Firebombing Procedures Manual

2.2. Airtanker Crew Responsibilities ............................................................................................................................... 11 2.3. Preparing for Operations.......................................................................................................................................... 12 2.4. Import Airtanker Groups .......................................................................................................................................... 12 2.5. Airtanker Group or Air Attack Officer Export ........................................................................................................... 12 3. BRIEFINGS ................................................................................................................................................................. 13 3.1. Initial Basing and/or Re-positioning Briefings .......................................................................................................... 13 3.2. Daily Briefings ........................................................................................................................................................... 13 3.3. After Action Reviews ................................................................................................................................................ 14 4. AIRTANKER POSITIONING AND ALERTS ..................................................................................................................... 15 4.1. Airtanker Group positioning ..................................................................................................................................... 15 4.2. Day-basing ................................................................................................................................................................ 15 4.3. Base Change ............................................................................................................................................................. 15 4.4. Daily Alberta Airtanker Alerts ................................................................................................................................... 15 4.5. Alberta Airtanker Alert Statuses............................................................................................................................... 16 5. AIRTANKER GROUP DUTY DAY AND FLIGHT LIMITATIONS ........................................................................................ 16 5.1. Pilot Duty Day ........................................................................................................................................................... 16 5.2. Mandatory Rest Periods ........................................................................................................................................... 16 5.3. Daily Maximum Flight Hours – Initial Attack Fires .................................................................................................... 17 5.4. Daily Maximum Flight Hours – Support Action Fires ................................................................................................ 17 5.5. Time Free from Duty ................................................................................................................................................ 17 5.6. Grounding Times ...................................................................................................................................................... 17 5.7. Weather and Notice to Airmen – NOTAM................................................................................................................ 17 6. AIRCRAFT AND CREW READINESS/PREPAREDNESS ................................................................................................... 18 6.1. Aircraft Maintenance ............................................................................................................................................... 18 6.2. Aircraft Pre-flight ...................................................................................................................................................... 18 6.3. Air Attack Officer Preparedness ............................................................................................................................... 18 6.4. Airtanker Group and Airtanker Base Proficiency Practices ...................................................................................... 19 6.5. Birddog Familiarization Flights ................................................................................................................................. 20 7. DISPATCHING PROCEDURES ...................................................................................................................................... 20 7.1. Dispatch Information................................................................................................................................................ 21 7.2. Sustained Action Airtanker Dispatches .................................................................................................................... 22 7.3. Mutual Aid Dispatches (outside the Forest Protection Area) ................................................................................... 22 7.4. Loading ..................................................................................................................................................................... 22 7.5. Recording Roll Times ................................................................................................................................................ 23 7.6. Walk Around/Altimeter Setting/FLIR........................................................................................................................ 23 6 Classification: Protected A 8. ENROUTE................................................................................................................................................................... 24 8.1. Departure ................................................................................................................................................................. 24 8.2. Airtanker Communication ........................................................................................................................................ 24 8.3. Flight Following ........................................................................................................................................................ 24 8.4. Standard Airmanship - Cruising Altitudes ................................................................................................................ 25 8.5. Cold Lake Air Weapons Range (CLAWR) ................................................................................................................... 25 8.6. Class F Airspace Clearance Procedures .................................................................................................................... 26 8.6.1. Approaching Class F Airspace with No Known Aircraft at the Wildfire ........................................................... 26 8.6.2. Approaching Class F Airspace with No Airspace Manager ............................................................................... 27 8.6.3. Approaching Class F Airspace with an Airspace Manager ............................................................................... 27 9. AIR ATTACK PLANNING ............................................................................................................................................. 28 9.1. Birddog Arrival over the Fire .................................................................................................................................... 28 9.2. Airtanker Operations without Birddog Supervision ................................................................................................. 29 9.3. Air Attack Plans ........................................................................................................................................................ 29 9.3.1. Birddog Team Responsibilities ......................................................................................................................... 30 9.4. Risk Management / Decision Making ....................................................................................................................... 30 9.5. Assessing the Runs ................................................................................................................................................... 31 9.5.1. Feasibility of Approaches ................................................................................................................................. 31 9.5.2. Feasibility of Exits ............................................................................................................................................ 32 9.5.3. Target Altitude ................................................................................................................................................. 32 9.5.4. Hazards ............................................................................................................................................................ 32 9.6. Firebombing Circuit .................................................................................................................................................. 32 10. AIRSPACE MANAGEMENT ..................................................................................................................................... 33 10.1. Incident Airspace Management ........................................................................................................................... 33 10.2. Air Advisory Frequencies – VHF-AM .................................................................................................................... 34 10.3. General Airtanker Group Airspace Communication Procedures ......................................................................... 34 10.4. Single Airtanker Group Airspace Communication Procedures ............................................................................ 35 10.5. Multiple Airtanker Group Airspace Management Procedures ............................................................................ 35 10.6. Establishment of an Altimeter Setting ................................................................................................................. 35 10.7. Flight Priorities ..................................................................................................................................................... 36 10.8. Assigned Altitudes within the Fire Traffic Area .................................................................................................... 36 10.9. Integrated Helicopter Coordinator (HLCO) Operations ....................................................................................... 36 10.10. Managing Helicopters within the Fire Traffic Area .............................................................................................. 37 10.11. Loss of Communications ...................................................................................................................................... 37 10.11.1. Before Entering the Fire Traffic Area ........................................................................................................... 37 10.11.2. After Receiving Clearance into the Fire Traffic Area, Prior to Entering the Stack ....................................... 37 10.11.3. After the Overhead Call and/or Established in the Stack Before Becoming Working Tanker (not number 1 tanker) 38 10.11.4. Once the Working Tanker (number 1) and at Any Time During the Run ..................................................... 38 10.11.5. After Receiving Exit Instructions .................................................................................................................. 38 10.11.6. Skimmer Aircraft ......................................................................................................................................... 38 11. STACKING PROCEDURES FOR RETARDANT AIRTANKERS ....................................................................................... 38 11.1. Aircraft Separation – Birddog and the Working Airtanker ................................................................................... 39 11.2. Stacking Procedures ............................................................................................................................................. 41 11.3. Stack Deconstruction – Dispersal of Aircraft from the Fire Traffic Area .............................................................. 43 11.4. Horizontal Separation (Racetrack Circu ............................................................................................................... 43 7 Classification: Protected A 11.5. Split Stack ............................................................................................................................................................. 44 12. TARGET IDENTIFICATION TECHNIQUES ................................................................................................................. 44 12.1. Verbal Identification ............................................................................................................................................ 44 12.2. The Demonstration Run ....................................................................................................................................... 44 12.2.1. Demonstration Run Example ........................................................................................................................... 46 12.3. The Lead In ........................................................................................................................................................... 49 12.4. The Called Shot .................................................................................................................................................... 50 12.5. Line Astern Formation ......................................................................................................................................... 50 12.6. Aircraft Overrun Procedures ................................................................................................................................ 51 13. RETARDANT AIRTANKERS - DIRECT AND INDIRECT ATTACK .................................................................................. 51 13.1. Direct Attack ........................................................................................................................................................ 51 13.2. Indirect Attack...................................................................................................................................................... 52 13.3. Line-building Techniques ..................................................................................................................................... 52 14. SKIMMER OPERATIONS ......................................................................................................................................... 54 14.1. Skimmer Airtanker Operations ............................................................................................................................ 55 14.2. Integration of Land-Based and Skimmer Aircraft ................................................................................................. 57 15. MULTIPLE GROUP AIRTANKER OPERATIONS ......................................................................................................... 57 15.1. Enroute ................................................................................................................................................................ 58 15.2. Support Birddog (Air Tactical Group Supervisor) Role Overhead the Incident .................................................... 58 15.3. Incoming Aircraft ................................................................................................................................................. 59 16. PROCEDURES FOR WORKING WITH MUTUAL AID AGRICULTURAL AIRCRAFT (PRAIRIE DOGS) .............................. 61 17. FACTORS INFLUENCING DROP PLACEMENT AND PATTERNS ................................................................................. 61 18. ASSESSING THE DROP ........................................................................................................................................... 62 18.1. Overhead Orbit .................................................................................................................................................... 62 18.2. Flying in Formation .............................................................................................................................................. 62 18.3. After the Drop ...................................................................................................................................................... 62 18.4. Drop Assessment ................................................................................................................................................. 62 18.4.1. Drop Height ..................................................................................................................................................... 63 18.4.2. Drop Speed ...................................................................................................................................................... 63 19. RELOADING AIRTANKERS ...................................................................................................................................... 64 20. STOP ACTION ........................................................................................................................................................ 64 21. CANCELLED DISPATCH ........................................................................................................................................... 65 22. RETURNING TO BASE ............................................................................................................................................ 65 22.1. Airtanker Action is Complete ............................................................................................................................... 65 22.2. Inbound the Airtanker Base ................................................................................................................................. 66 22.3. Aborting Loads ..................................................................................................................................................... 66 22.4. Landing ................................................................................................................................................................. 66 22.5. Parking Loaded Airtankers ................................................................................................................................... 67 22.6. Group back at the Airtanker Base ........................................................................................................................ 67 23. ADMINISTRATION ................................................................................................................................................. 68 23.1. Drop Reports ........................................................................................................................................................ 68 8 Classification: Protected A 23.2. Cancelled Dispatch Report ................................................................................................................................... 68 23.3. Wildfire Photos and Video ................................................................................................................................... 68 23.4. Forward-Looking Infrared (FLIR) .......................................................................................................................... 68 23.5. Quick strike/Border Zone/Mutual Aid Fire Procedures ....................................................................................... 69 23.6. Initial Fire Assessments (FP 41) ............................................................................................................................ 69 23.7. Mobile Flight Report ............................................................................................................................................ 69 23.8. Flight Crew Meals................................................................................................................................................. 69 24. APPENDICES .......................................................................................................................................................... 71 24.1. Appendix 1 – Glossary of Firebombing Terms ..................................................................................................... 71 24.2. Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Prevention and Decontamination Procedures .................................................... 78 24.2.1. Imported Aircraft Decontamination Procedures ............................................................................................. 78 24.2.2. Preventing Whirling Disease Spread from Infected Areas ............................................................................... 78 24.2.3. Aviation Decontamination Procedures ............................................................................................................ 78 9 Classification: Protected A 1. Introduction Alberta Wildfire operates land-based and skimmer airtankers as components within a multi-faceted wildfire management strategy. The province organizes its airtanker fleet into seven separate groups. Each airtanker group operates under the direction of an Air Attack Officer (AAO). However, each aircraft, birddog and airtanker, is considered to be its own entity, and may be temporarily assigned to other groups as required. The airtanker fleet is provincial in nature. Aircraft and crews may be dispatched anywhere in the province from any of the 13 permanent airtanker bases, either as a result of specific fire requests or relocation to meet forecast fire occurrence. The purpose of this manual is to ensure that the airtanker operations are conducted in a safe, efficient and cost-effective manner. Information for this manual was derived from the following sources: • Air Attack Officer Training Manual • Wildfire Management Policy and Standard Operating Procedures Manual; • Alberta Wildfire Pilot Handbook; • Canadian Aviation Regulations and Standards (CARs) 1.1. Provincial Wildfire Objectives and Priorities within the Forest Protection Area To ensure the provincial objectives are met, safe but aggressive initial attack shall be taken on all unwanted wildfires within the Forest Protection Area (FPA), with a goal to contain wildfire spread by 1000 hours the following day. Please see https://www.alberta.ca/how-we-fight-wildfires for the priority of allocation and use of firefighting resources in the Forest Protection Area. Airtanker Program Objectives and Priorities 10 Classification: Protected A 1.2. Airtanker Program Objectives and Priorities As part of the province’s policy to aggressively suppress unwanted wildfire, Alberta Wildfire’s airtanker program objectives and priorities are: Airtanker Objectives • Quick containment • Minimize size • Minimize cost and damage Airtanker Priorities • Initial attack • Support action within the first burning period • Ongoing support action Priority setting is the responsibility of the Forestry Manager, Wildfire Operations Officer, Forest Area Duty Officer and/or the Incident Commander, in conjunction with the Alberta Wildfire Coordination Center (AWCC) Duty Officer and the Provincial Aircraft Coordinator (PAC). 1.3. Line Authority for Airtanker use in Wildfire Suppression Listed below is the line authority that Air Attack Officers will observe while working with airtanker groups within Alberta: • Administration: Directly responsible to the Forest Area Duty Officer and/or the Provincial Aircraft Coordinator • Initial attack: When assigned to an initial attack fire, the Air Attack Officer reports to the Incident Commander. The AAO will function as the Incident Commander until such time as ground personnel are on scene and have formally assumed command. • Multiple fire action: Directly responsible to the Incident Commander on an individual fire, and Forest Area Duty Officer or designate (i.e. Wildfire Assessor) when working multiple fires. • Support action: For assignments on support action for large incidents or complexes, the Air Attack Officer will report to a delegate of the Incident Commander on the Incident Command Team (Operations Section Chief, Air Operations Branch Director, Air Tactical Group Supervisor, Division Supervisor, etc.) A safe and efficient airtanker program operation relies upon effective communication and situational awareness. Air Attack Officers will ensure that briefings are held as required. 11 Classification: Protected A 2. Airtanker Operations Preparedness With the arrival of airtanker groups at the start of the wildfire season, a period of orientation and briefing is required. The Air Attack Officer is responsible to prepare themselves and the airtanker group for operations. 2.1. Air Attack Officer Responsibilities The Air Attack Officer that commences with an airtanker group starting contract takes on the responsibility for ensuring the group is in place at a specified time, facilitates the orientation of the group, ensures all briefings are performed, and readies the group for the start of their fire season. 2.1.1. Prior to Airtanker Group Arrival Prior to the airtanker group arrival to the Airtanker Base, the AAO should: • Be at the base to receive the airtanker group. • Organize a Forest Area briefing, if required • Check in and meet with the Airtanker Base Supervisor to determine Airtanker Base readiness (fuel, retardant, foam, parts storage, staffing, training required, etc.) 2.1.2. Upon Airtanker Group Arrival • Meet and greet the airtanker crew. Start the process of building a team • Facilitate introductions between airtanker base staff and crew • Enable the offloading and storage of gear and spare parts • Establish a schedule, and ensure initial Forest Area, base, and daily briefings are performed • Ensure aircrew receive and sign-off on the Airtanker Base Worksite Safety Orientation • Complete the airtanker group start of contract checklist with the airtanker crew 2.2. Airtanker Crew Responsibilities Aircrew responsibilities when arriving at an assigned base include: • Operation and maintenance of the aircraft • Give aircraft-specific briefings to Air Attack Officers and airtanker base staff o Birddog pilots shall ensure each Air Attack Officer has received their training for “Personnel Assigned Duties Onboard an Aircraft” • Orient themselves on: o Aircraft parking o Fueling procedures o Base equipment and facilities • Orientation of base staff on the proper loading of the aircraft • Operation of any equipment around the aircraft (i.e.: forklift, vehicles, etc.) • Offloading and storage of any parts & equipment • Arranging for required maintenance equipment over and above what the base provides 12 Classification: Protected A 2.3. Preparing for Operations When an airtanker group arrives at the beginning of the wildfire season, they will be provided with sufficient time to become “fire ready”. No pressure shall be put on the Air Attack Officer, and/or aircrew, to shortcut setup and briefing time to expedite dispatching the airtanker group. It is recommended that the group complete at least one practice prior to commencing operations on an incident. The expectation is that all group personnel are adequately trained and prepared to perform their duties; however, every opportunity must be given to the members to form an effective team. The PAC and Forest Area Duty Officer will be kept up to date on the group status, and notified when the group is fire ready. 2.4. Import Airtanker Groups During times of high wildfire load, additional airtanker & birddog aircraft may be hired or imported from external jurisdictions under CIFFC Mutual Aid Resource Sharing (MARS) agreements. Upon arrival of these resources, an Alberta Air Attack Officer may be assigned to ensure: • Appropriate orientation and briefings are conducted • Communication systems are in place to use Alberta’s Firenet FM radio network, and all frequencies are programmed correctly • Logistical needs of the group personnel are met. In the event that a birddog aircraft accompanies an imported airtanker group, one of the following may occur: • Birddog arrives with an Air Attack Officer and a pilot from the supplying agency. In this case, a nationally certified Alberta AAO will be assigned to the airtanker group to check ride or mentor the birddog team. This may not be required if the visiting AAO is nationally certified and is familiar with long-term retardant and skimmer operations. The Alberta AAO will remain with the birddog until such time as they are satisfied with the performance of the imported birddog team. • Birddog arrives with only the pilot. In this case, the Alberta AAO assigned to the resource will function as the Air Attack Officer in charge. If the birddog pilot has not worked in Alberta within the last year, a proficiency practice will be conducted prior to dispatching the group. The PAC and Forest Area Duty Officer will be kept informed on the status of the group, and notified when the group is fire ready. 2.5. Airtanker Group or Air Attack Officer Export In the event an airtanker group and/or Air Attack Officer are exported to another jurisdiction, upon arrival, the Air Attack Officer or Group Captain (if the airtanker is exported without the birddog) must ensure the following before fire operations: 13 Classification: Protected A • Appropriate orientation and briefings are conducted, including planned integration with jurisdictional resources • Communication systems are in place, and all frequencies are programmed correctly • Logistical needs of the group personnel are met. 3. Briefings 3.1. Initial Basing and/or Re-positioning Briefings When an airtanker group is assigned to an airtanker base, be it the initial season deployment, or a base change during the season, the crew members will receive detailed briefings as follows: • Forest Area Briefing An Alberta Wildfire staff representative from the Forest Area will provide an orientation (policies, local wildfire situation, contacts, maps, local information, special operation areas, etc.) and answer any group questions. This briefing is to take place as soon as practical following the group’s arrival. • Airtanker Base Worksite Safety Orientation The Airtanker Base Supervisor will ensure any individual entering the premises receives a base safety orientation before performing any duties on the base. Each individual must sign off the completed Airtanker Base Worksite Safety Orientation form, and the base supervisor will retain this information for the remainder of the season. Once signed off, this safety orientation is valid for that particular base for the remainder of the season. 3.2. Daily Briefings Air Attack Officers on shift are expected to participate in daily briefings and communicate the relevant information to their group: • Daily Weather Briefing The Provincial Weather section conducts two daily weather briefings at 10:30 am and 15:30 pm. AAOs are encouraged to attend the morning briefing in the Fire Centre and the afternoon briefing when possible. • Forest Area Conference Calls Each Fire Centre holds a daily conference call with the wildfire resources. This allows all resources assigned to the area to receive information from the Forest Area Duty Officer, and an opportunity to discuss issues and concerns pertaining to the current situation. AAOs are encouraged to participate in the calls if possible. • Daily Air Attack Officer Meeting All Air Attack Officers on shift will participate in the daily online meeting held at 9:30 am. This meeting is mandatory unless the airtanker group is involved in operations at the time of the call. AAOs are encouraged to participate in the meeting on the day prior to their shift to familiarize themselves with the current and expected wildfire situation. 14 Classification: Protected A During extended periods of low wildfire hazard, the PAC may reduce the frequency of the Air Attack Officer meeting. The PAC will communicate any deviations from the daily schedule in the comments section of the Alberta Airtanker Alerts. Live Meeting sign in information is provided at the start of the wildfire season. 3.3. After Action Reviews An informal post-mission after action review (AAR) is required after each mission/dispatch. Depending on the complexity or issues arising from the mission, a formal AAR may be held. AARs are centered around four questions: • What was expected to happen? • What actually occurred? • What went well and why? • What can be improved and how? An AAR features: • An open, honest and professional discussion. • Participation by everyone on the team, including engineers, ATB Supervisor and loaders, etc. • A focus on results of the mission. • Identification of ways to sustain what was done well. • Development of recommendations on ways to overcome obstacles. Suggested list of topics, include: • Alerts • Dispatch Information • Loading/Retardant Quality • Radios/Tracking/Satellite Phone • Safety/Hazards • Air Attack Plan/Objectives • Decisions and Communications • Run/Target Description • Drop Assessments • Aircraft and Tank System • Ground Crews/Fire Centre • Other Aircraft Copies of all formal After Action Reviews are required to be emailed to the Lessons Learned site at: wf.lessonslearned@gov.ab.ca. Please cc the Forest Area, the PAC and the Airtanker Program Supervisor. 15 Classification: Protected A 4. Airtanker Positioning and Alerts 4.1. Airtanker Group positioning Airtanker group positioning within the Province of Alberta is a strategy to increase initial attack capacity and reduce containment times of wildfires. The province has twelve primary and one secondary airtanker bases. The Provincial Aircraft Coordinator (PAC) is responsible to position airtanker groups to maximize initial attack effectiveness and coverage. The PAC will consult with the Forest Area Duty Officers to form a deployment plan best suited for the existing and forecast wildfire hazard. The Provincial Duty Officer will approve the plan. 4.2. Day-basing Day-basing is a single-day strategic relocation of an airtanker resource within the province, to increase initial attack capacity and reduce the containment times of wildfires. Unlike a longer-term base change, the airtanker group is moved to the specified location for that day’s alert period only, and will be returning to its home base for the night. Maintenance engineers or spare parts are not required to day- base. Airtanker groups should be fueled and fire-ready at the day base location by 13:00 or the scheduled red/yellow alert status, whichever is earlier. While in transit to or from a day base, land-based airtankers will be loaded with water. 4.3. Base Change This is a full relocation of the airtanker group to a different airtanker base. The airtanker group is expected to check out of the hotels and load all spares and cargo within two (2) hours. Every effort will be made to give advance notice of upcoming base changes. Upon arriving at the new location, the group can unload and arrange for practices, vehicles, accommodation, and meals depending on wildfire hazard and group status. It is the responsibility of the airtanker group pilots to notify the Airtanker Base Supervisor when departing for a base change (with an ETA). The Airtanker Base Supervisor shall notify the Fire Centre of the departure time, so the ATR can be updated. 4.4. Daily Alberta Airtanker Alerts In consultation with the Forest Area Duty Officers and the Provincial Duty Officer, the Provincial Aircraft Coordinator will build the daily Alberta Airtanker Alerts. The airtanker alerts will contain the alert status and times, airtanker positioning, sunrise & sunset times, the name of the AAO assigned to each airtanker group, and any other relevant notes as required. The form will be distributed to the Fire Centres, airtanker bases, AAOs, and program partners, typically by 17:00 on the previous day. 16 Classification: Protected A 4.5. Alberta Airtanker Alert Statuses Red Initial Attack: Birddog wheels roll within 10 minutes after dispatch. Sustained Action and Mutual Aid: Birddog wheels roll immediately after mission planning completed. Personnel must be on base for the specified standby period and are to be prepared for immediate departure. Yellow Birddog wheels roll within 30 minutes from dispatch. Blue Birddog wheels roll within 1.1 hours from dispatch. Green The airtanker group is off duty (released from standby obligations) and can be away from base for a specified period. A green day must be scheduled 12 hours in advance. 5. Airtanker Group Duty Day and Flight Limitations 5.1. Pilot Duty Day A pilot’s duty day is restricted by the Canadian Aviation Regulations. This duty period is (14) fourteen hours in any 24 consecutive hours. A pilot’s duty day starts when a pilot: • Reports for a flight, • Commences standby that has a reporting time of one hour or less, • Performs any duty required by the company, or • Performs any duty designated by the Minister of Transport A pilot’s duty day ends when: • The engine is turned off at the end of the final flight, • Any required paperwork is completed, • Any pilot performed fueling or maintenance is completed, • At the end of a predetermined standby period, whichever is later. 5.2. Mandatory Rest Periods A Mandatory Rest Period is a period of time in which the pilot is free from all duty, is not interrupted by the company, and is provided an opportunity to obtain not less than eight (8) consecutive hours sleep, time for meals and personal hygiene, and time to travel to and from the rest facility. 17 Classification: Protected A 5.3. Daily Maximum Flight Hours – Initial Attack Fires All airtankers and birddogs are permitted to fly a maximum of ten (10) hours, per day (wheels roll to wheels stop) on initial attack fires, based on the pilot’s duty day. If a flight crew has been actively flying on initial attack for an extended period of time, the Air Attack Officer and airtanker group pilots shall be consulted to determine if the maximum flight hours are required to be adjusted to reduce cumulative fatigue. 5.4. Daily Maximum Flight Hours – Support Action Fires All airtankers and birddogs are permitted to fly a maximum of ten (10) hours (wheels roll to wheels stop), for the first day of support action and then a maximum of eight (8) hours, per day (wheels roll to wheels stop), for any subsequent days on support action, based on the pilot’s duty day. If a flight crew has been actively flying on initial attack immediately prior to being assigned to support action, the Air Attack Officer and group pilots shall be consulted to determine if the maximum flight hours are required to be adjusted to reduce cumulative fatigue. 5.5. Time Free from Duty Alberta Wildfire manages fixed-wing aerial firefighting within the parameters set by the Canadian Aviation Regulations. Aircrews will not be asked or expected to exceed the Canadian Aviation Regulations. The aircraft companies will track “Days Free from Duty” for airtanker groups. 5.6. Grounding Times Firebombing operations are restricted to daytime Visual Flight Rules (VFR) conditions within the period of time commencing one half hour before sunrise and ending one half-hour after sunset. An exception to this regulation applies to Instrument Flight Rules (IFR)-rated pilots within properly equipped aircraft, as they may fly at night VFR or IFR. This exception does not apply to actual firebombing on a target and is authorized for flights to and from a fire or another airstrip only. All contract birddogs and airtankers are certified and equipped for IFR flight, with the exception of the AT-802F and FireBoss aircraft. AT-802F and FireBoss aircraft are permitted to fly in nighttime VFR conditions. Birddogs equipped with FLIR cameras are not permitted to fly in known icing conditions, the FLIR camera must be removed prior to any flights that may encounter icing conditions. The CL-215T are not permitted to fly in temperatures seven degrees Celsius or below in visible moisture. 5.7. Weather and Notice to Airmen – NOTAM Pilots are required to be informed on current and forecast weather conditions, and any notices to airmen (NOTAMs) that may affect flight operations. Air Attack Officers are expected to remain informed, and to understand the implications that may affect air attack operations. 18 Classification: Protected A 6. Aircraft and Crew Readiness/Preparedness 6.1. Aircraft Maintenance Aircraft maintenance engineers (AMEs) and pilots shall plan their maintenance duties to avoid conflict with the airtanker group’s ability to meet the alert response times. All Alberta airtanker bases have maintenance facilities, which provide for aircraft spares storage and workspace for the AMEs to use. In the event that an aircraft becomes unserviceable during an alert period, the aircraft unserviceability must be reported to the Forest Area Duty Officer immediately. The Air Attack Officer/Airtanker Base Supervisor will ensure the Aircraft Unserviceability Form (FP 26) is filled out and emailed to the Fire Centre and to the PAC at the AWCC. The form will include an estimated time to return to service, if known, after consultation with the maintenance staff. 6.2. Aircraft Pre-flight Daily inspections are to be conducted according to the coloured alert status, to avoid any conflicts with expected response times. Air Attack officers are strongly encouraged to become familiar with, and involved in the daily inspection routines of the assigned birddog aircraft. Communication and collaboration with the birddog pilot is key to ensuring safety. The AAO must be familiar with the aircraft’s basic systems, instruments, and operation, including a rudimentary knowledge of emergency procedures. Work with the birddog pilot to ensure this becomes second nature. 6.3. Air Attack Officer Preparedness To prepare for duty, the Air Attack Officer shall: • Be on base and ready to take over their assigned group by 10:00 on the first day of their scheduled shift or one hour prior to the start of the airtanker group’s alert, whichever is earlier. • Have a flight bag (AAO kit & personal effects for an overnight stay) packed and carried aboard all flights. • Daily Inspect (DI) the equipment that the AAO is responsible for in the birddog aircraft. This includes FLIR equipment and recording devices, FM radios, siren, iPad, map books and group AAO kit. • Review, understand, and communicate the fire weather forecast, fire weather indices, fire behaviour prediction system, fire occurrence-lightning location maps, human-caused probabilities and location, resource preparedness sheets, and provincial airtanker alerts. • Review current provincial fire load as well as locations. • Determine the Fire Centre organization and contacts. • Initial attack and support resource deployments. • Anticipate work for the day (i.e. support, lightning storms, etc.), and safety concerns. • Meet with the Airtanker Base Supervisor and review the readiness of the airtanker base, including: o Condition of mixing/ loading equipment and storage facilities. o Quality control of fire retardant i.e. salt content, viscosity. 19 Classification: Protected A o Verify the liquid concentrate retardant stock on hand can meet the anticipated demand. o Fuel, oil and water-methanol stocking levels, condition of fueling equipment and the fuel being supplied. o Aircraft parking and dispatch procedures (i.e. multi group). o Inspect the base or operation from a safety standpoint and take corrective action against hazards. • Complete the FP 249 - Passenger and Cargo Manifest form. Submit a copy to the Fire Centre. • Monitor crew fatigue, morale, and safety. • Keep the Forest Area Duty Officer apprised as to the status of the airtanker group. 6.4. Airtanker Group and Airtanker Base Proficiency Practices A correlation between periods of low airtanker activity and an increase in accidents and incidents has been observed. Airtanker practices are carried out during periods of inactivity to help ensure aircrews, support staff, equipment and air attack procedures are current and functional. A sense of complacency may build during periods of inactivity. Proficiency practice frequency shall be: • Airtanker groups will carry out two proficiency practices during the first week of the start of contract. • Airtanker groups are required to practice every six days if they have had no fire action in the previous five. • When an airtanker group is positioned to an eastern-slopes base (Springbank, Pincher Creek, Rocky Mountain House, Edson or Grande Prairie), the group will undertake one proficiency practice in mountainous terrain as soon as practical. The decision to practice will be at the discretion of the Air Attack Officer in consultation with the Forest Area Duty Officer. Practices shall not be postponed due to anticipated fire activity; such times have proven to account for an inordinate number of incidents and accidents. Practices should only be postponed for safety reasons, usually weather-related. Other considerations for proficiency practices: • Before initiating a practice, check with the Forest Area Duty Officer to enquire if it is feasible to incorporate the airtanker practice with any ground crew training, or to support local projects. • Fire retardant may be used in practices with the approval of the Provincial Aircraft Coordinator. • All fire retardant jettisoned on a practice must be dropped in an approved abort zone or in a location approved by the Forest Area Duty Officer, and have the volume entered into the FIRES database. • Practices with land-based airtankers should allow for an initial load and one reload for each airtanker. • Practices with skimmer aircraft should allow for 4 loads per airtanker • Multi-group practices are encouraged to promote cross training between the different airtanker types. • AAOs are encouraged to learn aircraft systems and procedures, and to assist the pilot during emergencies 20 Classification: Protected A • Instrument-rated groups may opt to practice IFR approaches and landing on a practice day if the weather will not permit a regular practice Airtanker base staff are required to practice every six days if they have had no fire action or airtanker group proficiency practices in the previous five. Practices must be documented. 6.5. Birddog Familiarization Flights Familiarization flights are conducted by birddog pilots and Air Attack Officers to ensure each are clear about their functions within the cockpit. This will avoid in-flight confusion between the birddog team members and help maintain a safe, well-coordinated operation. Familiarization flights are normally made at the beginning of each season, whenever there is a new pairing of individuals who do not routinely work together, or when utilizing an unfamiliar aircraft type. The following are procedures to be covered; they may be adjusted according to the experience levels of both individuals. • Pre-flight: Following an initial base briefing, an aircraft inspection will include a thorough safety briefing, review of the use of avionics and cockpit instruments, discuss dispatch procedures and individual responsibilities throughout the mission, and review any emergency procedures. Pilots unfamiliar with a particular airtanker base will benefit from a review of local topographical features and visual checkpoints near the airport. • In-flight: Points to cover during a familiarization exercise include: AAO preferences while orbiting during the initial fire reconnaissance, aerial suppression strategies, demonstration runs and run descriptions, birddog aircraft positioning overhead the fire, airspace management, task distribution, hazard identification, communication procedures, etc. Simulated targets should be flown in areas featuring differing topography and fuel types. Upon completion, a short debriefing should resolve any discrepancies found during the flight. The Air Attack Officer and birddog pilot should be thoroughly aware of each other’s functions in all phases of aerial attack. 7. Dispatching Procedures The dispatching of airtanker resources is the responsibility of the Forest Area Duty Officer, who administers wildfire operations for the area in which the airtanker resource is currently located. Forest Areas may dispatch an airtanker group positioned in their Forest Area, to a fire within their boundaries or designated reload zone, without AWCC intervention. The PAC is responsible for filling ATRs and has the authority to override any airtanker dispatch. The Forest Area Duty Officer or designate is responsible to create an Airtanker Request (ATR) in the Alberta Dispatch system. Any information entered into the system is instantly disseminated to all individuals involved in executing an airtanker dispatch. The following is a guide designed to summarize the order of events from the time the Airtanker Base Supervisor receives a group dispatch request from the Fire Centre until the airtankers become airborne. 21 Classification: Protected A 7.1. Dispatch Information The Fire Centre that is responsible for the base at which the group is located will initiate the dispatch of an airtanker group. The Airtanker Base Supervisor is responsible for alerting the airtanker group of a dispatch. If the airtanker group is not on base (e.g. yellow or blue alerts), the ATBS will notify the AAO. The AAO will notify the rest of the group. If the airtanker group is on base, the Airtanker Base Supervisor will activate the dispatch siren (klaxon) and follow up with verbal announcement over the base PA system as to which group or specific aircraft are being dispatched. The Air Attack Officer, upon hearing the dispatch siren, will proceed to the operations room of the Airtanker Base, and request the following basic dispatch information from the Airtanker Base Supervisor: • Detection/Fire Number • Location – Latitude/Longitude coordinates given in Degrees, Minutes, Decimals. • Bearing (in degrees) and Distance (in nautical miles) Pilots, upon hearing the dispatch siren, will proceed directly to their aircraft and prepare their aircraft for departure. They may receive their basic dispatch information (lat. /long, bearing, distance and detection/fire number) from the Airtanker Base Supervisor via a printout of the ATR or via the VHF-AM radio (base frequency of 122.050). Note: All aircraft shall monitor 122.050 VHF-AM when operating within the airtanker base ramp, loading pits and taxiway areas. The Airtanker Base Supervisor is responsible for sending the electronic Dispatch Information to the airtanker group email. The Forest Area Dispatch is responsible for passing it verbally over the radio. Electronic Dispatch Information will typically be sent when the entire airtanker group is dispatched, not to individual airtankers. The Dispatch Information should include the following, if available: 1. Detection/Fire Number 2. Location – Latitude/Longitude coordinates given in Degrees, Minutes, Decimals. Including geographic reference (if available) 3. Resources and their ETAs 4. Frequencies 5. Incident Commander/Contact 6. Any additional information. i.e. Fires in close proximity. The Air Attack Officer shall request any updates to the Dispatch Information after departure, or request the Dispatch Information to be passed verbally over the radio if the group did not receive it electronically via email. 22 Classification: Protected A In the event of a tanker-only dispatch to another birddog, the airtanker pilot(s) require the following information: 1. Detection/Fire Number 2. Location – Latitude/Longitude coordinates given in Degrees, Minutes, Decimals. Including geographic reference (if available) 3. Group bombing frequency of the working birddog or air advisory if ATGS is established 4. Working birddog or ATGS call sign Airtankers must not depart without this information. The ATBS or the Air Attack Officer are responsible for following up with the Forest Area Dispatch to gather this information. Note: The lead airtanker pilot shall advise the ATBS of the ETA to the incident, who will then pass this information to the Fire Centre to be entered into the active ATR. 7.2. Sustained Action Airtanker Dispatches Prior to requesting airtankers for support on sustained action, the Incident Commander or designate must ensure that the target area of the fire has been assessed to ensure the visibility requirements (minimum 3 miles) are met, and that achievable objectives exist. Once the airtanker request (ATR) is submitted, the responding Air Attack Officer must obtain all required Dispatch Information and incident maps prior to launching. If the visibility or mission objectives are unclear, the AAO may request to assess the target area in the birddog prior to launching airtankers. The Air Attack Officer is responsible for holding a quick group briefing prior to launching to ensure mission objectives are clear, incident maps are distributed, and flight routes are planned. All efforts should be made to plan for sustained action missions before airtanker requests are submitted (e.g. loading incident maps of potential support missions on iPad, reviewing IAPs and comms plans in the morning). 7.3. Mutual Aid Dispatches (outside the Forest Protection Area) Occasionally, airtankers are requested to action mutual aid fires outside the Forest Protection Area. Due to the complexity, potential hazards and potential for conflict with civilian personnel on the ground, an Alberta Wildfire representative must be on site prior to any airtanker drops. Once the airtanker request (ATR) is submitted, the responding Air Attack Officer must obtain all required Dispatch Information prior to launching. If the visibility or mission objectives are unclear, the AAO may request to assess the target area in the birddog prior to launching airtankers. 7.4. Loading The airtanker base loader is responsible for loading the airtanker(s). Aircraft company maintenance staff may be present in the loading pits to marshal the aircraft; check the mechanical condition of the aircraft, and ensure the loading procedures are being conducted safely. A set of red and green ‘traffic’ lights is located next to all loading pits. These lights visually indicate which pit is actively loading airtankers. The colors indicate: green (loading), and red (not loading). A red light may also indicate a dispatch has been cancelled. A designated safety area will be marked (painted and/or flagged) adjacent to every loading pit at all airtanker bases. After the loader has completed loading the airtanker, they will safely exit to this 23 Classification: Protected A designated safety area and give a thumbs-up signal to the airtanker pilot. Prior to the airtanker departing the loading pit: • The airtanker pilot must call on the radio: “Confirm all clear, Roll Time for (tanker number)” • The Airtanker Base Supervisor will visually confirm that the loader is clear and call on the radio “Loader clear, (tanker number) Roll Time xx:xx” • The airtanker shall not move until all ground personnel confirmed to be clear. When two or more groups are located at the same base, the Airtanker Base Supervisor will coordinate the order of airtanker loading and departure with the Air Attack Officers. For example: • Two or more land-based groups on a single-pit base, the airtanker in the loading pit will load first. • Two or more land-based groups on a dual-pit base: one airtanker from each group should be in a loading pit. If the groups are on differing alerts (i.e.: one Red, one Yellow) the airtankers from the group on the highest alert shall be positioned in the loading pits. • Land-based and skimmer groups on base, the ATBS should activate the dispatch siren and make a PA announcement confirming the specific group(s) being dispatched. 7.5. Recording Roll Times The ATBS will record airtanker(s) roll and stop times, and ensure that they are recorded into the FIRES program. The ATBS will pass these times to pilots over the radio. An airtanker’s roll time commences when it first moves from the loading pit after loading. Time does not start when an airtanker leaves its parking space for the loading pit. The time is recorded when the airtanker returns from the flight and comes to its initial stop at the airtanker base. This could be at its parking space, the fuel pumps, loading pad or at the end of the line for a reload. Any time spent in the reload line or waiting for fuel will not be recorded If an airtanker or birddog is refueled off the airtanker base apron itself, record the stop time at the fueling location, 0.1 hours will be added for the reposition back to the airtanker base. Aircraft movements to adjust heading into wind or away from obstacles will not be considered revenue time (no wheels-roll or stop times recorded). The Air Attack Officer will record the birddog wheels roll and stop times as they occur. The AAO is also responsible for providing these times to the pilot for completion of daily flight reports. 7.6. Walk Around/Altimeter Setting/FLIR Prior to departing, the AAO shall: • Ensure a pre-flight walk around (inspection) of the birddog is complete. • Ensure the current airport altimeter setting is recorded. • Ensure that the FLIR camera is powered up when the birddog aircraft avionics are turned on. • Ensure a memory drive is in the recording device. 24 Classification: Protected A 8. Enroute 8.1. Departure Once the birddog aircraft is airborne, the Air Attack Officer will establish communications with the Fire Centre using the assigned Firenet frequency and relay the following information: • Destination of the mission (confirm incident number if applicable) • Forestry payload manifest & weight • Estimated Time of Arrival, using 24hr time (e.g. “ETA is 14:20”. Do not use estimated time duration of flight). • Request dispatch information if not already provided The birddog team will maintain a sterile cockpit while inside the airport zone, limiting communications and actions to those that are mission-critical or directly related to flight safety during takeoff. Upon clearing the airport control zone and when practical to do so, the birddog team will tune the VHF- AM radios to the group bombing and air advisory frequencies. Similarly, each airtanker will switch to the group bombing frequency and report into the birddog aircraft. Aircraft are expected to be vigilant for unexpected wildfires while enroute. Airtanker pilots will report any observed smoke to the Air Attack Officer. 8.2. Airtanker Communication Once all airtankers have advised that they are monitoring the bombing frequency, the birddog team will confirm the following: • Altimeter Setting • Incident number and location • Closest reload source for the land-based and closest lake for skimmer airtankers • Other aircraft and any known hazards • The airtankers will pass their ETA to the fire to the birddog In the event of a tanker-only dispatch to another birddog, each airtanker will have their satellite phone switched on to receive calls for diversions, cancellation or updates to their dispatch. With multiplane airtanker groups, typically one airtanker will be contacted and expected to relay the information to the rest of group. The airtanker(s) may also use the satellite phone to contact the local Forest Area or PAC if required. Phone numbers are listed on the the Air Attack VHF-AM Radio Frequencies and Phone Numbers sheet. 8.3. Flight Following Flight following will be provided by a combination of direct radio contact between the aircraft and the radio room and the use of the Dispatch program. Aircraft will report all takeoffs, landings and deviations to the Fire Centre over the radio. The Air Attack Officer will adhere to the established flight following rules as defined in the Alberta Wildfire Standard Operating Procedures. If connectivity issues 25 Classification: Protected A do not permit flight following to be completed through the Dispatch system, verbal 30-minute check-ins are required. When the birddog crosses a Forest Area boundary, the Air Attack Officer will: • Advise the Fire Centre of the area they are leaving that they will be switching frequencies to the Fire Centre they are entering. • Establish communication with the new Fire Centre using the applicable Firenet frequency, confirming ETA to the destination. • Request updated Dispatch Information 8.4. Standard Airmanship - Cruising Altitudes All aircraft operating within the Fire Traffic Area (fire) will be assigned corridors and altitudes by the airspace manager. Outside the FTA, aircraft above 3000’ AGL are expected to adhere to VFR cruising orders as defined in the Transport Canada Aeronautical Information Manual (TC AIM): Heading Altitude West Track (180- 359 degrees) Even Altitude + 500ft. East Track (000- 179degrees) Odd Altitude +500ft. To increase horizontal separation, aircraft will offset 1.0-mile right of track. 8.5. Cold Lake Air Weapons Range (CLAWR) The province retains responsibility for fire suppression within the Cold Lake Air Weapons Range. The Lac La Biche Forest Area is responsible for all fire operations involving the Range and will advise the Range entry point and any restrictions to be observed. Clearance must be received from the Lac La Biche Fire Centre before entering the CLAWR. Upon clearance by the Fire Centre, the pilot will contact the tower at CFB Cold Lake (the Fire Centre will confirm the frequency). Reception may be difficult at the north end of the Range, requiring a gain in altitude to establish contact. If the pilot is unable to contact the tower, the AAO will contact the Lac La Biche Fire Centre and they will notify the tower by phone. Aircraft may not proceed into the CLAWR until they have confirmed that Cold Lake Tower has been notified and clearance instructions are received. 26 Classification: Protected A FIGURE 1. Cold Lake Air Weapons Range Map 8.6. Class F Airspace Clearance Procedures The following procedures apply to birddog aircraft and helicopters. Airspace clearance procedures for airtankers are described in Section 10.3. While transiting to and from wildfires outside Class F airspaces, aircraft are expected to monitor the enroute frequency 126.700 MHz and the assigned air advisory frequency if possible. • For initial attack, the primary air advisory frequency is 129.800 MHz unless advised of an alternate. • For sustained action, the primary air advisory frequency is 130.175 MHz North of 530 latitude and 122.650 MHz South of 530 latitude unless advised of an alternate. • Ensure your transponder is on squawk code 1200 or as assigned by ATC. 8.6.1. Approaching Class F Airspace with No Known Aircraft at the Wildfire If no known aircraft are at the wildfire, make an advisory call 5 minutes back on the assigned air advisory frequency, communicating your registration/call sign, fire number, altitude, direction of approach, intentions and frequencies monitoring. 27 Classification: Protected A 8.6.2. Approaching Class F Airspace with No Airspace Manager If there is no airspace manager (ATGS, birddog or HLCO), all inbound aircraft will contact any known aircraft 5 minutes back from the wildfire on the assigned air advisory frequency. If no response, remain outside the restricted Fire Traffic Area (5 nautical miles) and advise the Forest Area Dispatch. Confirm the assigned air advisory frequency and aircraft registrations with the Fire Centre. Do not proceed inbound until positive communications have been established. All aircraft operating within an unmanaged Fire Traffic Area will broadcast their movements and maintain their own separation using the assigned air advisory frequency. 8.6.3. Approaching Class F Airspace with an Airspace Manager If an airspace manager (ATGS, birddog or HLCO) is activated, all aircraft must call the airspace manager a minimum of 5 minutes back from the wildfire on the assigned air advisory frequency. If no response, remain outside the Fire Traffic Area (5 nautical miles) and advise the Forest Area Dispatch. Confirm the assigned air advisory frequency and aircraft registrations with the Fire Centre. Do not proceed inbound until communications are established. The Airspace Manager will require: • Your aircraft registration/callsign • Your location (distance in NM), direction of approach, altitude • Your intentions over the fire Example: “Birddog 132, this is ABC on air advisory…5 minutes back from the west of HWF 123, 3500 feet…I would like to drop off my crew off at the back of the fire” The Airspace Manager will provide: • An altimeter setting • Entry clearance and/or holding instructions • Information on other aircraft on scene When operating within the Fire Traffic Area with an airspace manager (ATGS, birddog, or HLCO), all aircraft shall contact the airspace manager on the assigned air advisory for clearance instructions into or out of the FTA before they lift off or deviate from an approved task. 28 Classification: Protected A 9. Air Attack Planning 9.1. Birddog Arrival over the Fire Depending upon the topography relative to the physical location of the fire, the birddog aircraft will fly overhead the fire in a right-hand orbit at 1,000 ft. to 2000 ft. above ground. The birddog pilot will endeavour to ensure the Air Attack Officer has an unobstructed view of the fire and its surroundings. Prior to commencing firebombing, the birddog team will: • Continue managing the airspace. • Notify other aircraft in the area that you are over the fire, and give the ETA for dispatched airtanker(s) if known. • Remain in a high-level orbit until positive airspace control of all aircraft has been established. • Capture digital photos of the fire upon initial arrival. Email photos to the Fire Centre Wildfire Ops and AWCC email accounts. • Confirm whether an Initial Fire Assessment has been completed, and coordinate that assessment with any ground crews present. • Confirm the fire location with the GPS. Relay updated coordinates as required to the Fire Centre. • Make a sketch* of the fire, noting: o Perimeter o Spread Direction o North Arrow o Hazards o Terrain o Exits o Geographic Points o Direction of Possible Runs and/or Circuits *The sketch may be hand-drawn, drawn using an app-based tool, or by a Markup tool on tablet photos. • Confirm the cardinal directions with the birddog pilot, other aircraft and ground crews. o Use simple references like seismic lines, lakes, wind direction, etc. o Use standard terminology: head; tail; right flank; and left flank; spot fire; finger; etc. • Check with the incident commander (if present) for the ground crew’s current attack plan. • Formulate an air attack plan based upon assessment and available/anticipated resources. • Keep the ground crew apprised of the birddog intentions. • The Air Attack Officer may assign priorities in multiple fire situations, if a Wildfire Assessor is not present. • Once the incident is assessed, the Air Attack Officer MUST pass the following information to the Incident Commander and/or Fire Centre: o Fire size o Head Fire Intensity o Fuel type including any changes in fuel type 29 Classification: Protected A o Values (location, distance and level of threat) o Action plan and objectives o Number of rounds required (for retardant airtankers) and estimated bombing time (for skimmer airtankers) until completion of the air attack operation. o Any anticipated birddog replacement. Example: “ The fire is 30 hectares, HFI 4 at the head and 2 on the flanks, burning in C2, there is oil and gas activity 10 km south of the fire but not currently threatened, we are planning to put retardant across the head and then will box in the fire, anticipating 8 rounds of retardant and will require a birddog replacement at 1330.” Request additional resources as required. When requesting additional airtankers, the request must include the following information:  Type of airtanker group required (long term retardant or skimmer)  Number of airtankers required  Airtanker(s) only or entire group including the birddog  The working birddog on the fire to report to  The group bombing frequency. Example: “I would like to request one long term retardant airtanker group, tanker only, birddog not required, the airtanker is to report to birddog 56 on Group 3’s bombing frequency” 9.2. Airtanker Operations without Birddog Supervision The practice of conducting low-level drops without birddog team supervision (often termed ‘lone wolfing’) is prohibited in the province of Alberta. The exception is dropping retardant in an approved abort zone. If no birddog team is available, the airtanker pilot must conduct a high-level pass to confirm the intended drop area is clear of hazards, and the drop height shall be a minimum of 500 feet AGL. 9.3. Air Attack Plans With the information gathered from the assessment, and the number and types of airtanker(s) available, the Air Attack Officer will begin to formulate a possible attack plan. If an Incident Commander is on scene, the AAO will establish initial communications with the IC to formulate an agreeable aerial suppression plan. Based upon the Incident Commander’s requirements and the Air Attack Officer’s knowledge of aircraft capabilities, a final air attack plan with definite objectives is formed. If the Air Attack Officer is unable to achieve the IC’s objectives, the AAO will recommend alternative options to the Incident Commander. The air attack plan will include where to action the fire first, the sequence and type of drops. The fire sketch will assist in orientation and describing the attack plan to the pilot. The use of proper terminology 30 Classification: Protected A is important to this description. Once the plan has been formed, prepare for the arrival of the airtankers. Be ready to commence suppression activities as soon as possible. 9.3.1. Birddog Team Responsibilities When directing and coordinating an airtanker operation, the birddog team must be aware of what each other is doing while still acting independently. They need to keep each other informed of what is happening with their workload. Each is responsible for the following: The Air Attack Officer: • Coordinates the planned attack • Directs the airtanker through the birddog pilot • Manages the airspace for non-airtanker aircraft in the Fire Traffic Area* • Communicates to ground crews and the Fire Centre The birddog pilot: • Ensures safe flight of the birddog aircraft • Manages the airtanker group’s movements* • Communicates the bombing run description to the airtanker pilot(s)* *These tasks may be done by either Air Attack Officer or the birddog pilot based on cockpit workload and experience of the team members, but as a rule of thumb, follow the above separation of duties. 9.4. Risk Management / Decision Making Decisions must be made with safety as the primary consideration. The birddog team must maintain situational awareness during all aspects of the firebombing operation. Planning the intended airtanker runs begins when the birddog is orbiting the fire at a high altitude and is followed up by descending to lower altitudes to check the runs. Safety Decisions at “High Altitude” Always take advantage of the ‘big picture’ from a high altitude perspective. Focus should not be limited to the immediate fire area; it is necessary to assess any fuel type changes, natural guard potential or values at risk ahead of the fire. The following factors may limit aerial fire suppression tactics: • Prevailing winds - strength and direction, mountain effects • Turbulence - mechanical, atmospheric and fire-generated • Downdrafts - lee side of hills, thunderstorm and fire-generated • Visibility - smoke, cloud, rain, remaining daylight, valley shadowing and sun glare • Precipitation - visibility, potential for hail associated with thunderstorm activity • Lightning - may be an indication of worsening weather/wind/visibility • Terrain - will dictate orientation, run direction and retardant placement possibilities • Obstructions - power lines, cables, tall trees, snags, towers and proximity to built-up areas may restrict low level work • Aircraft over the incident - firefighting, commercial and transient aircraft. 31 Classification: Protected A NOTE: The recommended minimum altitude to fly above powerlines is 100’ above the top of the poles/towers. Avoid dropping directly on poles/towers in order to prevent damage to insulators & transformers, or an inadvertent arcing electrical short. Prior to Descent • The birddog team will determine cardinal directions based upon prominent topographic, geographic or manmade features. Example: “The valley runs north to south”. • The birddog team will determine mission objectives and the aerial suppression plan. Example: “We have a spot fire on a steep slope. The airtanker will blanket the fire, stepping up the hill from left to right, on down-valley runs” • The Air Attack Officer should ensure that all items and procedures that could cause distraction at low altitudes are dealt with prior to descent (i.e. radio work) Safety Decisions at “Low Altitude” All group members must maintain situational awareness at all times, and determine: • What has happened? • What is happening now? • What might happen next and later? If visibility is restricted or the wind conditions are difficult to read, the birddog pilot may fly the initial low- level passes at a higher altitude than required, in order to assess the conditions. The birddog team will identify hazards, escape routes and flight paths. If hazards pose too great a risk, the Air Attack Officer will terminate the mission and advise the ground crew and the Fire Centre. If the hazards and risk appear to be acceptable to the birddog team, they will determine the circuit pattern. When determining bombing run directions, the team will ensure that all exits are level or descending, remaining clear of any hazards. 9.5. Assessing the Runs Prior to identifying the target to the airtanker pilot and in full consideration of the risk management/decision making aspects, the birddog team will check out the initial bombing runs for: 9.5.1. Feasibility of Approaches Left-hand circuits are preferred by two-crew airtanker types, in order for the flying captain to better keep the target in sight throughout the circuit. Terrain and visibility restrictions may limit the circuit to right- hand only. The birddog team will broadcast any hazards, geographical features and ridge crossing altitudes to assist airtankers in setting up their flight profile through the circuit. The, birddog team will ensure that steep turns in a bombing circuit do not exceed limitations specified in company operation manuals. Any angle of bank in excess of 30 degrees must be identified to the airtanker pilot, to a maximum permitted angle of bank of 45 degrees. Up-valley bombing runs must always allow room for a 180-degree turn to exit down-valley. The birddog team will note any prominent landmarks or features that may be described to assist in identifying the line and trigger point to the airtanker pilots. 32 Classification: Protected A 9.5.2. Feasibility of Exits Bombing runs into rising terrain are prohibited. Runs must allow a loaded airtanker to exit safely in the event of a loss in power or inability to jettison the retardant load. The aircraft must always be in a position to depart the area without the need to climb and stay at an altitude below the base of the stack; exits will always be flown level or downhill. 9.5.3. Target Altitude Target altitude is the actual altitude as read from the altimeter as the birddog passes overhead the target at the correct bombing height above obstructions. Calling the altitude allows the airtanker to fly an appropriate flight profile to the target when in the bombing circuit. The specified bombing height above ground may be adjusted due to weather, visibility, wind, and/or terrain conditions. When flying multiple runs perpendicular to the slope in steep terrain, the birddog team must check the feasibility of every run and exit, and provide accurate target altitudes to the airtanker. 9.5.4. Hazards Any previously identified (during the “high altitude” assessment) existing hazards will be reaffirmed when checking the runs. In addition, any hazards identified during the low-level assessment (i.e. descending air, turbulence, smoke, sun glare, shadows, etc.) must be communicated to airtankers. 9.6. Firebombing Circuit The circuit or traffic pattern over a fire is the same to that used over an aerodrome (airports). Typically, aircraft will land into wind at an airport; the basic firebombing circuit may be flown independent of wind direction. The terms (crosswind, downwind, base, final, and exit) quickly identify an aircraft’s position in relation to the target. Left hand circuits are preferable so pilot(s) can keep the target in sight at all times. FIGURE 2. The Firebombing Circuit 33 Classification: Protected A 10. Airspace Management The birddog team (birddog pilot and Air Attack Officer) manages the airspace over an incident. Generally, the Air Attack Officer will issue airspace management instructions to helicopters on an established air advisory frequency. The birddog pilot will generally manage the airtankers using an assigned bombing frequency. 10.1. Incident Airspace Management As per the Canadian Aviation Regulations, an automatic flight restriction exists over forest fires. The regulation reads; “no person may operate an aircraft over a forest fire area, or area that is located five (5) nautical miles around the fire perimeter and at an altitude of less than 3,000 feet AGL.” (CARs 601.15) If additional altitude (greater than 3,000 ft. AGL) or radius (greater than 5 nautical miles) is required, a request may be made through the Provincial Aircraft Coordinator via the local Forest Area, to request a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued by Nav Canada, for an amended Fire Traffic Area. FIGURE 3. Fire Traffic Area Aircraft assigned to the specific fire incident are exempt from the NOTAM restrictions as per CAR 601.17. This does not eliminate the requirement to request clearance into the FTA from an established airspace manager. Any aircraft working for Alberta Wildfire that will transit near a wildfire to which that aircraft is not assigned, must abide by CAR 601.15/16 listed above. 34 Classification: Protected A 10.2. Air Advisory Frequencies – VHF-AM Alberta Wildfire has been assigned a number of VHF-AM frequencies by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED). The air attack program has been given exclusive use of a number of these frequencies, which have been assigned to airtanker groups (bombing frequencies). Five additional frequencies have been allocated to be used for air advisory channels. The following radio frequencies are to be used for air advisory: • 129.800 MHz Primary Initial Attack • 128.950 MHz Secondary Initial Attack • 130.750 MHz Alternate Initial Attack (North of 53°, below 3500’ AGL only) • 130.175 MHz North Primary Sustained Action (North of 53°, below 3,500 AGL only) • 122.650 MHz South Primary Sustained Action (South of 53°) Consult the FP183 Radio Guide for a full list of available radio frequencies 10.3. General Airtanker Group Airspace Communication Procedures Birddog aircraft proceeding to an incident will monitor the assigned VHF-AM air advisory radio frequency and the designated Firenet FM frequency. As described in Section 8.6, no aircraft will enter the Fire Traffic Area until communication with the aircraft over the incident has been established, and if an airspace manager is present, has received clearance, assigned altitude, and altimeter setting. Airtankers should check in with their assigned birddog when able and monitor the bomb frequency. The airtanker should wait for a break in the radio communications when checking in with their birddog, if the radio communications are too busy they should only call inbound at 5 minutes. No clearance or instructions shall be given until the 5 minute call from the airtanker. All inbound airtanker(s) will call their assigned birddog on their bombing frequency when 5 minutes back from their dispatch coordinates to request clearance and instructions (altimeter setting, altitude, position in stack). Inbound airtanker(s) must include the following when they have established communications with their assigned birddog: • Tail number • Frequency (if not on the assigned bomb frequency) • ETE • Direction of Approach • Fire Number • Altitude Example: “Birddog 126, this is Tanker 485, I am 5 minutes back from the north of LWF 110 at 8500 feet” If the airtanker(s) are unable to establish communications with their assigned birddog, they must remain outside the restricted Fire Traffic Area (5 nautical miles) and call the PAC on the satellite phone. The 35 Classification: Protected A PAC will confirm the assigned bomb frequency and working birddog with the airtanker(s). The airtanker(s) must not proceed inbound until positive communications have been established. 10.4. Single Airtanker Group Airspace Communication Procedures Airtankers will remain on their assigned firebombing frequency and their only contact will be their birddog. The airtanker(s) will be directed to a rendezvous point (usually overhead the target) and maintain a holding pattern until instructed otherwise by the birddog aircraft. Airtanker pilots are encouraged to monitor the air advisory frequency, as an increased awareness measure. See Section 11 for more details on stacking procedures. 10.5. Multiple Airtanker Group Airspace Management Procedures If multiple airtanker groups are working on an incident, they may either work together or independently of each other. If they work independently, the groups will typically operate over separate parts of the fire, using defined geographical boundaries. If the airtanker groups are working together on an incident, the earliest arriving birddog generally assumes the position of the working birddog and the later arriving birddog assumes the supporting role. If additional birddog aircraft are not required on the incident, they will be instructed to return to the closest airtanker base to await further assignment. All inbound airtanker(s) will call the working birddog 5 minutes back on their bombing frequency for clearance and instructions (altimeter setting, altitude, and position in stack). See Section 11 for more details on stacking procedures and Section 15 for more details on multiple airtanker group operations. The support birddog may be requested to assume the role of Air Tactical Group Supervisor (ATGS). The working birddog team makes the decision to establish an ATGS platform. The call sign of the supporting birddog changes to “Air Attack” and wildfire number. For example: the ATGS call sign for LWF-110 would be “Air Attack 110”. The air advisory frequency for the incident will be used as the initial contact channel for all incoming aircraft. Each airtanker will call the ATGS 5 minutes back and state the cardinal direction they are approaching from and will not enter the Fire Traffic Area until instructions have been received from the ATGS. Immediately after receiving instructions from the ATGS, the incoming airtanker will switch to the working birddog bombing frequency to monitor the airtanker bombing action and will continue monitoring (if able) the air advisory frequency. See Section 11 for more details on stacking procedures and Section 15.2 for working with ATGS. 10.6. Establishment of an Altimeter Setting To ensure vertical separation, it is critical that all aircraft use the same altimeter setting when operating within a Fire Traffic Area. Vertical separation between aircraft within the FTA is as little as 500 feet. • All aircraft are responsible for ensuring that a current altimeter setting is used (as per CARs 602.35) • Altimeter settings are considered current up to 90 minutes • Pilots will set their altimeters on the ground where the specific elevation is known (airport, tower site, base camp, etc.), but may update the altimeter enroute to obtain a more accurate setting • If an altimeter setting is changed enroute or while working on a wildfire, it is imperative that all aircraft over the fire receive and acknowledge the new setting. • When arriving at a sustained action incident with an Incident Management Team (IMT), the birddog team will request the altimeter for that incident and recommend updating when required. 36 Classification: Protected A If the birddog team updates the altimeter, they must pass the new altimeter setting to the incident dispatch so that all aircraft on the incident can be notified. • The Standard Pressure Region altimeter setting may not be used as a default on a wildfire incident. 10.7. Flight Priorities Airspace flight priorities over a wildfire is determined during the planning stage. Flight priorities over a wildfire are: 1. Human emergencies 2. Airtanker action 3. Helicopters (bucketing / aerial ignition) 4. Service / Logistics 5. Reconnaissance 10.8. Assigned Altitudes within the Fire Traffic Area The altitude assignments listed below are used as a guideline by airspace managers. As wildfire situations can vary based on topography, location, class of airspace, etc., the airspace manager may be required to assign different altitudes and corridors other than these standards: Designated Altitudes in the Fire Traffic Area Aircraft Type Height (Feet) Above Ground Level (AGL) Helicopters Surface – 500 AGL Birddog 100 - 1,000 AGL Airtankers in Stack 1,500 AGL and above in 500’ increments Air Attack Platform Next available altitude above highest airtanker in stack Others (assessment, media aircraft, etc.) Highest Convert these elevations to above sea level (ASL) from above ground level (AGL) as all altitude assignments are given in feet ASL. 10.9. Integrated Helicopter Coordinator (HLCO) Operations During HLCO operations, the HLCO manages the airspace. When a fixed wing birddog arrives, the birddog team will take over airspace management after a turnover briefing with the HLCO. If it is deemed suitable, the HLCO will be cleared to continue helicopter operations within specific airspace assigned by the birddog. If any helicopter needs to transit anywhere outside of its specifically assigned airspace, clearance must be received from the birddog. After discussion with the HLCO, the birddog may give tactical direction to specific helicopters and integrate them with fixed wing airtanker operations. 37 Classification: Protected A 10.10. Managing Helicopters within the Fire Traffic Area The birddog team is responsible for managing aircraft within the Fire Traffic Area. They can use the following tactics to manage helicopters: • Assign the helicopter an operational portion of the fire to work (e.g. bucketing) • Assign the helicopter a safe altitude to orbit and observe • Request the helicopter to land • Request the helicopter to remain at a safe distance away until cleared into the fire Helicopters should be accommodated whenever possible; however, the birddog team must not exceed their span of control. Managing more than four helicopters while operating airtankers in the same airspace can be hazardous. The birddog team must maintain complete situational awareness of all aircraft (airtankers and helicopters) within their airspace, and ensure that vertical and horizontal separation is maintained at all times. If at any time, either member of the birddog team feels that they are losing situational awareness, they must reduce the number of resources that they are managing within the airspace (e.g. hold airtankers outside the Fire Traffic Area or at an airtanker base, request helicopters land or hold outside the Fire Traffic Area). Note: Helicopters with external loads shall not be stacked above other aircraft. 10.11. Loss of Communications If an airtanker experiences total or partial loss of air-to-air communications during operations, the following procedures shall be used: Note: At no time will these procedures take precedence over safe operation of the flight, especially with regards to traffic and terrain collision avoidance. 10.11.1. Before Entering the Fire Traffic Area The airtanker must not enter the Fire Traffic Area and attempt to contact birddog by text or satellite phone and advise. If unable to establish communications with the birddog, contact the PAC by either text or satellite phone and advise. Return to airport of origin or other suitable airport using normal loss of communication procedures. 10.11.2. After Receiving Clearance into the Fire Traffic Area, Prior to Entering the Stack Maintain assigned altitude and reverse course and leave the Fire Traffic Area. Do not change altitude unless safety demands it until clear of the Fire Traffic Area. Attempt to contact birddog by text or satellite phone and advise. If unable to establish communications with the birddog, contact the PAC by either text or satellite phone and advise. Return to airport of origin or other suitable airport using normal loss of communication procedures. 38 Classification: Protected A 10.11.3. After the Overhead Call and/or Established in the Stack Before Becoming Working Tanker (not number 1 tanker) Maintain assigned altitude. Attempt to contact birddog by text or satellite phone and advise. If unable to establish communications with the birddog, contact the PAC by either text or satellite phone and advise. Maintain the assigned altitude and leave the stack in the direction of the origin. Do not change altitude unless safety demands it until clear of the restricted area. Return to airport of origin or other suitable airport using normal loss of communication procedures. 10.11.4. Once the Working Tanker (number 1) and at Any Time During the Run Maintain assigned altitude. If descending for the run, stop descending but continue with the run as flown by the birddog. Do not drop the load unless safety of the flight requires it. Return to the bottom of the stack. Attempt to contact birddog by text or satellite phone and advise. If unable to establish communications with the birddog, contact the PAC by either text or satellite phone and advise. Do one orbit then leave the stack in the direction of the origin. Climb when appropriate as if a normal exit. Once clear of the fire area, return to airport of origin or other suitable airport using normal loss of communication procedures. 10.11.5. After Receiving Exit Instructions Continue with exit as per normal. Attempt to contact birddog by text or satellite phone and advise. If unable to establish communications with the birddog, contact the PAC by either text or satellite phone and advise. Climb when appropriate as if a normal exit. Once clear of the fire area, return to airport of origin or other suitable airport using normal loss of communication procedures. 10.11.6. Skimmer Aircraft Maintain the position within the group until over the scooping area. Then leave the group in a manner consistent with good airmanship and safety. Attempt to contact birddog by text or satellite phone and advise. If unable to establish communications with the birddog, contact the PAC by either text or satellite phone and advise. Climb when appropriate as if a normal exit. Return to airport of origin or other suitable airport using normal loss of communication procedures. 11. Stacking Procedures for Retardant Airtankers As discussed in Section 10.7, a system of assigned altitudes for various aircraft arriving to an incident has been developed. Within this system, a series of altitude assignments is reserved for orbiting airtankers. Procedures have been developed to safely and efficiently manage land-based (retardant carrying) airtankers over the fire. Skimmer Airtanker procedures will be covered in Section