Author: jamianzalone

Aviation Safety & Technical Assistance Team
(ASTAT)
Handbook

Date

Purpose

Aviation Safety and Technical Assistance Team (ASTAT) Aviation Safety and Assistance Teams enhance safe, efficient, and effective aviation operations. An ASTAT provides assistance to unit aviation managers, flight crews, dispatch centers and incident management teams. The intent is to provide support and recommendations without delaying or impacting operations in a negative way. The ASTAT should focus on all aspects of aviation and the interaction between the various personnel and disciplines that support aviation operations.

Authority

Delegation of Authority of ASTAT
The Chair of the Great Basin Coordination Group (GBCG) provides the ASTAT members with a delegation of authority that provides direction and specific authority to act on behalf of the GB MAC which is a component of the GBCG. The ASTAT authority includes, but is not limited to:

Review of air bases (as identified)
Review of Type 1, 2 and 3 incident bases
Review of contract compliance for assigned aircraft
Review of dispatch procedures related to aviation operations
Suspension of any unsafe aviation operations

Please reference your delegation!

Philosophy

ASTAT visits are not inspections
ASTAT helps to provide assistance to aviation operations
Your role is to help them conduct THEIR operations at lower risk
You are there to help and should approach folks that you meet as such
Reports should provide concise findings and specific recommendations

Expectations

Check in/out with host unit UAM/FAO and applicable Incident Commanders
Identify unsafe operations and act appropriately to correct
Make recommendations to support safer aviation operations (as applicable)
Provide findings/recommendations in written format to UAM/FAO
Provide a final written report to GB MAC and to the Aviation Risk Management Subcommittee (ARMS) by the ASTAT Lead and/or uploaded to the NWCG ARMS webpage/Resources tab.
https://www.nwcg.gov/committees/aviation-risk-management-subcommittee
Attend DAILY ASTAT debrief calls
Communicate, Associate, and dress in a manner consistent with the values of the member agencies of the GBCC

Notifications

You are expected to make contact with the local unit aviation staff and the Air Operations Branch Director to let them know you will be in their area prior to your arrival.
In-brief to discuss the purpose of the ASTAT and see if they have concerns for you to address. This may be accomplished over the phone if agreeable to all parties involved.
Out-brief to discuss any issues and concerns addressed. No one should be surprised with ASTAT findings. Be sure to let folks know when you have completed your visit and are leaving the area.

Nuggets of wisdom

Be aware of who is in the room when having discussions. Respect confidentiality.
In person briefings and de-briefings are better than over the phone.
Do your best to remain neutral in any situation, remember you represent the GB Agency Reps.
Polite conversation is a great way to open up a interaction and create a comfortable situation.
If there is something that needs immediate correction, it is best to get the Aviation Officer for the Unit involved immediately.
Do not report out on daily call anything that is controversial or sensitive. Place a call directly to the MAC Aviation Coordinator to discuss.

Great Basin Aviation Call Information

Time	1000 MDT
Number	1-877-779-1564
Passcode	173546#

ASAT Daily Debrief
Call Information

Time	1730 MDT
Number	1-877-779-1564
Passcode	173546#

Logistics

You are expected to make your own lodging
reservations and be self sufficient for meals.
Government per diem rates will apply throughout your travels and do not expect to be reimbursed for charges above the Government rate.
Government vehicles and rentals are the preferred source of transportation.
Please keep the GB MAC Aviation Coordinator informed of any schedule changes or delays.

Emphasis Points

Please consider the following key points as you visit the various personnel and bases during your travels.
1) Pilot/Crew fatigue and duty day
Agency workload and fatigue
Span of control / proper supervision
Airspace issues (TFR, Frequency, etc.)
UAS incursion protocol—Decision Tree
Incident airspace management
Doors off flight—securing cabin
Hazmat notifications to flight crew
Dispatch protocol for moving resources in PL 4&5
Knee board sharing and accuracy

Agreement

I have read and understand the expectations of the ASTAT. I agree to interact with others in a respectful, professional manner that
respects relationships within the Region and promotes aviation safety through SMS.
________________________________
Team Leader –
_________________________________
Fixed Wing Specialist
_________________________________
Helicopter Operations
_________________________________
Dispatch Operations

Overhead

Name	14th Day	Replacement Ordered

Overhead

Name	14th Day	Replacement Ordered

Schedule

Date	Location	Incident

Schedule

Date	Location	Incident

Contact List

Date	Name	Incident / / Location

Contact List

Date	Name	Incident / / Location

Notes

Notes

Notes

Notes

Numbers

Michael Reid	GB MAC Aviation	208-994-9279
Jessica Wade	GBCG Chair	801-598-3076
Gina Dingman	GB Coordination Center Manager	801-531-5320
Alec Goicoechea	Nevada BLM SAM (acting)	775-934-7410
XXXXXXXX	Utah BLM SAM	435-590-4831
XXXXXXXX	Idaho BLM SAM	208-514-5330
Sam Ramsay	R4 RAO	801-745-7867
Shad Sitz	NPS Pac West RAM	541-588-0344
Steve Sorensen	NPS Intermountain RAM	720-626-0738
Mark Eliot	Idaho Dept. Lands	208-661-1667
Tom Knight	Nevada Dept. / Forestry	775-721-8998
Mike Melton	Utah Dept. Forestry	435-590-4712
XXXXXXXX	OAS West Area Dir.	208-850-0947
Cameron Dingman	AOBD — / Missouri Fire	801-550-9857
Daniel Diaz	AOBD— / Long Valley Fire	909-659-4596
Jay Madsen	AOBD— / 4 Seasons Cmplx	253-313-3591

Numbers

Heidi Bailey	AOBD— / MM 155 Fire	702-683-3636
Bob Barnes	ID-BLM— / Idaho Falls UAM / Caribou-Targhee NF	208-709-2407
Eric Gleckler	ID-BLM— / Twin Falls UAM / Sawtooth NF	208-451-0396
	NV-BLM— / Elko UAM	702-556-2255
Mary Loan	NV-BLM— / Winnemucca UAM / Battle Mtn. UAM	775-304-1021
Shane Charley	NV-BLM— / Carson City UAM	775-720-3411
Jeramy Seng	UT-BLM— / West Desert UAM	602-361-4753
Bryan Brazzeal	UT-BLM— / Color Country UAM	435-590-4831
Doug Marolf	R4 USFS— / Boise NF FAO	208-634-3948
Marty Woods	R4 USFS— / Humbolt-Toiyabe NF FAO	775-352-5317
Cory Dolberry	R4 USFS— / Payette NF FAO (acting)	208-993-0669
Lee Rackam	R4 USFS— / Uinta-Wasatch-Cache NF FAO	801-725-6985