Helicopter and Rappel Charter

Helicopter Sub-Committee
and
Rappel Steering Committee
of the
Regional Fire Equipment Committee
CHARTER

Mission

Annually, the Sub-committee will submit input and recommendations to the Regional Fire Equipment Committee for implementation. They will also report on implemented actions taken by Regional Helitack Crews.

When functioning as the Regional Rappel Steering Committee, the group will provide oversight and program management recommendations directly to the Regional Aviation Group (Regional Helicopter Program Officer).

Objectives

Review employee suggestions (both formal and informal):

Determine adequacy and workability
Evaluate need
Recommend implementation
Disseminate suggestions to field units
Forward employee suggestions for Regional recommendation

Solicit, review and evaluate inputs from the field on work improvements, techniques and equipment from all Regions, including cooperating agencies.
Explore new avenues of training and recommend to the Regional Office new techniques and methods for implementation.
Provide a framework for Regional Needs Assessment in Rappel Capability and recommendations for program development, improvement and oversight.
Prepare and submit proposals to the National Equipment and Development Program.

Group Composition

The Helicopter Sub-Committee/Rappel Steering Committee will consist of eight voting members from the following groups and will be selected on the basis of interest, expertise and willingness to serve:

Regional Helicopter Operations Specialist
Forest Aviation Officer
Helicopter Program Manager
Equipment Development Specialist
Division/Battalion Chief (District Chief Officer)
Current Helitack Manager
Current Assistant Helitack Manager
Regional Rappel Technical Specialist

A representative of the Regional Office, Aviation and Fire Management staff will serve as advisor and contact for the Chairperson and will attend meetings when necessary. The Regional Rappel Technical Specialist serves as an integral part of the committee and as the Region's representative to the National Rappel Steering Committee. Specialist and Ad Hoc participants may be utilized for limited term assignments as needed.

Replacement of Members

Replacement members for vacated positions will be solicited from Forest Supervisors and unit heads. Committee member's recommended tenure will be 5 years.

Selection of Chairperson

The Chairperson will be selected by the Helicopter Sub-Committee members, subject to approval by the Regional Fire Equipment Committee. The Chairperson will attend all Regional Fire Equipment Committee meetings. Recommended term for the chairperson is 2 years with a Vice Chairperson shadowing for 1 year. Ideally, the Vice Chairperson should be selected from the working committee, but can be an interested person from outside the group with a strong background in aviation and helicopters.

Meeting Frequency

Meetings will be held at the Chairperson's request to provide timely input to the Regional Fire Equipment Committee and the Regional Helicopter Program Officer.