Page 8 - SVHS Ops Plan 2017_18

6. HELICOPTER FLIGHT OPERATIONS
Flight Operations Overview
A firm contracted by SVHS provides helicopters. For 2016/17 the helicopter provider is Reeder Flying Service, FAA Certificate number HNQL758E. The flying service will provide pilots, fuel trucks, and aircraft equipped with an approved ski carrier device, programmable air to ground radio, and snow skids maintained in top condition. All flight operations will be conducted in compliance with FAA 135 regulations. Adequate liability coverage will be provided by the helicopter company for all helicopter flight operations. The SVHS helicopter operations base is located at the Sun Valley Gun Club.
Pilot Responsibilities
The helicopter pilot is in charge of the helicopter, the helicopter crew, its passengers and all decisions regarding flight safety actual helicopter flight operations. Compliance with regulations regarding any required emergency aircraft procedures, required radio communications, and required helicopter maintenance are the responsibility of the pilot and helicopter company. The helicopter pilot is responsible for checking current and forecasted flight weather daily. The lead guide consults with the pilot prior to deciding on the flight plan for the day. The pilot is responsible for monitoring and calculating load and fuel limitations in conjunction with the operations manager and/or lead guides. The final decision to fly and all other safety matters related to the helicopter are the responsibility of and at the authority of the pilot in charge of the aircraft.
Fuel/Dispatch Vehicle Operator Responsibilities
The SVHS Fuel/Dispatch Vehicle Operator’s primary responsibilities are to maintain communications with the guides and the helicopter, and continually track their locations and status. The operator maintains an accurate SVHS Radio/Event Log (see Appendix 1) at all times when the helicopter and groups in the field, tracking the helicopter and groups’ circuit and run locations. When the operator is unsure of a helicopter or groups location, he/she will request physical landmarks, peak names or elevations, coordinates or confirmation from another guide of their location. Finally, the Fuel/Dispatch Vehicle Operator is responsible for fueling the helicopter from the staging area. In the event of an emergency, the operator follows the SVHS Emergency Plan.
Before beginning operations for the day, the Fuel/Dispatch Vehicle Operator insures that the mobile radio, a portable radio with extra battery, a cell phone, and satellite phone are functioning. The operator checks to confirm that maps, copies of the SVHS Operations and Emergency Plan, and all required rescue equipment are on board. The operator also routinely checks the Fuel/ Dispatch vehicle to insure that fuel, lubricants, and fluid levels are full.
Flight Following
The SVHS Fuel/Dispatch Vehicle Operator conducts flight following operations primarily via radio, although satellite and/or cell phones may also be used. Additionally, a web-based GPS tracking system is used. To activate go to: https://apps3.trootrack.com/emstracker/login.php. The user ID is:
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P.O Box 978 Sun Valley, ID 83353
Phone: 208.622.3108 E: info@sunvalleyheliski.com W: sunvalleyheliski.com