PNWCG Aviation Working Team Meeting Notes
Portland Oregon
11-14-2006, 0800-1400
Attendees
Clay Hillin, Steve Smith, Brad Bernardy, Chris Hice, Jon Rollens, Gary Sterling, Jim Ziobro,
Rodger Spalding, Scott Dewitz, Ted Stevens.
Review of last meeting; discussed topics:
Communication issues, same old problems, review of Scott’s map and proposed allocation for
the air-to-ground frequencies. Proposal from Clay to work through administers to acquire
approval to pre-program secondary and tertiary FM air-to-ground frequencies. Scott Dewitz to
develop proposal. Brad Bernardy to send proposed R6 map to John Moulder. R6 procedure to
verify the Aviation Communication guide frequency information will be for Gary Attebarry to
call each center manager, for each unit.
Note; The lack of a secondary air-to-ground frequency is not an aviation issue, but a fire
operations issue. The lack of a secondary pre-programmed air-to-ground frequency in mobile
radios does not affect the safety-of-flight, but does affect ground personnel if aircrews do not
have the ability to convey pertinent fire behavior information in a timely fashion to ground
forces due to the single air-to-ground being inadequate for multiple incidents.
The utilization of State airports for fire operations. Proposed charges for utilization of airports
during fire season discussed. A flat fee was discussed.
Current Issues; Fire Season 2006:
Possible use of State airtankers on federal fires without the prerequisite prior approval from a
line officer and RAO/SAM. Process needs to be followed. Major ramifications if something
occurs and approvals are not in place.
FEPP aircraft. Proposal made to include procedures-for-use in the operating plan.
Military aircraft utilization discussed. Ops Plan Smokey needs to be updated.
“Who-is-paying” issue discussed. DM’s indicate payment not a determining factor for DOI ops.
Discussion to explore how this determination could affect all agency operations.
STAT team issues. Interagency operations that are not following IHOG standards. STAT Team
will provide report to agency lead to help correct deficiencies.
Aerial Supervision/Air Attack issues. Helicopter utilization as an ATGS platform, some getting
too involved at low levels. (Discipline issue, not platform) This has occurred on fed fires. This
can occur with ASM platform’s also, due to the fact that they can operate below 500’. Suggested
considering following standard procedures for all incidents and all agencies so that aerial
resources that are used to a standard altitude for aerial supervision platforms know where to find
the platform, consistently. Suggestion for more use of Helicopter Coordinator’s to split
responsibilities. Not an agency specific issue, but a procedures issue (comfort level with pilot’s
also) within the “FTA” concept which is standard for most agencies.
Cost containment. Possible new direction concerning escaped fires.
Good cooperation between agencies. Good movement of aviation assets. Need to continue.
CL 215. Good asset. Look forward to continued use.
ATGS Master List Proposal
Scott presented a proposal to optimize the use of ATGS personnel.
Program Of work
Update operating plans to include FFEP aircraft,
Tracking aviation resources and providing the information to the organizations. ROSS has this
data. (discuss with Ken Snell, ideas for inclusion with other resources.)
OPS Plan Smokey update.
R6 frequency guide, Dewitz proposal.
ATGS proposal, priority list of personnel (qualified and trainees) for assignments.
Dates for meetings
January 16th @ the Coordination Center
May 1st
July 17th,
Oct 16th
Agency Updates
ODF
ODF question associated with airtankers.
AMD
Updating military MOU/approval letters. COR/inspector issue being addressed. Pilot Mountain
flying skills being looked at. 5 year review process in place. DM’s updated, in for signature.
BIA
Fatigue issues contributed to minor accidents. BIA will contract for fire services. Last meeting
for Ted.
USFS
Competitive sourcing major issue. Rollens helping to present the final paper to the chief. FS
acquired 3 P3’s. Very safe summer overall.
Fish and Wildlife
SEAT T414 at Richland worked well. Plan on using in 07.
Park Service
Look at GSA aircraft management web site. Good reference site. Make sure that accident
accurate information is transferred to appropriate personnel in a timely fashion. Accomplishing
on-line training.
Safety Issues- Gary Sterling
One helicopter accident, blade strike during longline operation. Discussion associated with the
incident. OIG safety audit.
Jim Ziobro to be the AWT chair person starting in January.
End meeting.