Aircraft Pre-Determined Dispatch Process

Scope

This Operational Guideline covers requirements for dispatching aircraft to incidents under Pre-Determined Dispatch (PDD) within Identified Response Zones.

Fundamental Protocols underpin the actions of all NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) members and must be adhered to at all times. They outline the Principles of being an RFS member and provide guidance on conduct to support the safety and wellbeing of members.

Guiding Principles

• PDD is considered to be stood up once the predicted FBI reaches 35 within the PDD area.
• PDD will be initiated at the discretion of the Director State Operations (DSO), State Operations Controller (SOC)/Deputy State Operations Controller (DSOC), or Deputy Commissioner Operational Coordination (DCOC).
• Considerations of aircraft availability and risk will be taken into account when a decision of initiating PDD is made.
• Where a PDD area exists, allocated aircraft to the Response Zone will be dispatched immediately by the Operational Communications Centre (OCC).
• The OCC will notify the SAD upon confirmation the aircraft is responding.
• The SAD will follow up with the operator if not responding or if no response is received within 5 minutes.
• The SAD will task the aircraft within ARENA ensuring the ‘call time’ field is completed for evaluation purposes.
• The PDD aircraft will have an initial duration of 1 x fuel cycle or once containment is achieved.
• The SAD will release the aircraft once containment is achieved or if the Incident Controller (IC) confirms the aircraft is not required.
• The State Duty Operations Officer (SDOO) or SOC/DSOC may dispatch the PDD aircraft to incidents outside or on the border of a Response Zone.

Special Considerations

• If no incident is located, the aircraft is to return to its Nominated Operating Base (NOB).
• If the aircraft is not released by the IC, the aircraft will return to its (NOB) upon the expiration of 1 x fuel cycle.
• Upon sighting a new incident, the aircraft is to notify FireCom to confirm whether it is a new or existing fire and wait further tasking.
• The SAD may stand up other resources as required.

Related Information

• Nil.