This is responsible supervisory and emergency rescue work in the operation of rotary-wing aircraft in the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Department.

An employee in this class is responsible for operating rotary-wing aircraft in response to a variety of emergency and fire rescue missions on a twenty-four hour per day basis. Emphasis of the work is on the performance of all pre-flight, in-flight and post-flight checks and the operation of rotary-wing aircraft in accordance with federal, state and local laws. Responsibilities include responding to a variety of emergency rescue missions requiring air ambulance service, hoist and sling-load operations, extrication of victims and patients from disastrous or threatening environments and the transportation of victims and patients to appropriate trauma network facilities. Additional responsibilities include responding to firefighting missions and transporting authorized personnel, materials and supplies as required. Supervision is exercised over a Fire Department Helicopter Co-Pilot who assists in pre-flight, in-flight and post-flight activities. Supervision is received from a superior who reviews work for efficiency and successful accomplishment of assigned missions.

ILLUSTRATIVE TASKS

Responds to alarms and operates rotary-wing aircraft in accordance with FAA rules where applicable and in accordance with the type of situation found; performs all pre-flight, in-flight and post-flight checks; operates rotary-wing aircraft in Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC) and in over-water situations.

Operates an Airborne Command Post (ACP); observes and reports conditions not visible from the ground at emergency incidents such as structural fires, grass fires, and natural disasters.

Supervises and evaluates the work performed by the Fire Department Helicopter Co-Pilot who assists in all emergency rescue operations.

Performs a variety of emergency rescue operations, on-scene fighting and suppression of fires; provides emergency medical care; extricates victims from rooftops and inaccessible areas for transport to designated care facilities; uses water drop capabilities to hold fast moving fires or fires in inaccessible areas until ground units arrive; protects exposures; extinguishes spot fires; protects personnel and equipment trapped by fire; lays hose lines to inaccessible areas; and utilizes the night-sun for take-off and landing from confined areas, personnel safety and search purposes.

Performs sling-load and hoist-work operations with accuracy, and sling-loads hazardous materials to safe locations.

Transports victims from incident sites to designated locations as determined by appropriate authority; transports patients from hospital-to-hospital and to specialized facilities on a case-by-case basis such as decompression chamber, burn unit and spinal cord center facilities.

Transports blood or organs for critical recipients, high teams to attack fires in high rise buildings, triage teams and medical equipment and supplies to mass casualty areas and special agents such as METAL X and SODA-ASH to hazardous materials incidents; and delivers equipment and personnel to incident locations.

Performs preventive maintenance and system checks to ensure that aircraft is in airworthy condition.

Maintains flight logs, maintenance records, discrepancy forms and the technical orders relative to the aircraft.

Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGES, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

Considerable knowledge of piloting rotary-wing aircraft and the capabilities and performance characteristics of rotary-wing aircraft.

Considerable knowledge of map reading, navigation, geography of Dade County and meteorology.

Considerable knowledge of the requirements for flying under instrument flight conditions, in adverse weather, at night, in off-site landing situations, in landing and operating aircraft from confined areas and in operating aircraft in firefighting and rescue missions.

Considerable knowledge of the operation and maintenance of the various types of apparatus and equipment used in firefighting and emergency medical rescue work.

Considerable knowledge of firefighting services and practices, modern firefighting and fire prevention techniques and methods, fire safety laws, ordinances and regulations.

Knowledge of first aid principles and their application.

Knowledge of fire service administration including the selection, training and assignment of personnel relating to aviation and fire suppression.

Knowledge of supervisory principles and practices.

Knowledge of departmental and FAA rules, regulations, procedures and operations.

Ability to operate rotary-wing aircraft in firefighting and rescue missions, under instrument flight conditions, in adverse weather conditions, at night, in off-site landing situations and to land and operate aircraft from confined areas.

Ability to react promptly and correctly in emergency situations.

Ability to identify fire spread in buildings, open areas and conflagrations.

Ability to maintain records and prepare clear and concise reports of activities.

Ability to understand and carry out verbal and written instructions.

Ability to read, interpret and comprehend diagrams, charts and gauges.

Ability to supervise rotary-wing aircraft personnel in a manner conducive to full performance and high morale.

Skill in the operation of rotary craft helicopter operations.

Physical strength, agility and ability to meet the high physical requirements necessary to become a firefighter and perform physical tasks requiring sustained effort.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Must possess a Commercial Pilot Certificate and Instrument Rating in Rotocraft Helicopter, Class II Medical Certificate, and a Flight Instructor/Rotorcraft Helicopter certificate. Must have 2,000 hours Pilot-in-Command, of which 1,500 hours must be Pilot-in-Command of a rotorcraft helicopter with 500 hours rotorcraft helicopter turbine-engine time. Must obtain a State of Florida Firefighter Certification within the probationary period.

REV 05/03