2012 NAO, Colorado, California – 2013 Oregon/ Washington, Utah – 2014 Nevada, Eastern States – 2015 Idaho, Montana – 2016 Alaska, Arizona – 2017 Mexico, Wyoming –New 2018 NAO, Colorado, Nevada – 2019 California, Eastern States – 2020 Idaho, Montana – 2021 Alaska, Arizona – Appendix 7 - BLM Cargo Letdown Protocol Cargo letdown is a procedure used to lower cargo out of a hovering helicopter to the ground with the use of a nylon line and rappel anchor. This procedure is used by helitack programs across the country to get needed equipment and supplies to the ground when conventional methods are not the most efficient option. National BLM approval is required to host a cargo letdown program. Requests for approval are initiated by a state office to the NAO with the final approval made by the Division Chief, Aviation. NAO approval allows for internal cargo letdown operations but, external cargo letdown (off the hook) operations may also be authorized. Initial approval will be based upon indicated need and limited to one field season. Subsequent conditional approval must be requested after the initial field season and validated based on proper utilization and justification of continued need. Approved cargo letdown programs will be re-evaluated in conjunction with new helicopter contract solicitations. Several administrative procedures need to be addressed as part of the request for approval; the state office must supply the NAO with the following documents: Initial justification to include nomination of one Helicopter Cargo Letdown Spotter Trainee candidates (HCLS(T)). Request for Contract Modification from COR to 2. NAO to:
2012 – NAO, Colorado, California 2013 – Oregon/ Washington, Utah 2014 – Nevada, Eastern States 2015 – Idaho, Montana 2016 – Alaska, Arizona 2017 –New Mexico, Wyoming 2018 – NAO, Colorado, Nevada 2019 – California, Eastern States 2020 – Idaho, Montana 2021 – Alaska, Arizona Appendix 7 - BLM Cargo Letdown Protocol Cargo letdown is a procedure used to lower cargo out of a hovering helicopter to the ground with the use of a nylon line and rappel anchor. This procedure is used by helitack programs across the country to get needed equipment and supplies to the ground when conventional methods are not the most efficient option. National BLM approval is required to host a cargo letdown program. Requests for approval are initiated by a state office to the NAO with the final approval made by the Division Chief, Aviation. NAO approval allows for internal cargo letdown operations but, external cargo letdown (off the hook) operations may also be authorized. Initial approval will be based upon indicated need and limited to one field season. Subsequent conditional approval must be requested after the initial field season and validated based on proper utilization and justification of continued need. Approved cargo letdown programs will be re-evaluated in conjunction with new helicopter contract solicitations. Several administrative procedures need to be addressed as part of the request for approval; the state office must supply the NAO with the following documents: Initial justification to include nomination of one Helicopter Cargo Letdown Spotter Trainee candidates (HCLS(T)). Request for Contract Modification from COR to 2. NAO to:
2016%20FINAL%20OR-WA%20BLM%20Aviation%20Plan.docx