- FLIGHT OPERATING PROCEDURES

32.11 - Logging Pilot Flight Time

Forest Service employee pilots shall record the breakdown of flight time as required in 14 CFR 61.51 and shall document the breakdown on Form FS-5700-25, Record of Individual Flying Time. These records must be maintained in the individual pilots’ competency and proficiency files (sec. 32.1).

32.12 - Load Manifest

For aircraft carrying passengers or cargo, a load manifest must be prepared by the pilot-in-command before each takeoff and must meet the direction provided in 14 CFR 135.63 (c)(1) through (d) and section 11.29 in this Handbook.

1. Instructions for Load Manifest Forms. Each type of aircraft operated by the Forest Service must have an approved load manifest/weight and balance form with instructions for determining the basic index and procedures for completing the required information. This form can be a Forest Service approved form identified in this Handbook for a specific type aircraft or an approved form from the Airplane Flight Manual (Pilot’s Operating Handbook) (sec. 31.06 and 14 CFR 135.63 (c)(1)(d)).

2. Pilot-in-Command Responsibility for Load Manifest. The pilot-in-command is responsible for the accuracy of the load manifest/weight and balance information and calculations and shall comply with the direction in 14 CFR 135.63 C(1) thru (8).

32.2 - Passenger and Cargo Loading and Unloading

1. Fixed-wing pilots-in-command are responsible for:

a. Ensuring the aircraft is properly loaded and fueled.

b. Weight and balance document has been completed.

c. Aircraft is within approved weight and balance limitations.

d. Coordination with the Fixed-Wing Flight Manager regarding passenger boarding and deplaning requirements.

2. Prior to each takeoff, the pilot-in-command shall ensure that all baggage and/or cargo has been adequately secured or stowed in approved cargo or baggage areas.

32.21 - Aircraft and Access

1. Unless otherwise provided for in an approved operations plan or in section 11.29, aviation operations managers shall ensure the pilot-in-command shuts down all engines prior to loading or unloading passengers in any fixed-wing aircraft. The pilot-in-command, fixed-wing base manager, and Fixed-Wing Flight Manager are jointly responsible for ensuring routes to and from the aircraft are free of hazards; when there are hazards, they must provide other means to safely manage passenger loading and unloading.

2. The fixed-wing base manager is responsible for ensuring loading ramps and wheel chocks are clear and the flight crew has been briefed on marshalling instructions. The Fixed-Wing Flight Manager and fixed-wing manager are jointly responsible for keeping passengers in a safe area and well back from any moving aircraft, propellers, and/or jet blast.

3. Pilots of either a fixed-wing aircraft or helicopter may not leave the cockpit of an aircraft unattended while any engine is running.

32.22 - Passenger Briefing

1. The pilot-in-command or a designated crewmember shall provide the oral briefing required by 14 CFR 135.117, unless the pilot-in-command determines that the passengers are familiar with the contents of the briefing, such as during multiple legs of the same trip with no new additions to the passenger manifest.

2. Prior to takeoff, the pilot-in-command shall ensure that passengers, who may need assistance in moving to an exit in an emergency, have other passengers assigned to assist and to provide additional emergency procedure information.

32.23 - Diagram of Emergency Exits and Equipment

Each aircraft passenger cabin shall be equipped with printed passenger briefing cards for each passenger seat location containing the information required by 14 CFR 135.117.

32.24 - Safety Belt Use

Each passenger shall be briefed on when, where, and under what conditions it is necessary to have their safety belts fastened about them. The briefing shall also include complete instructions as to the operation of the seat belt hardware and, if installed, any shoulder harness.

32.25 - Smoking

1. Each passenger shall be briefed on when, where, and under what conditions smoking is prohibited. This briefing shall include a statement that the FARs as well as Forest Service policy require compliance with crewmember instructions.

2. Certain areas on and near aircraft staging areas are designated “NO SMOKING” and should be clearly signed. In the absence of such designations, the following applies:

a. Ground. Smoking is not allowed within 50 feet of any parked aircraft or any flammable or chemical storage area.

b. Aircraft in Flight. Smoking is not allowed on Forest Service or contract aircraft at any time.

32.26 - Emergencies and Emergency Evacuation Duties

For related direction, see 14 CFR 135.123 (a) and (b).

For each type aircraft as appropriate, flight crewmembers shall be assigned the functions necessary in an emergency or in a situation requiring emergency evacuation.

1. The pilot-in-command shall ensure that those functions can be practicably accomplished and would meet reasonably anticipated emergencies, including incapacitation of individual crewmembers or their inability to reach the passenger cabin because of shifting cargo.

2. All flight crewmembers shall annually review and remain familiar with the emergency procedures and equipment outlined in the Airplane Flight Manual (Pilot’s Operating Handbook) (sec. 06) and emergency checklist for each type aircraft assigned. In the event of an emergency, comply with those emergency procedures.

Directory: dirindexhome -> fsh -> 5709.16
5709.16 -> Forest Service Handbook national headquarters (wo) Washington, dc
dirindexhome -> Forest Service Manual national headquarters (wo)
fsh -> Duration: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed

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