USGS Aviation Advisory Committee
I. Purpose/Scope. . The purpose of the USGS Aviation Advisory Committee (AAC) is to provide executive level involvement in the formulation of bureau policy and management of aviation activities. The AAC will ensure Bureau oversight and management of aviation services to achieve goals commensurate with mission requirements, Federal Law, and policies of the Department of the Interior (DOI) and the USGS.
II. Authority. Department Manual, 485 DM 1, Parts 350 through 354, establish management responsibilities, policies, and procedures for the use and operation of aircraft within the DOI and the USGS. The provisions set forth in the chapters of each part apply to USGS organizations using or operating aircraft.
III. Membership.
A. The AAC consists of the following members:
(1) Bureau Aviation Manager (may also serve as a Regional Aviation Manager).
(2) Bureau OSHE Program Manager or designee.
(3) Four Regional Aviation Managers, one per region, appointed by each Regional Director and one appointed by the Alaska Science Center Director.
(4) Collateral Duty Aviation Safety Program Coordinators (one per region), appointed by each Regional Director.
B. Designated representatives will have the authority to speak for their respective organizations during meetings in which commitments are required. Committee members have appropriate Bureau, regional or local authority to provide management oversight for aviation activities commensurate with mission needs, funding capacity, and operational capability.
C. AAC membership and responsibilities are further detailed in USGS 445-2-H, Occupational Safety and Health Program Requirements Handbook, Chapter 27.
D. The Bureau OSHE Manager will provide administrative support to the Committee and coordinate with the Chairperson, as appropriate.
IV. Responsibilities.
A. Reviews annually the aviation program requirements for managing aviation activities within the USGS. Specifically, assesses risk and provides guidance for the implementation of policy and operational procedures to achieve and maintain an excellent level of safety in aviation activities according to 41 CFR101.37, 352 DM1, and OPM-33.
B. Reviews costs for aviation management and operations. Provides guidance to assure retention of priority functions within the Bureau.
C. Reviews interagency coordination requirements for USGS aviation activities, and implements management and operational principles, concepts, and arrangements commensurate with individual Bureau involvement in specific interagency functions.
D. Develops and/or reviews proposed aviation policies, procedures, and business management practices. Arranges for Bureau participation to achieve necessary changes.
E. Monitors aviation user training to ensure consistency, correctness, coverage, and overall quality.
F. Establishes work groups, as needed.
G. Assesses annually the effectiveness of the USGS aviation program to ensure that aviation and management oversight activities comply with and meet DOI and USGS objectives and expectations.
H. Serves as an advisor to the Bureau DASHO through ad hoc membership on the Bureau OSH Council.
I. Conducts USGS aircraft accident/incident investigations and implements USGS Aircraft Accident Prevention Program.
J. Administers a USGS Aviation Safety Award Program.
K. Disseminates DOI aviation safety policy and information.
L. Facilitates compliance with DOI Aviation Management Training Program.
V. Meetings and Reports. The AAC will establish meeting dates and develop reports necessary to conduct business and evaluate the overall performance and achievement of Committee decisions. The AAC will meet no less than twice a year, with at least one face-to-face meeting. Agendas and minutes will be published and distributed to all Committee members, the Bureau OSH Council, the Bureau EM Council, and the Regional Committees. The Chairperson will ensure that minutes are retained for a minimum of two years from the date of the meeting. The AAC will report annually the status of previous fiscal year program accomplishments and upcoming fiscal year program plans to the Bureau OSH Council and Bureau DASHO.
VI. Voting. The act of the majority of members will be the act of the AAC Committee.
VII. Salary, Travel, and Incidental Costs. AAC members' costs are borne by each participant's local or regional organization. Costs of Bureau-level members are borne by the Bureau Safety and Environmental Management Branch in the Office of Management Services, Office of Administrative Policy and Analysis. Extraordinary expenses must be pre-approved by the appropriate authority and covered by a written agreement.
Approved:
signed_________________________________
Carol F. Aten
Chief, Office of Administrative Policy and Services
Designated Agency Safety and Health Official