INDEX
CHAPTER V
FLIGHT OPERATIONS
1. PURPOSE. The primary purpose for security helicopter flight operations
is to provide timely and effective response to a security emergency.
DOE security helicopters may be used for response force transport,
command, control, communications, and surveillance, and as a firing
platform when required. This chapter addresses operational
requirements, rules of engagement, specialized training, organizational
requirements, and the role of the Helicopter Security Operations
Council.
2. OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS.
a. General. Helicopters employed in support of security provide an
airborne dimension to protective capabilities against a threat
posed by adversaries who may attempt to steal or sabotage nuclear
weapons, special nuclear materials, and/or sabotage vital
facilities and equipment. The decision to utilize security
helicopters is based upon site-specific considerations with
concurrences of the cognizant Secretarial Officer, if any, and the
Office of Security Affairs. Helicopters shall be operated as
"public" aircraft and in accordance with Federal Aviation Agency
Regulations that cover commercial operators, flight operations,
equipment, air crew qualification, training and maintenance
(Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) (Title 14 Code of Federal
Regulations Part 135)) to the maximum extent possible.
b. Mission Readiness. Site-specific mission requirements of security
helicopters shall be documented in local operations plans. To meet
mission requirements, a helicopter shall be fully operational and
ready to respond to a security emergency on notice with a 90
percent availability rate excluding weather conditions.
c. Security Emergency Helicopter Operations. During a security
emergency, helicopters may be employed to transport Special
Response Teams to the scene of the incident or staging area as
directed by the senior on-scene commander or standard operating
procedure. Additional emergency response functions shall be fully
documented and may include the removal or relocation of response
forces; directed fire; command, control, communications and
surveillance; resupply of response forces; and fresh pursuit.
d. Routine Security Helicopter Operations. Routine `helicopter
operations may include:
(1) Pilot proficiency, training, and testing program;
(2) Training for emergency response;
(3) Site surveillance, search and observation;
(4) Movement of protective forces;
(5) Training for observation and pursuit of airborne and grand
intruders;
(6) Escort of convoys transporting special nuclear material; and
(7) Command, control and communications of ground security
activities in routine operations.
e. Special Use of Security Helicopters. Such use will include other
site support based upon written local guidelines.
f. Visual Flight Rules Operations Plan. Each site, in coordination
with the site Federal Aviation Safety Officer, Contractor Aviation
Manager/Director of Flight Operations, and Operations Office
Safeguards and Security Director, shall provide to the Head of the
Field Element a visual flight rules minimum operations plan, based
on the site's terrain and weather patterns. This plan shall
address:
(1) The minimum weather conditions under which airborne response
can be launched for day and night operations.
(2) Transition to a no-air support reaction condition.
g. Altitude Considerations.
(1) Routine Training and Operations.
(a) Daylight Operations. Aircraft shall maintain a minimum
altitude of 200 feet above any known obstacle within 500
feet either side of the planned route of flight during
daylight operations except for takeoff, approach, and
landing.
(b) Night and Night Vision Goggle Operations. Except for
takeoff, approach, and landing, aircraft shall maintain a
minimum altitude of 500 feet above ground level or 200
feet above the highest obstacle within 1,000 feet either
side of the planned flight route, whichever is higher.
When using night vision goggles, aircraft shall maintain
a minimum altitude of 300 feet above ground level or 200
feet above the highest obstacle within 1,000 feet of the
planned route of flight, whichever is higher.
(2) Hazard Mapping. Each aircraft shall be equipped with a map
displaying all identifiable hazards to flight within the
operating area. A map displaying all identifiable hazards to
flight and depicting elevation above ground level shall be
conspicuously posted in the mission planning area. Aircraft
maps and mission planning area maps shall be reviewed for
currency at least every 30 days and marked with the current
date.
h. Terrain Flight (Nap of the Earth, Contour and Low Level). There
are three modes of terrain flight: contour, low level, and nap, of
the earth. Terrain flight is flight at 200 feet or less above the
highest obstacle on the intended flight path. Terrain flight and
night vision device/goggle flight are essential to DOE tactical and
security needs. Low level or, contour flight may provide a
tactical advantage in a security emergency. Nap of the earth
flight is not essential to the Department's security needs and will
not be performed.
(1) Contour flight conforms with the contours of the earth and is
characterized by varying airspeeds and altitudes. Contour
flight altitudes are not less than 25 feet above the highest
obstacle.
(2) Low level flight is not less than 100 feet above the highest
obstacle. It is conducted at a selected altitude and
generally conforms to a predetermined course, with constant
airspeed.
(3) Nap of the earth flight is characterized by maneuvers as close
to the earth's surface as vegetation, obstacles, or ambient
light will permit.
i. Training Route(s)/Areas.
(1) Low level and contour flight for training and proficiency
shall be conducted only over designated training routes or in
designated training areas.
(2) A low level flight route/area for training shall be developed
at each site. The training route(s)/area should be clear of
hazardous obstacles. The training route(s)/area and
associated altitude minimums shall be approved by each site
Federal Aviation Safety Officer, Contractor Aviation Manager/
Director of Flight Operations, and the Field Element
Safeguards and Security Director.
(3) The training route(s)/area(s) shall be clearly marked on each
aircraft map and mission planning map. A master map showing
all hazards to flight shall be conspicuously displayed for the
flight crews use.
j. Pilot Training.
(1) Pilot initial training, qualification, requalification,
proficiency, and currency training shall be conducted in
accordance with applicable requirements of 14 CFR 61 and 135.
(2) Only the instructor pilot and pilot(s) shall be permitted on
board the helicopter during any pilot training unless the
response team is required to be on board during a specific
training scenario, such as crew coordination training or night
low level insertions.
k. Safety Analyses. Safety analyses for operations will be
accomplished according to the guidance and requirements provided in
DOE 5480.13A, AVIATION SAFETY, of 2-23-93. The basic
responsibility for assuring implementation of this policy lies with
the line organization responsible for the operation.
l. Exemption from FAR 135. The primary mission of security
helicopters is response to a security emergency. Therefore, during
such response and recovery, the requirements of FAR 135 shall be
suspended, and the helicopter will operate as a public aircraft.
m. Crew member Coordination. The pilot in command shall ensure that
routine mission training and tactical activities involving both
flight and air crew members are fully briefed and coordinated. An
air crew member is an individual other than a pilot who is required
to be on the aircraft for accomplishment of the mission.
3. USE OF HELICOPTERS AS FIRING PLATFORMS (RULES OF ENGAGEMENT). Aerial
firing is not a principal element of the Department's denial or
containment tactics. The primary purpose for employing helicopters to
support security operations is to provide a rapid response capability
for delivering Security Response Teams in an emergency. Firing from a
helicopter can be a viable and effective means of supporting security
operations and locally approved procedures may incorporate aerial firing
under the following conditions:
a. Authority to include aerial firing in response procedures shall be
granted only following development of site specific rules of
engagement which are consistent with the Department's policy on the
use of force.
b. Firing shall be done only by specifically trained response force
members with weapons that are attached to a gun mount which
provides field of fire limitations.
c. A Safety Analysis Review of aerial firing shall be completed.
d. The cognizant, Field Element safety officer must certify approval,
in writing, of the technical and operational procedures and Safety
Analysis Review for aerial firing to the Head of the Field Element.
e. Final approval authority at each site is the Head of the Field
Element. Copies of the approved technical and operational
procedures for aerial firing shall be provided to Office of
Safeguards and Security, the Office of Aviation Policy, and the
cognizant Secretarial Officer, if any.
4. NIGHT VISION GOGGLES. Operation, maintenance, testing, and calibration
of night vision goggles used by protective forces flight crew and
designated air crew members shall conform to current military
procedures, specifications, or equivalent standards.
a. Operation. In all stages of night .vision goggle training and use,
two pilots are required. Pilots using night vision goggle devices
shall be Federal Aviation Administration instrument rated and
current in the rating. Pilots are required to follow specified
procedures in operating night, vision goggles. Procedures
contained in the Departments of the Army, the Navy, and the Air
Force Operator's Manual (Army TM 11-5855-263-10) or equivalent
Government document shall be followed. Exceptions may only be
approved by the Director of Security Affairs in coordination with
the Office of Aviation Policy.
(1) Night vision goggle operational checks shall be accomplished
prior to official sunset. These checks shall be documented on
the pilot's Flight Operations Daily Checklist.
(2) Any discrepancy noted during operational checks shall be
recorded on the night vision goggle/visor maintenance log, to
include the correct goggle serial number.
(3) The pilot in command is responsible for ensuring night vision
goggles which are used by flight crew and designated air crew
members in support of flight activities are checked in
accordance with paragraph 4a(1).
(4) During qualification training with night vision goggles, one
of the pilots shall be designated a night vision goggle
trainer and a Federal Aviation Administration Certified Flight
Instructor. Only the pilot and instructor pilot shall be
permitted on board the helicopter.
(5) After initial night vision goggle training has been completed
minimum currency and proficiency requirements, i.e., minimum
night vision goggle currency flight time requirements and
proficiency checkrides, shall be met as approved by the site
Federal Aviation Safety Officer, Contractor Aviation Manager/
Director of Flight Operations, and Field Element Safeguards
and Security Director.
(6) Response team members may be carried for site patrols,
tactical training, and security emergency operations only when
both pilots are fully night vision goggle qualified. Any
locally required crew use of night vision goggles shall be
based upon local guidelines and procedures which shall include
pilot/crew coordination and training. Such crew use of night
vision goggles shall optimize 3600 observation from the
aircraft.
(7) Aircraft that are used for night vision goggle flight shall
have the minimum standard night vision goggle equipment as
follows: (a) Night vision goggle-compatible cockpit; (b)
night vision goggle compatible digital/analog radar altimeter
with visual and audible warning; (c) wire strike protection,
if mountable; (d) night sun with infrared filter; and (e) wire
detection system (if applicable).
(8) A Night Vision Goggle Maintenance Program shall be instituted
to include standardized maintenance practices and equipment.
This requires a standard operating procedure, periodic regular
maintenance, a records management system with permanent
records, standard maintenance training, and standard pilot
preflight procedure training.
b. Maintenance. Maintenance technicians shall follow procedures
contained in the U.S. Army Technical Manual (Army TM
11-5855-263-23&P).
(1) Night vision goggle testing and repair shall be conducted only
by a Federal Aviation Administration certified Airframe and
Powerplant Mechanic who has also completed the U.S. Army night
vision goggle maintenance course. This maintenance course is
available to the Department's and its contractor Airframe and
Powerplant mechanics through the Department of the Army Night
Vision Devices and Electro-Optics Readiness Division. In
circumstances where this certified airframe and powerplant
mechanic is not available, night vision goggle testing and
repair may be conducted by a qualified Military Aviation Life
Support Equipment Technician.
(2) All test equipment used on the night vision goggles shall meet
military specifications and shall be calibrated according to
these specifications.
(3) Mandatory testing and maintenance shall be at intervals no
less frequent than that specified in the U.S. Army Technical
Manual.
(4) Night vision goggle maintenance logs shall be checked at the
beginning of each shift. Discrepancies shall be cleared and
noted on the night vision goggle maintenance log and the
goggles returned to service with an appropriate serviceability
tag.
c. Procurement. The Department of the Army has agreed that Department
of Energy Operations Offices which use night vision goggles may
procure these devices from the Army. The following are the steps
to be taken to obtain these devices and associated test equipment.
(1) Operations Offices shall make a written request directly to
the Department of the Army Night Vision Devices and
Electro-Optics Readiness Division, Ft. Belvoir, VA 22026.
Cost of this equipment may fluctuate periodically. Current
prices of this equipment may be obtained by calling telephone
number (703) 806-3279 or (703) 806-3280. The National Stock
Number for both the night vision goggle and test equipment
are:
(a) AN/ANVIS NSN 5855-01-138-4749
(b) Test Set TS-3895
(c) Hand Held Test Set TS-4348
(2) In compliance with DOE accounting policies, include an
interagency payment device equivalent to the U.S. Army
Military Interdepartmental Purchase Request.
(3) Specify a Department of Energy (U.S. Government) shipping
address. A contractor address shall not be used.
5. INSTRUMENT FLIGHT RULES/VISUAL FLIGHT RULES FLIGHT. There are no
requirements for intentional instrument flight rule flight in the
security mission other than maintenance of a recovery capability in the
event of inadvertent instrument meteorological conditions. The aircraft
shall have the equipment required under 14 CFR (FAR) 135.143, .149,
.159, .161 and .163, and pilot instrument proficiency shall be part of a
local flight training syllabus.
6. ORGANIZATION. An organization shall be created for each security
helicopter operation to conform to FAR 135.37a and will consist at a
minimum of a Director of Flight Operations (Contractor Aviation
Manager), a Chief Pilot, and a Director of Maintenance.
a. The Director of Flight Operations is responsible for the management
of the organization and flight operations. As a minimum, the
Director of Flight Operations shall hold an Airline Transport Pilot
rating as specified in FAR 135.39. The Director of Flight
Operations may also serve as the Chief Pilot.
b. The Chief Pilot is responsible for the selection of pilot in
command and copilot, establishing air crew qualifications and
training, and preparing flight operations procedures. The Chief
Pilot shall be rated equal to or greater than required for pilot in
command and possess a current Federal Aviation Administration
Certified Flight Instructor rating.
c. The Director of Maintenance schedules and conducts regular and
special maintenance; maintains the parts inventory and appropriate
records; supervises and trains mechanics, all in accordance with
Federal Aviation Administration regulations, technical manuals and
manufacturer recommended procedures. The Director of Maintenance
must hold an Federal Aviation Administration mechanic certificate
with both airframe and powerplant ratings and possess a Federal
Aviation Administration Inspection Authorization Certificate.
d. Any person who conducts flight training shall hold a current FAA
Certified Flight Instructor Certificate.
7. STANDARD SECURITY HELICOPTERS. Future procurement of any new security
helicopters shall meet the requirements and specifications approved by
the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Procurement and Assistance
Management. Information on specifications may be obtained from Chief,
Physical Security Branch, Office of Safeguards and Security.
8. HELICOPTER SECURITY OPERATIONS COUNCIL. A Helicopter Security
Operations Council shall be established and meet on an annual basis or
more frequently at the call of any member to discuss a specific issue.
The primary mission of the Council is to serve as a central review body
for all aspects of security helicopter operations and make
recommendations to Departmental management for program enhancement. Its
role is to provide expert advice to the Department on security and
safety standards, procurement, operation, maintenance, integration with
ground operations, command and control, and qualifications and training
requirements for security helicopter support and operations personnel.
a. The Council shall develop and recommend policies, procedures and
standards for approval and issuance by the Director of Safeguards
and Security.
b. The Council shall be chaired by the Chief, Physical Security
Branch, Office of Safeguards and Security. Membership will include
the Transportation and Packaging Safety Division, who shall serve
as vice-chair; representatives from the cognizant Secretarial
Office, if any; and the safeguards and security, and safety
elements from each Operations Office with security helicopters or
those contemplating their acquisition. The Director of the
Safeguards and Security Central Training Academy shall also be a
member of this Council. The Director of Flight Operations for each
Operations Office with security helicopters shall serve as
technical advisor to the Council. A representative of the site
protective force may also be an advisory member of the Council when
the aerial operations and protective forces are not integrated
under one contractor.
c. Council minutes shall be maintained and distributed to the members
and technical advisors.