Document
OAS - 28 ( 12/12)
United States Department of the Interior
Office of Aviation Services
Information Bulletin
Number: 13 - 0 3 Distribution: All DOI Bureau Aviation Employees Subject: Issuance of the 2013 comprehensive national level aviation Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), dated 04 - 01 - 13 between the Department of Interior (DOI) Office of Aviation Services (OAS) and the State of Texas, Texas Department of Public Safety (TX - DPS) Information: This Information Bulletin (IB) identifies and clarifies DOI Bureau responsibilities in the implementation and use of this MOU. All previous TX-DPS negotiated MOU’s and Agreements regarding air support operations are rescinded and are replaced with this 2013 MOU.
The MOU establishes a framework under which TX DPS will provide aerial support to DOI authorized missions. “The scope of the aviation support provided by TX-DPS shall be limited to law enforcement, search and rescue, medical evacuation, and other emergency activities or training required to support these activities.” All DOI employees participating in aviation operations shall meet specific DOI and respective Bureau aviation requirements and policies. For example, DOI flight following requirements of one hour check- ins must be followed; bureau policy may require more frequent check-ins. In addition, reference in MOU for DOI passengers under 2. DOI (a-d), addresses DOI Aviation Life Support Equipment requirements for all DOI passengers and non-qualified crewmembers, the requirement for aviation safety plans, and the issuance of an annual letter of approval by OAS to be carried aboard aircraft.
Contact Bureau Aviation Managers (unit, state, region, national as identified by your respective bureau) for specific DOI and Bureau requirements prior to use.
The MOU is effective immediately and remains in effect until either organization amends or revises the MOU. The OAS points of contact are Frank Crump, Eastern Region Director at (770)458-7474 and Gary Kunz, Western Region Director, at (208) 334-9300