Aviation
Aviation
The fundamental responsibility of Forest Service aviation is to support the agency's land management operations in a timely, cost-effective, and efficient manner. Aviation leaders know the capabilities and limitations of aerial resources and are responsible for evaluating and recommending the appropriate use of aviation resources to accomplish agency objectives and missions including fire management and forest health support.
To maintain a mobile, effective, interchangeable, flexible and dynamic aviation program, the Northern Region maintains standardization in training and operations throughout the aviation program. In the region, aviation assets include agency owned smokejumper aircraft and oversight of contracted lead/aerial attack airplanes, contracted airtankers and helicopters.
Aviation operations require regulations, manuals, guides, and checklists to execute and coordinate operations in a safe and effective manner but common sense decisions and situational awareness are also critical to operations. The region’s aviation organization aggressively applies risk management principles. The agency will be vigilant and prudent in the implementation of aviation security practices.