Helicopter Manager, Single Resource

HMGB Incident Position Description

The Helicopter Manager, (HMGB), provides supervision and coordination of helicopter module operations. The HMGB supervises assigned crewmembers and reports to a Helibase Manager (HEBM), Air Support Group Supervisor (ASGS), Incident Commander (IC), or other assigned supervisor. The HMGB works in the Air Operations functional area.

Prepare and Mobilize

• Ensure individual readiness.
• Gather critical information pertinent to the assignment.
• Obtain and assemble information and materials needed for assignment as referenced in the NWCG Standards for Helicopter Operations (NSHO), PMS 510.
• Travel to and check in at assignment.
• Obtain/Review appropriate Aviation Operations Plan and obtain initial briefing from supervisor or designee.

Build the Team

• Conduct self in a professional manner.
• Establish and maintain positive interpersonal and interagency working relationships.
• Establish agency contacts and identify chain of command that includes Fire Management Officer, Aviation Officer, dispatch, incident contact, Helibase Manager (HEBM) and/or Air Support Group Supervisor (ASGS).
• Establish and communicate chain of command, reporting procedures, risk management processes, radio frequency management, and aviation operational objectives.
• Attend helibase and/or incident briefings and obtain daily Incident Action Plan (IAP) or relevant plans and incident maps for the duration of incident.
• Obtain and distribute IAP, other relevant plans, maps, and local area information and brief assigned personnel.
• Participate in proficiency checks and drills.
• Calculate amount and type of resources required; obtain through established ordering procedures. Ensure adequate staffing is in place for anticipated activity.

Lead, Supervise, Direct

• Model leadership values and principles. Provide positive influence. Emphasize teamwork.
• Establish and communicate objectives, priorities, work assignments, and performance expectations.
• Identify, analyze, and use relevant situational information to make more informed decisions and take appropriate actions.
• Adjust actions based on changing information and evolving situation awareness. Develop and implement contingency plans. Communicate changing conditions to assigned resources and supervisor.
• Ensure daily operational objectives and performance standards are met.

Perform Helicopter Manager Position-Specific Duties and Responsibilities

• Function as the contracting officer’s representative (COR) or project inspector (PI); monitor and ensure contract compliance by the vendor and vendor personnel.
• Verify that the aircraft and Pilot are approved for the planned missions, and that the helicopter, pilot, support equipment, and personnel meet the terms of the procurement document (contract) or agency policy (fleet).
• Ensure tool, equipment, and vehicle maintenance and refurbishment are performed.
• Responsible for overall readiness of the helicopter module.
• Complete required administrative and operational forms specified in NWCG Standards for Helicopter Operations (NSHO), PMS 510 and optional forms as required by the Helibase Manager and/or local aviation management.
• Review and sign helicopter load calculations. Responsible for the accurate completion of helicopter passenger/cargo manifests.
• Ensure a preflight briefing is accomplished prior to flight.
• Ensure flight following is performed during flight.
• Direct personnel in helicopter operations (helispot location and construction, manifesting, loading and unloading of cargo and personnel, marshaling helicopters, rigging of external loads, etc...).
• Ensure that, except in an emergency, there is no deviation from established flight plan or type of intended use unless such deviation is relayed and/or approved through identified procedures and that any requirements of such a deviation are met.
• Assist the pilot in aerial hazard identification by ensuring:
  • Aerial hazard map has been reviewed prior to flight.
  • A high-level reconnaissance is made prior to flight less than 500’AGL.
• Follow the entry procedures listed in the NWCG Standards for Aerial Supervision, PMS 505, when entering fire traffic area (FTA) and incident airspace.
• Provide initial attack aerial size up information for dispatch and coordinate with ground and management personnel.
• Ensure sufficient power is available by performing a hover-out-of-ground (HOGE) power check prior to any landing site approach/departure.
• Lead and participate in safety sessions and critiques; present safety topics to crew; maintain awareness of changes in aviation policy, regulations, and procedures; responsible for crew’s and other users’ welfare and safety in all aspects of job.
• Monitor vendor personnel for compliance with flight time, driving time, and duty day limitations as contained in the procurement document or agency policy.
• Ensure flight payment documents are accurate and submitted according to direction found in procurement document.
• Report any condition, observation, act, maintenance problem, or circumstance with personnel or aircraft that has the potential to cause an aviation-related mishap using the SAFECOM system.
• Develop contingency plans pertaining to unfavorable conditions, unscheduled maintenance, or other delays.
• Follow established processes and chain of command for collecting, producing, and distributing information.

Perform Fireline Duties

• Coordinate travel to and from fireline (e.g., landing zones, travel routes, communication procedures, accountability). Ensure adherence to vehicle safety procedures. Identify ingress and egress routes. Consider aerial hazards, bridge, and road limits, equipment weight and length, and weather effects.
• Assess work area to meet assigned objectives.
• Develop and implement tactics based on incident objectives, fire behavior, risk assessment and leader's intent.
• Organize and deploy helicopter and crew based on current objectives and resource capabilities.
• Request, direct, and provide feedback to aerial resources through established chain of command.
• Provide status updates on conditions affecting operations, hazardous conditions, unresolved conflicts, air operations, etc., to supervisor.
• Report special occurrences (e.g., structure/improved property loss or damage, accidents, equipment failure, sickness) to supervisor.
• Through established chain of command, assist the responsible land management agency and/or assigned Resource Advisor (READ), with the protection of natural, cultural, and other resources. Communicate when such resources are discovered and document suppression impacts.
• Equip crew with appropriate short and long-term logistical needs for assignment and utilize correct procedures to obtain additional supplies.
• Gather and/or disseminate information using maps, compass, Global Positioning System (GPS), and other tools, and applications.
• Assign personnel to collect, document, and report weather observations.
• Provide situation update and accomplishments to supervisor and/or relief forces at end of shift.
• Provide timely updates of accurate information and recommendations using the chain of command to assist with the planning process.

Communicate and Coordinate

• Communicate using clear text.
• Brief subordinate staff.
• Establish communications and exchange necessary briefings/information with the following:
  • Pilot
  • Support resources
  • Adjacent resources
  • Supervisor
  • Other Incident Command System (ICS) functional areas
• Ensure assigned radios are functional prior to commencing daily operations.
• Maintain radio or message links with appropriate incident functions.
• Follow established processes and chain of command for collecting, producing, and distributing information.
• Coordinate with scheduling office, pilot, and users on flight planning.
• Ensure Helicopter Crewmembers are proficient in the use of aircraft radios and nationally standardized hand signals.
• Communicate changing conditions to supervisor.
• Communicate and coordinate helicopter equipment, supply, and personnel needs.
• Ensure clear understanding of expectations and timely communication within and across ICS functional areas and chain of command.
• Conduct functional area briefings and After-Action Reviews (AAR).

Manage Risk

• Apply the Risk Management Process as stated in the NWCG Incident Response Pocket Guide (IRPG), PMS 461.
• Conduct safety sessions and critiques; ensure preflight safety briefings are provided to passengers; ensure own and others’ safety and welfare in all aspects of job.
• Report hazards, injuries, incidents, and accidents to supervisor and subordinates immediately.
• Ensure required personal protective equipment is available and used correctly.
• Monitor personnel working on the deck for fatigue, stress, and distraction.
• Verify base and/or incident emergency and safety procedures.
• Plan for aircraft and/or medical emergencies. Ensure that assigned resources are prepared to execute the Helibase Crash Rescue Plan and/or Medical Plan (ICS 206 WF). Ensure familiarity with medical responders, communication procedures, and transportation plan. Manage the emergency based on procedures stated in the IAP, the Medical Incident Report, Helibase Crash Rescue Plan and/or other relevant guidelines.

Document

• Complete, authorize, ensure timeliness of, and route as required:
  • Crew Time Report (CTR), SF-261 (Watch: How to correctly fill out a CTR)
  • Required NSHO HCM forms
  • Contract documents.
  • Complete appropriate payment documents daily.
  • Incident Personnel Performance Rating (ICS 225 WF).
  • Contractor Performance Evaluation (CPARS).
  • General Message (ICS 213).
  • Activity Log (ICS 214).
  • SAFECOM.
  • SAFENET.
  • Agency-specific Forms.

Demobilize

• Follow demobilization instructions from supervisor.
• Plan for demobilization. Brief assigned resources on demobilization procedures and responsibilities. Ensure incident and agency demobilization procedures are followed.
• Supervise the demobilization of personnel, equipment, and supplies.
• Check out with appropriate agency or incident personnel prior to departure and complete closeout/debriefing.

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