Page 9 - SVHS Ops Plan 2017_18

svheliski. The password is: powdersnow. Dispatch and flight following operations take place either from the staging area or from SVHS Headquarters.
For day helicopter operations guides and/or pilot will check in with SVHS Fuel/Dispatch Vehicle Operator from first landing site, when ski circuits change, and every hour throughout the day. Check-ins may occur more frequently and the SVHS Fuel/Dispatch Vehicle Operator will record time, guide/pilot name, and location in the SVHS Radio/Event Log.
If the pilot and/or guides in the field are 15 minutes late for a scheduled hourly check-in the SVHS Fuel/Dispatch Vehicle Operator should attempt to make contact via radio and/or get a location update via GPS tracking. If the aircraft is 30 minutes late and no contact has been established the SVHS Fuel/Dispatch Vehicle Operator needs to initiate procedures for a Level 2 Emergency (see the SVHS Emergency Plan).
Landing/ Pickup Zones/Stake Recovery
In the field, drop off points should be referred to as L.Z.’s (Landing Zones) and pickup points as P.Z.’s (Pickup Zones) to avoid confusion during radio communications. Landing stakes are placed at all P.Z.’s for and wind direction indicator. It is the helicopter pilot’s responsibility to do a visual scan of the selected landing area, insuring that it is acceptable and clear for landing. SVHS will secure landing and pickup zones adjacent to publicly accessed roads. Finally, SVHS will make an effort to remove landing stakes after the end of the operating season.
Depth of snow and gradual growth of trees at helicopter landing zones can present a hazard to different types of aircraft. If the staff feels a need to improve a landing zone by removing trees, pictures will be taken and a plan formulated. The Forest Service will then be contacted and permission sought prior to the work. If necessary, rehabilitation of the site will take place when the snow melts.
Helicopter Fueling Procedures
1. All refueling and fuel storage sites will be located outside of the Riparian Habitat Conservation Areas (RHCAs, as defined in USDA-FS 1995, and USDA-FS and USDI-BLM 1995) of all lakes, ponds, wetlands, and perennial and intermittent streams. Any exceptions would be at the discretion of the District Ranger and based on the report of the fisheries or hydrology specialist.
2. All current refueling and fuel storage sites have been inspected by a Forest Service fishery biologist or hydrologist to determine the potential for spilled fuel and other contaminants to affect aquatic organisms and Forest Plan Riparian Management Objectives.
3. Site-specific plans have been developed by SVHS for all refueling and fuel storage sites and approved by the District Ranger. The plans include a map showing the location of the 1) helicopter landing/fueling area and 2) fuel truck/tank. These features are mapped in relation to streams and other potential conveyance features for fuel leaks or spills. An avoidance/action plan will also be included at each site that lists the materials/equipment and procedures that need to be taken during fueling and in the event of a leak or spill (see Spill Prevention and Emergency Action Plan). In addition, all fuel vehicles will have spill absorption/containment materials on hand as described in item 6. The plans will be readily available on the fuel truck and filed at SVHS Headquarters and the USFS Ketchum Ranger District Office.
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P.O Box 978 Sun Valley, ID 83353
Phone: 208.622.3108 E: info@sunvalleyheliski.com W: sunvalleyheliski.com