INDEX


                                  CHAPTER V

                              FLIGHT OPERATIONS

1.  PURPOSE.  The primary purpose for security helicopter flight operations
    is to provide timely and effective response to a security emergency.
    DOE security helicopters may be used for response force transport,
    command, control, communications, and surveillance, and as a firing
    platform when required.  This chapter addresses operational
    requirements, rules of engagement, specialized training, organizational
    requirements, and the role of the Helicopter Security Operations
    Council.

2.  OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS.

    a.   General.  Helicopters employed in support of security provide an
         airborne dimension to protective capabilities against a threat
         posed by adversaries who may attempt to steal or sabotage nuclear
         weapons, special nuclear materials, and/or sabotage vital
         facilities and equipment.  The decision to utilize security
         helicopters is based upon site-specific considerations with
         concurrences of the cognizant Secretarial Officer, if any, and the
         Office of Security Affairs.  Helicopters shall be operated as
         "public" aircraft and in accordance with Federal Aviation Agency
         Regulations that cover commercial operators, flight operations,
         equipment, air crew qualification, training and maintenance
         (Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) (Title 14 Code of Federal
         Regulations Part 135)) to the maximum extent possible.

    b.   Mission Readiness.  Site-specific mission requirements of security
         helicopters shall be documented in local operations plans.  To meet
         mission requirements, a helicopter shall be fully operational and
         ready to respond to a security emergency on notice with a 90
         percent availability rate excluding weather conditions.

    c.   Security Emergency Helicopter Operations.  During a security
         emergency, helicopters may be employed to transport Special
         Response Teams to the scene of the incident or staging area as
         directed by the senior on-scene commander or standard operating
         procedure.  Additional emergency response functions shall be fully
         documented and may include the removal or relocation of response
         forces; directed fire; command, control, communications and
         surveillance; resupply of response forces; and fresh pursuit.

    d.   Routine Security Helicopter Operations.  Routine `helicopter
         operations may include:

         (1)  Pilot proficiency, training, and testing program;

         (2)  Training for emergency response;

         (3)  Site surveillance, search and observation;

         (4)  Movement of protective forces;

         (5)  Training for observation and pursuit of airborne and grand
              intruders;

         (6)  Escort of convoys transporting special nuclear material; and

         (7)  Command, control and communications of ground security
              activities in routine operations.

    e.   Special Use of Security Helicopters.  Such use will include other
         site support based upon written local guidelines.

    f.   Visual Flight Rules Operations Plan.  Each site, in coordination
         with the site Federal Aviation Safety Officer, Contractor Aviation
         Manager/Director of Flight Operations, and Operations Office
         Safeguards and Security Director, shall provide to the Head of the
         Field Element a visual flight rules minimum operations plan, based
         on the site's terrain and weather patterns.  This plan shall
         address:

         (1)  The minimum weather conditions under which airborne response
              can be launched for day and night operations.

         (2)  Transition to a no-air support reaction condition.

    g.   Altitude Considerations.

         (1)  Routine Training and Operations.

              (a)  Daylight Operations.  Aircraft shall maintain a minimum
                   altitude of 200 feet above any known obstacle within 500
                   feet either side of the planned route of flight during
                   daylight operations except for takeoff, approach, and
                   landing.

              (b)  Night and Night Vision Goggle Operations.  Except for
                   takeoff, approach, and landing, aircraft shall maintain a
                   minimum altitude of 500 feet above ground level or 200
                   feet above the highest obstacle within 1,000 feet either
                   side of the planned flight route, whichever is higher.
                   When using night vision goggles, aircraft shall maintain
                   a minimum altitude of 300 feet above ground level or 200
                   feet above the highest obstacle within 1,000 feet of the
                   planned route of flight, whichever is higher.

         (2)  Hazard Mapping.  Each aircraft shall be equipped with a map
              displaying all identifiable hazards to flight within the
              operating area.  A map displaying all identifiable hazards to
              flight and depicting elevation above ground level shall be
              conspicuously posted in the mission planning area.  Aircraft
              maps and mission planning area maps shall be reviewed for
              currency at least every 30 days and marked with the current
              date.

    h.   Terrain Flight (Nap of the Earth, Contour and Low Level).  There
         are three modes of terrain flight:  contour, low level, and nap, of
         the earth.  Terrain flight is flight at 200 feet or less above the
         highest obstacle on the intended flight path.  Terrain flight and
         night vision device/goggle flight are essential to DOE tactical and
         security needs.  Low level or, contour flight may provide a
         tactical advantage in a security emergency.  Nap of the earth
         flight is not essential to the Department's security needs and will
         not be performed.

         (1)  Contour flight conforms with the contours of the earth and is
              characterized by varying airspeeds and altitudes.  Contour
              flight altitudes are not less than 25 feet above the highest
              obstacle.

         (2)  Low level flight is not less than 100 feet above the highest
              obstacle.  It is conducted at a selected altitude and
              generally conforms to a predetermined course, with constant
              airspeed.

         (3)  Nap of the earth flight is characterized by maneuvers as close
              to the earth's surface as vegetation, obstacles, or ambient
              light will permit.

    i.   Training Route(s)/Areas.

         (1)  Low level and contour flight for training and proficiency
              shall be conducted only over designated training routes or in
              designated training areas.

         (2)  A low level flight route/area for training shall be developed
              at each site.  The training route(s)/area should be clear of
              hazardous obstacles.  The training route(s)/area and
              associated altitude minimums shall be approved by each site
              Federal Aviation Safety Officer, Contractor Aviation Manager/
              Director of Flight Operations, and the Field Element
              Safeguards and Security Director.

         (3)  The training route(s)/area(s) shall be clearly marked on each
              aircraft map and mission planning map.  A master map showing
              all hazards to flight shall be conspicuously displayed for the
              flight crews use.

    j.   Pilot Training.

         (1)  Pilot initial training, qualification, requalification,
              proficiency, and currency training shall be conducted in
              accordance with applicable requirements of 14 CFR 61 and 135.

         (2)  Only the instructor pilot and pilot(s) shall be permitted on
              board the helicopter during any pilot training unless the
              response team is required to be on board during a specific
              training scenario, such as crew coordination training or night
              low level insertions.

    k.   Safety Analyses.  Safety analyses for operations will be
         accomplished according to the guidance and requirements provided in
         DOE 5480.13A, AVIATION SAFETY, of 2-23-93.  The basic
         responsibility for assuring implementation of this policy lies with
         the line organization responsible for the operation.

    l.   Exemption from FAR 135.  The primary mission of security
         helicopters is response to a security emergency.  Therefore, during
         such response and recovery, the requirements of FAR 135 shall be
         suspended, and the helicopter will operate as a public aircraft.

    m.   Crew member Coordination.  The pilot in command shall ensure that
         routine mission training and tactical activities involving both
         flight and air crew members are fully briefed and coordinated.  An
         air crew member is an individual other than a pilot who is required
         to be on the aircraft for accomplishment of the mission.

3.  USE OF HELICOPTERS AS FIRING PLATFORMS (RULES OF ENGAGEMENT).  Aerial
    firing is not a principal element of the Department's denial or
    containment tactics.  The primary purpose for employing helicopters to
    support security operations is to provide a rapid response capability
    for delivering Security Response Teams in an emergency.  Firing from a
    helicopter can be a viable and effective means of supporting security
    operations and locally approved procedures may incorporate aerial firing
    under the following conditions:

    a.   Authority to include aerial firing in response procedures shall be
         granted only following development of site specific rules of
         engagement which are consistent with the Department's policy on the
         use of force.

    b.   Firing shall be done only by specifically trained response force
         members with weapons that are attached to a gun mount which
         provides field of fire limitations.

    c.   A Safety Analysis Review of aerial firing shall be completed.

    d.   The cognizant, Field Element safety officer must certify approval,
         in writing, of the technical and operational procedures and Safety
         Analysis Review for aerial firing to the Head of the Field Element.

    e.   Final approval authority at each site is the Head of the Field
         Element.  Copies of the approved technical and operational
         procedures for aerial firing shall be provided to Office of
         Safeguards and Security, the Office of Aviation Policy, and the
         cognizant Secretarial Officer, if any.

4.  NIGHT VISION GOGGLES.  Operation, maintenance, testing, and calibration
    of night vision goggles used by protective forces flight crew and
    designated air crew members shall conform to current military
    procedures, specifications, or equivalent standards.

    a.   Operation.  In all stages of night .vision goggle training and use,
         two pilots are required.  Pilots using night vision goggle devices
         shall be Federal Aviation Administration instrument rated and
         current in the rating.  Pilots are required to follow specified
         procedures in operating night, vision goggles.  Procedures
         contained in the Departments of the Army, the Navy, and the Air
         Force Operator's Manual (Army TM 11-5855-263-10) or equivalent
         Government document shall be followed.  Exceptions may only be
         approved by the Director of Security Affairs in coordination with
         the Office of Aviation Policy.

         (1)  Night vision goggle operational checks shall be accomplished
              prior to official sunset.  These checks shall be documented on
              the pilot's Flight Operations Daily Checklist.

         (2)  Any discrepancy noted during operational checks shall be
              recorded on the night vision goggle/visor maintenance log, to
              include the correct goggle serial number.

         (3)  The pilot in command is responsible for ensuring night vision
              goggles which are used by flight crew and designated air crew
              members in support of flight activities are checked in
              accordance with paragraph 4a(1).

         (4)  During qualification training with night vision goggles, one
              of the pilots shall be designated a night vision goggle
              trainer and a Federal Aviation Administration Certified Flight
              Instructor.  Only the pilot and instructor pilot shall be
              permitted on board the helicopter.

         (5)  After initial night vision goggle training has been completed
              minimum currency and proficiency requirements, i.e., minimum
              night vision goggle currency flight time requirements and
              proficiency checkrides, shall be met as approved by the site
              Federal Aviation Safety Officer, Contractor Aviation Manager/
              Director of Flight Operations, and Field Element Safeguards
              and Security Director.

         (6)  Response team members may be carried for site patrols,
              tactical training, and security emergency operations only when
              both pilots are fully night vision goggle qualified.  Any
              locally required crew use of night vision goggles shall be
              based upon local guidelines and procedures which shall include
              pilot/crew coordination and training.  Such crew use of night
              vision goggles shall optimize 3600 observation from the
              aircraft.

         (7)  Aircraft that are used for night vision goggle flight shall
              have the minimum standard night vision goggle equipment as
              follows:  (a) Night vision goggle-compatible cockpit; (b)
              night vision goggle compatible digital/analog radar altimeter
              with visual and audible warning; (c) wire strike protection,
              if mountable; (d) night sun with infrared filter; and (e) wire
              detection system (if applicable).

         (8)  A Night Vision Goggle Maintenance Program shall be instituted
              to include standardized maintenance practices and equipment.
              This requires a standard operating procedure, periodic regular
              maintenance, a records management system with permanent
              records, standard maintenance training, and standard pilot
              preflight procedure training.

    b.   Maintenance.  Maintenance technicians shall follow procedures
         contained in the U.S. Army Technical Manual (Army TM
         11-5855-263-23&P).

         (1)  Night vision goggle testing and repair shall be conducted only
              by a Federal Aviation Administration certified Airframe and
              Powerplant Mechanic who has also completed the U.S. Army night
              vision goggle maintenance course.  This maintenance course is
              available to the Department's and its contractor Airframe and
              Powerplant mechanics through the Department of the Army Night
              Vision Devices and Electro-Optics Readiness Division.  In
              circumstances where this certified airframe and powerplant
              mechanic is not available, night vision goggle testing and
              repair may be conducted by a qualified Military Aviation Life
              Support Equipment Technician.

         (2)  All test equipment used on the night vision goggles shall meet
              military specifications and shall be calibrated according to
              these specifications.

         (3)  Mandatory testing and maintenance shall be at intervals no
              less frequent than that specified in the U.S. Army Technical
              Manual.

         (4)  Night vision goggle maintenance logs shall be checked at the
              beginning of each shift.  Discrepancies shall be cleared and
              noted on the night vision goggle maintenance log and the
              goggles returned to service with an appropriate serviceability
              tag.

    c.   Procurement.  The Department of the Army has agreed that Department
         of Energy Operations Offices which use night vision goggles may
         procure these devices from the Army.  The following are the steps
         to be taken to obtain these devices and associated test equipment.

         (1)  Operations Offices shall make a written request directly to
              the Department of the Army Night Vision Devices and
              Electro-Optics Readiness Division, Ft. Belvoir, VA 22026.
              Cost of this equipment may fluctuate periodically.  Current
              prices of this equipment may be obtained by calling telephone
              number (703) 806-3279 or (703) 806-3280.  The National Stock
              Number for both the night vision goggle and test equipment
              are:

              (a)  AN/ANVIS                 NSN 5855-01-138-4749

              (b)  Test Set                 TS-3895

              (c)  Hand Held Test Set       TS-4348

         (2)  In compliance with DOE accounting policies, include an
              interagency payment device equivalent to the U.S. Army
              Military Interdepartmental Purchase Request.

         (3)  Specify a Department of Energy (U.S. Government) shipping
              address.  A contractor address shall not be used.

5.  INSTRUMENT FLIGHT RULES/VISUAL FLIGHT RULES FLIGHT.  There are no
    requirements for intentional instrument flight rule flight in the
    security mission other than maintenance of a recovery capability in the
    event of inadvertent instrument meteorological conditions.  The aircraft
    shall have the equipment required under 14 CFR (FAR) 135.143, .149,
    .159, .161 and .163, and pilot instrument proficiency shall be part of a
    local flight training syllabus.

6.  ORGANIZATION.  An organization shall be created for each security
    helicopter operation to conform to FAR 135.37a and will consist at a
    minimum of a Director of Flight Operations (Contractor Aviation
    Manager), a Chief Pilot, and a Director of Maintenance.

    a.   The Director of Flight Operations is responsible for the management
         of the organization and flight operations.  As a minimum, the
         Director of Flight Operations shall hold an Airline Transport Pilot
         rating as specified in FAR 135.39.  The Director of Flight
         Operations may also serve as the Chief Pilot.

    b.   The Chief Pilot is responsible for the selection of pilot in
         command and copilot, establishing air crew qualifications and
         training, and preparing flight operations procedures.  The Chief
         Pilot shall be rated equal to or greater than required for pilot in
         command and possess a current Federal Aviation Administration
         Certified Flight Instructor rating.

    c.   The Director of Maintenance schedules and conducts regular and
         special maintenance; maintains the parts inventory and appropriate
         records; supervises and trains mechanics, all in accordance with
         Federal Aviation Administration regulations, technical manuals and
         manufacturer recommended procedures.  The Director of Maintenance
         must hold an Federal Aviation Administration mechanic certificate
         with both airframe and powerplant ratings and possess a Federal
         Aviation Administration Inspection Authorization Certificate.

    d.   Any person who conducts flight training shall hold a current FAA
         Certified Flight Instructor Certificate.

7.  STANDARD SECURITY HELICOPTERS.  Future procurement of any new security
    helicopters shall meet the requirements and specifications approved by
    the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Procurement and Assistance
    Management.  Information on specifications may be obtained from Chief,
    Physical Security Branch, Office of Safeguards and Security.

8.  HELICOPTER SECURITY OPERATIONS COUNCIL.  A Helicopter Security
    Operations Council shall be established and meet on an annual basis or
    more frequently at the call of any member to discuss a specific issue.
    The primary mission of the Council is to serve as a central review body
    for all aspects of security helicopter operations and make
    recommendations to Departmental management for program enhancement.  Its
    role is to provide expert advice to the Department on security and
    safety standards, procurement, operation, maintenance, integration with
    ground operations, command and control, and qualifications and training
    requirements for security helicopter support and operations personnel.

    a.   The Council shall develop and recommend policies, procedures and
         standards for approval and issuance by the Director of Safeguards
         and Security.

    b.   The Council shall be chaired by the Chief, Physical Security
         Branch, Office of Safeguards and Security.  Membership will include
         the Transportation and Packaging Safety Division, who shall serve
         as vice-chair; representatives from the cognizant Secretarial
         Office, if any; and the safeguards and security, and safety
         elements from each Operations Office with security helicopters or
         those contemplating their acquisition.  The Director of the
         Safeguards and Security Central Training Academy shall also be a
         member of this Council.  The Director of Flight Operations for each
         Operations Office with security helicopters shall serve as
         technical advisor to the Council.  A representative of the site
         protective force may also be an advisory member of the Council when
         the aerial operations and protective forces are not integrated
         under one contractor.

    c.   Council minutes shall be maintained and distributed to the members
         and technical advisors.