# Appendix F. Helicopter Operations CDRP/DIRT UAS personnel may be requested to utilize a third-party owned/operated helicopter as transportation during disaster or incident deployments. Helicopter movement or transportation of CDRP/DIRT personnel shall only occur with the explicit approval of the deployed Team Leader as well as the Agency Having Jurisdiction or local command element. Freelancing helicopter transportation is strictly forbidden. Prior to helicopter movement or transportation of personnel ("movement"), the following information will be completed and transmitted to a CDRP/DIRT contact not involved in the movement: - Roster of personnel, including full name, DOB, and emergency contact information - List of equipment to be loaded onto the aircraft. - Plan of movement to include aircraft type(s), callsigns or tail numbers, and agency operating the aircraft. - The plan should include the location of departure, time of departure, estimated return time, and return location. - Designation of a person to be responsible for tracking aircraft movement and status. - This Helicopter Movement Point of Contact is responsible for knowing the status of the transported personnel, aircraft, and mission at all times. The POC is also responsible for assisting in developing contingency transportation plans should helicopter movement no longer be possible (especially the return flight). ## F.1 - Helicopter Operations Risk Assessment Each proposed helicopter movement should be evaluated as to the acceptable risk - Does this helicopter movement enhance the outcome of the mission? Is it necessary? - Is there a cheaper way to accomplish this mission? - Is there a safer way to accomplish this mission? - Is the proposed movement within safe weather minimums? - What agency/organization is operating the helicopter? CDRP/DIRT personnel **shall only** embark on helicopters or aircraft operated by a government (local/state/federal/tribal) agency that includes an aviation mission. This may include aircraft leased or contracted as part of a long-term contract or response. CDRP/DIRT personnel shall not embark on aircraft operated by a private citizen under FAA Part 91 rules. Examples: - CDRP/DIRT personnel may embark on aircraft operated by a DoD entity or auxiliary, such as active duty Army or Air Force (including National Guard components), and the Civil Air Patrol. - CDRP/DIRT personnel may embark on aircraft operated by a DHS entity, such as the U.S. Coast Guard or Customs and Border Protection. - CDRP/DIRT personnel may embark on aircraft operated by The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. - CDRP/DIRT personnel may embark on local law enforcement or firefighting aircraft as long as that aircraft and crew are part of a standing aviation program. - CDRP/DIRT personnel may NOT embark on aircraft operated by a private citizen flying volunteer supply missions to a barrier island. - CDRP/DIRT personnel may NOT embark on privately owned medical evacuation aircraft. These requirements apply only to disaster or incident operations and shall not apply to standard fare-based travel on commercial carriers (i.e. flying Delta to a deployment state). ## F.2 - Helicopter Operations Personnel Requirements CDRP/DIRT personnel shall have a completed awareness level training on safe Helicopter Operations, such as the Base Medical "Helicopter Operations for SAR Responders". Equivalent training may be approved by the CDRP/DIRT UAS Program Manager and must include the following topics: safety around helicopters, rotor/tail rotor dangers, embarking and disembarking, harness and restraint use, required safety equipment, crash procedures, landing zone operations awareness, risks to helicopter operations, and risk assessment. Base Medical Training Link: https://base-medical.thinkific.com/courses/helicopter-operations-for-sar-responders-1 Movement via helicopter is always on a volunteer basis. Team members may always declare "unable". Personnel participating in helicopter movement must: - Be sober and not under the influence of any legal or illegal substance. - Be in good general health. - Have completed awareness level helicopter safety course or equivalent experience - Be in full compliance with DIRT SOG and and CDRP/DIRT UAS SOG - in particular not in possession of weapons or unsafe equipment. - Have in their possession (and utilize as required) the required personnel equipment (section F.3). - Be logged into TAK for accountability and tracking. CDRP/DIRT personnel must be aware that ***return transportation via helicopter is not guaranteed***. They should be prepared to remain on site until alternate transportation can be arranged. ## F.3 - Required Personal Equipment DIRT personnel are required to have the following equipment before embarking on any aircraft in a deployment or incident situation. This list is in addition to [Section 4.14 Minimum Personal Equipment](../section-4-crewmembers/#414---minimum-personal-equipment) - NFPA-approved rescue helmet - Certified eye protection - Hearing protection (ear plugs or headset) - Copy of DIRT personnel roster - ID - Boots - Long pants and long sleeves - Issued DIRT VHF/UHF Radio - iTAK/ATAK device - Satellite communications capability (phone or puck) - Water - Food (24 hours) - First aid kit Helmets and eye protection must be worn (and secured) when near a helicopter on the ground, and at all times on board. Hearing protection is strongly encouraged while on board. ## F.4 - Transporting Equipment All equipment transported as part of a helicopter movement must be cased/packed, preferably in a hard 'pelican' style case. Any cases or bags should have straps secured to minimize flapping, etc. All equipment should be stowed aboard the helicopter as directed by the crew. DIRT personnel should be aware of transporting hazardous materials, including lithium batteries, fuel, compressed air/gas, and flammable material. Lithium batteries may not be transported 'loose' or unsecured in pockets, packs, etc. All transported lithium batteries must be secured in dedicated hard cases to minimize the chance of battery damage or short circuits. Flight crews must be notified of hazardous materials being transported. DIRT personnel should be aware of the location and operation of fire extinguishers aboard the helicopter. DIRT personnel are secondary responders to the flight crew. Only attempt to operate fire extinguishers if or when the flight crew is unable to respond.