PNW AWT Meeting Notes
Date: 01-16-2008
Location: Goat Rocks Room, Gifford Pinchot NF Supervisors office
Attendees
ODF; Jim Ziobro
USFWS:
WADNR: Dave Doan
AMD: Steve Smith-Absent
Guest: Ken Snell – PNWCG
Steering Committee Rep.Absent due to conflict
NPS: Clay Hillin
USFS: Jon Rollens
USFS: Gary Sterling
NIFC:
BIA:.
BLM: Brad Bernardy
BLM:
USFWS: Bruce B.
Topic: Reviewed minutes from 10-16-08 Meeting
Discussion: There was a re-discussion of the Federal Approval process for Cooperator aircraft.
We discussed the Briefing Paper drawn up by the USFS R-6, which recommends the
development of an approval process that is with in the policies of All AWT members.
Decision: The group will decide on applicable standards with the USFS and AMD at the next
AWT meeting.
Tasks:
Topic: NIAC(National Interagency Aviation Council) Report
Discussion: Jim Z. outlined the latest contents of the Phase III Interagency Aviation Strategy.
The Federal leadership had decided to only go forward to congress with the Large Airtanker
Portion of the strategy. The AWT expressed the need for the Aerial Supervision portion of the
strategy. To go forward also since it is integrally linked to the LAT portion.
The minutes from the NIAC conference call of Jan. 11, 2008. Some topic being worked on bu
NIAC are: 2008 Aerial Supervision Guide update; BLM SEAT Procurement; Air Tanker
Board dealing with CL-215 issues.; 40 CFR Part 112 Secondary Fuel Containment
requirements. Canadian Air Tanker Approvals.
Decision:
Tasks:
Topic: Draft PNW SEAT Operation Plan Proposal
Discussion: A proposal for a PNW SEAT Operations Plan was put forward by Greg Loper.
USFS. The RAG group is looking over the plan to see if it is feasible. The plan my duplicate
was is already available in other documents. The jury is still out, more to follow.
Decision:
Tasks:
Topic: Agency Updates
Discussion: USFS- the lead plane contract has been extended for 2008 so R6 will have 3 lead
planes. There is an outreach for a RAG pilot. David Heyet is the new maintenance Manager for
RAG ands is doing a great job.
-ATGS Program has made real progress since Scott took over., There will be 4 ATGS Platforms
in R6 for 2008, but as of yet ATGS is still a problem. There are three UAO/ATGS positions
open, Wenatchee, Prineville and Lakeview. There may be some consolidation of aerial
firefighter delivery assets, due to the AFD study.
-Large Air Tanker contract has closed for bids, and awards should be made if February for up to
25 aircraft.
-The is going to be a Firefighting forum for contractors in Redmond on Jan 23.
-There are two big helicopter contracts open at this time and should be awarded around June.
-The will be a type III helicopter in central Oregon and in Grants Pass for 08, 4 MAFFSII units
available.
USF&W-there will be one Turbo Thrush in Richland.
BLM-Brad will be staying in R6 for this fire Season. The budget is stable. Kevin Hamilton is the
new National Aviation Officer, and Brad Gibbs is the Asst.
BLM Aircraft flew approximately 31,000 hours for a cost of $67,000,000. with an accident rate
of 3.19/1000 flying hours.
-Aircraft for 2008, Type II helicopter in Lakeview, Type III helicopters in Burns and Vail. @
SEATS in Lakeview and 1 in Burns.
WDNR- will have 6 Type II helicopters available. WDNR is not renewing the contract with the
PBY this year. They are looking at possible contracting for a CL-215 for a 60 day contract.
NPS-Fire Review of the Tolo Fire near Stakegan, WA. Susie Bates is the National Aviation
Director.
ODF-For 2008 ODF will have 2 DC-7 Type I Airtankers, the State of Alaska ASM, Three Type
II helicopters and one Type I Helicopter. Helicopters will be positioned in Pendleton, John Day,
Klamath Falls, and Grants Pass. ODF is looking into better management of the aircraft for 08 as
well as more efficient ways to track aircraft use.
Decision:
Tasks:
Topic: Oregon National Guard (ONG)
Discussion: Due to the increased mission tempo being put on the ONG, they are scrutinizing
more than ever before how they are being used. When the ONG are needed it takes a
Declaration of Emergency From the Governor. The [personnel are then called away from their
jobs and family for emergency service. If the ONG are called up they MUST be used. Having
the ONG called up to stand by at a Helibase in not acceptable. If they are not flying they will be
demobilized. The AWT will put together a Briefing paper on how to use the ONG for the 2008
season. This will help aviation managers better utilize the ONG’s services. ONG will be invited
to a future AWT meeting to clarify their position on use. Jim Z. will prepare the ONG Briefing
Paper for the AWT.
Decision:
Tasks:
Topic: DRAFT Proposal for Privately Contracted Helicopters during a TFR
Discussion: There is a proposal being circulated by a helicopter company that details the use of
privately contracted aircraft by home and land owners. This is going to be an issue in the future.
More to follow.
Decision:
Tasks:
Topic: OPEN FORUM
Discussion: SORO is putting together a plan of work. There are several aviation issues. There is
a review to try to determine if Airtankers and retardant are being use correctly. tactical reasons
vs. political reason. Initial attack vs. extended attack on large fires. More to follow.
Decision:
Tasks:
JON ROLLENS is the 2008 Chairman
Next meeting date for April meeting will be announced.