Emergency and Hazard Situation Action Plan

Procedures if Becoming Aware of a Hazard

When any crew member becomes aware of a hazard, the flight shall be suspended or restricted in accordance with Part 135.83 until conditions comply with the requirements. The crew member involved will forthwith secure the aircraft and the immediate environment ensuring the safety of HeliOps staff and other innocent parties. 

Once the situation is under control, the CEO or OM is briefed by the staff member(s) and duty pilot involved, and a quality improvement form is filled out by the duty pilot and where necessary notification shall be sent to the Authority as soon as practicable by a means acceptable to the Authority. Refer Part 12, 12.51.

On-ground Emergencies

An on-ground emergency at any of the places used by HeliOps can take many forms, most of which are identified in our Hazard Register and dealt with there. The most likely on-ground emergencies are:

Fire in the helicopter or in the surroundings. 

Staff members, and particularly pilots, must be familiar with the location and operation of fire extinguishers, or other available means of fighting a fire. The most senior person present shall take control and take whatever action is deemed necessary at the time and, without delay, contact the nearest Fire Brigade, and any other required emergency services such as Police and Medical.

Persons not associated with the operation shall be evacuated and, time permitting, vehicles and equipment shall be removed to safety.

Aircraft accident. 

The most senior person present shall be responsible for appropriate immediate actions such as rescue of the aircraft’s occupants, rendering assistance to the best of the person’s ability, use of fire-fighting resources, notification of the appropriate emergency services, and security around the crash scene.

If a person is injured through contact with helicopter blades or components, immediate first aid shall be given. If the nature of the injury makes this necessary, the appropriate emergency services shall be called without delay, and the Police notified if required.

In all on-ground accident situations, the Occurrence Investigator shall be advised as soon as practicable and that person will be responsible for any follow-up action(s), including the action plan in Para 6.4, if applicable. Any documents pertaining to the flight, e.g. Flight Following form, Flight Plan, fuel records, shall be impounded and kept in a secure place.

The CEO shall ensure that appropriate staff are trained and competent in the use of emergency equipment.

In-air Emergencies

The pilot-in-command of a helicopter experiencing an emergency in flight shall take such immediate action as is deemed necessary at the time.

If sufficient time exists, the emergency MAYDAY transmission should be made.

Other situations where management personnel become aware of an in-air emergency, shall be dealt with as listed in the Emergency Action Plan.

Fuel Tanker Operation - Filling Jerries or Tanks

AV Gas 

• Make sure the tap from the tank to the pump is open. 

• Check for leaks. 

• Start the pump. 

• Push the knob down to run. 

• Push the decompression button down. 

• Turn the key to start. 

• Fill the Jerrys or tank as required. Always put the nozzle back into its holder. 

• Turn off the pump. 

• Turn the knob back to stop position. 

• Turn the key off. 

• Shut the tap to minimise any leaks. 

• Write in the book, which is located in the cab of the truck, the following information:

  • • The start number on the flowmeter, 

    • the end number on the flowmeter, 

    • the total amount of fuel you have taken, 

    • the remaining total of avgas available, 

    • your name and the date.

Jet A-1

• Turn the isolator on. This is located on the left-hand side by the batteries. 

• Turn the truck on to build up the air in order to use the PTO. 

• Turn on the tap at the back of the truck. 

• Push start on the Control Panel once the truck has built up enough year. 

• In the cab, with your foot on the clutch, push the PTO button in to operate the PTO, then slowly release your foot off of the clutch. 

• Go to the handle by the Control Panel. This lever goes two ways; one way to operate the pump and the other way to wind in the hose. 

• Turn the pump on.

• Fill the Jerrys or tank as required. Always put the nozzle back into its holder.

• Turn the pump off at the handle. 

• Take note of how many litres of Jet A-1 you have taken out. This will be shown on the Control Panel. 

• Push stop. 

• In the cab, disengage the PTO with your foot on the clutch. 

• Turn the truck off at the key. 

• Close the tap at the back. 

• Turn off the isolator!

• Write in the book, which is located in the cab of the truck, the following information:

  • • the total amount of fuel you have taken, 

    • the remaining total of Jet A-1 available, 

    • your name and the date.

General

• HeliOps aircraft are to be flown under VFR conditions, only during daylight hours, with good visibility and appropriate weather.  At the commencement of operations each day, meteorological information and NOTAMS (if applicable), obtained from a reliable source, will be assessed and used to determine if conditions are suitable for the day. 

• The majority of operational flights flown by HeliOps aircraft are for the discharge and dispersement of agricultural products.  

• Only the CP, OM or CEO can authorise the initiation, continuation, or termination of an operating cycle. 

• No unauthorised persons are permitted to fly HeliOps aircraft. Authorisation is granted by the CEO either as an employment condition or as a time expiry letter of authority.

• Only the CP, OM or CEO can authorise the carrying of a passenger in a HeliOps aircraft, and will only provide such authorisation if they have a written record of the legal name and emergency contact details of that person. 

• No person shall

  • • Interfere with a HeliOps staff member in the performance of the staff member’s duties aboard an aircraft.

    • Tamper or interfere with any aircraft or equipment, this includes specific instruction not to tamper with the operation of the time-in-service recorder, if fitted.

    • Manipulate the controls of a helicopter in flight except when:

      • acting as pilot-in-command, or

      • representing the Director in performing a required duty, subject to the permission of the CEO or OM and the pilot-in-command.

• If interference on the ground does occur the staff member made aware of the interference will immediately notify the duty pilot and OM, and if necessary, request police assistance to control the situation.

• No person working, riding in or loitering in the immediate working vicinity of any HeliOps aircraft is permitted to be under the influence of a sedative, stimulant or narcotic substance. Should such a case be suspected, the OM must be notified and the person directed to leave the controlled site area. In a serious situation, back up from the Police may be necessary.

• Smoking is prohibited in and around the helicopter(s).

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