Working With Helicopter Drops

Consider the following questions when you have a helicopter with a bucket working in your area:

• If the helicopter is a Type 1, increase the distance of standby place from the drop zone.
• Use helicopter drops to knock down or secure a fire area that poses a direct imminent threat to escaping control lines or climbing up ladder fuels.
• Do you have good communications?
• Does the pilot have a clear understanding of the target?
• Are trees and snags in the drop zone?
• Are ground crews clear of the area?
• What are the winds doing?
• What is the turnaround time for the helicopter?
• Are people on the ground aware of the effects of the helicopter’s rotor wash?
• Give feedback to the pilot about drop accuracy. Be honest and constructive.
• Be aware that helicopter performance capabilities may be significantly reduced at high altitudes and/or high temperatures.