Director of Fire and Aviation Management. The Washington Office, Assistant Director,
Risk Management shall develop and administer a national aviation safety program.
5704.28 - Washington Office, Branch Chief, Aviation Safety Management Systems
The Washington Office, Branch Chief, Aviation Safety Management Systems is responsible to
the Washington Office, Assistant Director, Risk Management for the management and
supervision of aviation safety management systems program. The Washington Office, Branch
Chief, Aviation Safety Management Systems has the responsibility to:
1. Develop and maintain an aviation safety management systems program.
2. Ensure program leadership, coordination, technical expertise, oversight, and support
for the national aviation safety management system program and supervise the aviation
safety specialist.
3. Coordinate interagency cooperation and leadership to ensure compatible and
standardized aviation operations.
WO AMENDMENT 5700-2013-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 11/20/2013
DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed.
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5704.3 - Regional Foresters
It is the responsibility of each Regional Forester to establish an aviation program responsive to
regional and national needs that meets minimum standards set forth in Forest Service aviation
policy and to:
1. Provide appropriate regional supplementation to the National Aviation Safety and
Management Plan.
2. Provide technical aviation assistance to the Forests, Stations, Area, States, and other
cooperators.
3. Ensure appropriate financial management of the aviation program and resources.
4. Provide cost-effective management of Working Capital Fund (WCF) aircraft assigned
to the Region.
5. Make personnel available to effectively and safely manage the regional aviation
program, including a full-time Regional Aviation Officer and a Regional Aviation Safety
Manager.
6. Provide aviation management assistance to States through the Cooperative Fire
Protection Program, including aircraft acquisition and support utilizing the Federal
Excess Personal Property (FEPP) program.
5704.31 - Regional/ Area Aviation Officers
1. Regional and Area aviation officers are responsible for directing and managing
regional and Area aviation programs in accordance with all applicable directives
including Federal Aviation Regulations and Forest Service aviation policy. These
responsibilities include:
2. Ensuring that Regional/Area and Forest/Station plans are supplemented and updated
annually to ensure compliance with the current National Aviation Safety and
Management Plan.
3. Reviewing Project Aviation Safety Plans and Forest Aviation Plans, including cost
comparisons, risk assessment, and job hazard analyses.
4. Ensuring compliance with Forest Service aviation policy.
5. Conducting safety and quality assurance evaluations of aviation operations.
6. Coordinating with the Regional/Area Aviation Safety Manager on aviation safety and
accident prevention matters.
WO AMENDMENT 5700-2013-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 11/20/2013
DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed.
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7. Maintaining coordination with Forest/Unit Aviation Officers on forest/unit aviation
matters.
For additional responsibilities, see FSH 5709.16, chapter 10.42b.
5704.32 - Regional/Area Aviation Safety Managers
5704.4 - Station Directors
Each Station Director is responsible for designating a Station Aviation Officer.
5704.5 - Northeastern Area, State and Private Forestry, Director
It is the responsibility of the Northeastern Area, State and Private Forestry, Director to:
1. Provide aviation management assistance and support to State Foresters and
Cooperators.
2. Designate an Area Aviation Officer, with duties and responsibilities equivalent to a
Regional Aviation Officer as outlined in FSM 5704.31 and FSH 5709.16, chapter 10.42b.
5704.51 - Northeastern Area, State and Private Forestry, Aviation Officer
See FSM 5704.31 for Northeastern Area Aviation Officer responsibilities.
5704.52 - Northeastern Area, State and Private Forestry, Aviation Safety Manager
See FSM 5720.48d for Northeastern Area Aviation Safety Manager responsibilities.
5704.6 - Forest Supervisors
It is the responsibility of each Forest Supervisor to:
1. Establish, administer, and manage national aviation resources assigned to the forest
and oversee an aviation program responsive to the forest's needs in accordance with
current direction.
2. Supplement the Aviation Management Plan as appropriate.
3. Ensure that projects and activities involving the use of aircraft are planned in advance
by qualified personnel.
4. Designate Forest Aviation Officers (FSH 5709.16).
WO AMENDMENT 5700-2013-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 11/20/2013
DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed.
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5. Approve all aviation operations on the Forest in advance of commencing operations.
With the exception of Aviation Plans or related documents requiring Line Officer
approval, this authority may be delegated. (See 5711.04)
5704.61 - Forest Aviation Officers
Forest Aviation Officers shall meet the Aviation Manager qualifications in the Interagency
Aviation Training Guide.
Forest Aviation Officers are responsible for aviation activities at the forest level including
responsibility to:
1. Oversee aviation mission planning, operations, and risk assessment.
2. Ensure compliance with aviation management, safety policies, and procedures.
3. Provide input and follow-up to SAFECOMS involving aviation operations on the
Forest.
4. Conduct periodic safety evaluations of aviation operations.
5. Evaluate aircraft effectiveness, including cost and utilization.
6. Administer helicopter and fixed wing contracts and other aviation support contracts.
7. Ensure that all Forest Aviation Plans and Project Aviation Safety Plans are
supplemented, updated annually, reviewed, and approved at the appropriate management
level.
8. Coordinate with Regional Office aviation management as necessary.
9. Coordinate Forest aviation training.
5704.7 - Pilots
Pilots employed by and contracted by the Forest Service have the responsibility to:
1. Ensure safe accomplishment of the mission.
2. Maintain a current FAA Medical Certificate appropriate for the flight operation as
defined in 14 CFR Part 61.
3. Maintain flight proficiency and mission currency in accordance with applicable
Federal Aviation Regulations, interagency guides (FSM 5706), and Forest Service
manuals and handbooks.
WO AMENDMENT 5700-2013-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 11/20/2013
DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed.
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4. Brief passengers on operational and emergency procedures.
5. Cancel, postpone, or change flights when existing or impending conditions make those
flights unsafe. The decision of the pilot-in-command is final.
6. Follow fire and aviation administrative policy and direction on cost efficiency and
effectiveness.
7. Follow Federal Aviation Administration flight following protocols and flight
management procedures in FSM 5700, FSH 5709.16, and in the National Interagency
Mobilization Guide referenced in section 5706.
8. Complete and maintain all required records and reports referenced in FSM 5700 and
FSH 5709.16 and in accordance with FSH 6209.11, Records Management Handbook.
5704.8 - Aviation Maintenance Personnel
Aviation maintenance personnel employed by and contracted by the Forest Service have the
responsibility to:
1. Provide safe equipment to meet mission goals.
2. Maintain proficiency in their respective fields in accordance with applicable Federal
Aviation Regulations, interagency guides (FSM 5706), and Forest Service Manuals and
Handbooks.
3. Brief pilots and other appropriate personnel on maintenance and avionics issues
affecting safety and equipment.
5704.9 - Forest Service Employees
Forest Service employees shall fly only in approved government (refer to Government Aircraft
definition in FSM 5705) aircraft flown by an approved pilot(s). Approvals are specified in
FSM 5703.1, 5712.3, 5712.4 and 5713.4.
Employees are empowered and expected to manage the risks of aviation operations, and make
reasonable and prudent decisions to accomplish the mission. Employees shall use an operational
risk management process to evaluate the risk and hazards prior to every flight. Individuals will
be held accountable for their decisions, which should be based on policy, principles, training,
experience, and the given situation.
Forest Service employees have the responsibility to immediately report to the appropriate official
any instances of unsafe equipment or aviation operations (FSM 5723.1 and 5720.46).
WO AMENDMENT 5700-2013-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 11/20/2013
DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed.
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The policy in FSM 5704.9 does not apply to Forest Service employees using commercial airline
service scheduled through GovTrip or the current U.S. Department of Agriculture travel service
for Federal Government agency official travel.
5705 - DEFINITIONS
See 5710.5 and 5720.5 for additional definitions.
Aviation Operations. Any activity involving the use of aircraft.
Civil Aircraft. Aircraft other than public aircraft (FAR 1.1).
Contract Aviation Services. Aviation activities involving the use of contract aircraft and
flight crews certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and approved by the
agency for specific missions.
Commercial Airline Service/ Airline Aircraft. A business providing a system of
scheduled air transportation which is subject to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
certification and oversight. Government aircraft as defined below are not commercial
airline service or aircraft.
Cooperator. A State or local government agency that has agreed in advance to perform
specified services and has been properly instructed to give such service. An agency
supplying assistance, including, but not limited to direct tactical or support functions or
resources.
FARs - Federal Aviation Regulations required by the Federal Aviation Administration.
Fire Fighting Missions. Aviation operations involving the use of either working capital
fund (WCF) aircraft or contract aviation services to perform specific firefighting missions
such as leadplane, air tactical, smokejumper/paracargo, reconnaissance, or survey.
Government Aircraft. Any aircraft owned, leased, contracted, rented or chartered, and used
by a Federal Government agency. Commercial airline aircraft operating on their scheduled
routes are not Government aircraft.
Line Officer. Managing officer or designee of the agency, division thereof, or jurisdiction
having statutory responsibility for incident mitigation and management.
Mission Flight. An ordered incident or project flight conducted for the express purpose
of performing, or directly supporting, an agency or resource management related task or
tactical job, for example: fire suppression, fire detection, reconnaissance, aerial survey,
mapping, or transportation of personnel and/or cargo for anything other than
administrative purposes. Pilots and aircraft shall be approved for the specific mission.
WO AMENDMENT 5700-2013-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 11/20/2013
DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed.
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Mission flights do not include official travel to give speeches, to attend conferences or
meetings, or make routine site visits (OMB A-126) which are defined as Administrative
Use flights.
Operational Control. With respect to a flight, the exercise of authority over initiating,
conducting, or terminating a flight.
Point-to-Point Operations (PTP). A flight that originates at one FAA-designated airport,
seaplane base, or permanent helibase (identified in the FAA Airport/Facilities Directory
or FAA Sectional Aeronautical Charts), with flight route to another FAA-designated
airport, seaplane base, or permanent helibase. The flight is conducted for the
transportation of persons or cargo for administrative purposes only. A Point-to-Point
flight is conducted higher than 500 feet above ground level (AGL), except for takeoff and
landing. Any flight deviations for the purpose of conducting mission-related tasks must
require the flight be reclassified as a Mission Flight. These types of flights are typically
referred to as administrative use of aircraft flights, which require the aircraft and pilot be
approved for Point-to-Point flight.
Official travel by employee pilots not employed as pilots using privately owned aircraft is
considered point to point operations. See also FSM 5712.36.
Public Aircraft Operation. Limited by the statute (49 U.S.C 40102 and 49 U.S.C 40125)
to certain government operations within U.S. airspace. Although these operations must
comply with certain general operating rules (including those applicable to all aircraft in
the National Airspace System), other civil certification and safety oversight regulations
do not apply. Whether an operation may be considered public is determined on a flightby-flight basis, under the terms of the statute and considers aircraft ownership, operator,
the purpose of the flight and the persons on board the aircraft. Comprehensive
definitions can be found in Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 1.1 and 49 CFR
part 830.2.
Quality Assurance. The process of verifying or determining whether products or services
meet or exceed customer expectations. Quality management includes planning and
checking standards while quality controls are specific standards that mitigate risk.
Safety Management System (SMS). The formal, top-down, business-like approach to
managing safety risk. It includes systematic procedures, practices, and policies for the
management of safety (as described in this document it includes the four pillars: safety
risk management, safety policy, safety assurance, and safety promotion).
Special Mission Flights. Non-routine flights utilizing aircraft to perform missions which
may require only crewmembers, special training, qualifications and/or equipment.
Examples of Special Missions include but are not limited to: dropping retardant or water,
aerial supervision, low-level flight below 500 feet, mountain flying, reconnaissance,
WO AMENDMENT 5700-2013-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 11/20/2013
DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed.
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survey, aerial photo, night vision goggle, night tactical missions, all external loads,
smokejumper and cargo delivery, back country airfield operations and water landings.
Special Mission flights do not include point-to-point flights for the transportation of
passengers and cargo.
Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS). An aircraft used or intended to be used for flight in
the air that has no onboard pilot. This includes all classes of airplanes, helicopters,
airships and translational lift aircraft with control over 3 axes (FAA Interim Operational
Approval Guidance 08-01- Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations in the U.S. National
Airspace System). In addition to the actual aircraft, a UAS also consists of the Ground
Control Station. Forest Service UAS operations will comply with FAA policy and/or
regulations applicable to UAS flight operations.
Working Capital Fund (WCF). A revolving-type fund established for the Forest Service
by the WCF act of August 3, 1956 (16 U.S.C. 579b) that allows the agency to purchase
and maintain goods and services on a break-even basis (FSH 6509.11f).
5706 - REFERENCES
The following documents are available from the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC), Attn:
Great Basin Cache, 3833 S. Development Ave., Boise, ID 83705-5354 or U.S. Forest Service,
Aviation Staff:
1. Aircraft Inspection Guide.
2. Aviation Risk Management Workbook.
3. Aviation Safety Management Systems Guide.
4. Cooperator Aircraft and Pilot Approval Guide for Interagency Fire.
5. Department of Agriculture Property Management Regulation, Chapter 110 - 33
Aircraft Management.
6. Forest Service Accident Investigation Guide.
7. Forest Service Aviation Management Review and Quality Assurance Guide.
8. Forest Service Fire & Aviation Qualifications Guide.
9. Forest Service Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations Guide.
10. Forest Service National Night Air Operations Plan.
11. Forest Service National Rappel Operations Guide (NROG).
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EFFECTIVE DATE: 11/20/2013
DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed.
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12. Helicopter Flight Evaluation Guide (HFEG).
13. Interagency Aerial Ignition Guide (IAIG).
14. Interagency Aerial Supervision Guide (IASG).
15. Interagency Airplane Pilot Practical Test Standards.
16. Interagency Airspace Coordination Guide.
17. Interagency Airtanker Base Operations Guide (IABOG).
18. Interagency Aviation Life Support Equipment Guide.
19. Interagency Aviation Mishap Response Guide and Checklist.
20. Interagency Aviation Training Guide (IAT).
21. Interagency Aviation Transport of Hazardous Materials Guide.
22. Interagency Helicopter Operations Guide (IHOG).
23. Interagency Helicopter Pilot Practical Test Standards.
24. Interagency Helicopter Rappel Guide (IHRG).
25. Interagency Single-Engine Airtanker Operations Guide (ISOG).
26. Interagency Smokejumper Operations Guide (ISMOG).
27. Interagency Smokejumper Pilots Operations Guide (ISPOG).
28. Interagency Standards for Fire and Aviation Operations (“annual revision”).
29. National Association of State Foresters (NASF) Cooperators Aviation Standards for
Interagency Fire.
30. National Aviation Safety and Management Plan.
31. National Interagency Mobilization Guide (“annual revision”).
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DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed.
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32. National Law Enforcement and Investigations (LEI) Short-Haul and Hoist (S-H/H)
Guide.
33. Special Mission Airworthiness Assurance Guide.
34. Working Capital Fund Aircraft User Guide.
5709 - HANDBOOKS
5709.16 - Flight Operations Handbook
This handbook contains procedures for pilot hiring and promotion; general requirements for
flight training and proficiency records; direction for airplane type training, inspector pilot
training, and leadplane pilot qualifications; instructions for Forest Service flight operations,
procedures, program standards and maintenance inspections, equipment checks, and record
keeping and reports; airplane contract specifications, direction, administrative forms, and
records; and procedures for pilot training and authorization, airplane inspection and approval, use
planning, and operational requirements of Forest Service missions.