Air Operations

Many forestry operations are dependent travel by float plane or helicopter.

In 2016, the Floatplane Operators Association (FOA) with support from the BC Forest Safety Council (BCFSC), established the Air Carrier Safety Working Group (ACSWG). One of the group's first actions was the initiation of a comprehensive safety program that would aid in improving float plane safety performance within British Columbia.

The FOA has joined The Northern Air Transport Association and in co-operation with the Air Carriers Safety Working Group and with the assistance of The British Columbia Forest Safety Council, have developed The North Star Practices (NSP). The NSP is a program that can be used by the Operator or anyone who wishes to enhance safety. The NSP also incorporates an Auditing Package which contains all pertinent documents for the Operator to review in preparation for full NSP recognition.

INTERFOR Air Carrier Standards

INTERFOR is a large, international producer of forest products based in Vancouver. The file below contains information regarding INTERFOR's "Air Carrier Standards". It was originally created as an internal document but was modified in August 2010 for BCFSC to distribute. The intent of this document is to provide companies operating or contracting an air carrier with information on a variety of items from "General Requirements" to "Fixed Wing Aircraft Requirements". Any person or company working with aircraft is recommended to read through the document.

Interfor Air Carrier Standards - Modified for BCFSC on August 9, 2010

Helicopter Passenger Safety Guide

The Helicopter Passenger Safety Guide provides basic information for helicopter passengers and is intended for forest workers in BC. It should not be considered a replacement for any training programs or a pre-flight briefing. There is not enough information contained in this document to train staff. Please contact the BCFSC or Transport Canada for more info.