August 10, 2006

Juneau, Alaska - The Alaska Region Forest Service is celebrating a remarkable milestone this summer; ten years of accident-free flying. It’s an accomplishment almost unheard of in the aviation world.

Agency leaders credit the proactive aviation safety program for the nearly 60-thousand accident-free flight hours. “I am proud of our aviation staff members,” said Alaska Regional Forester Dennis E. Bschor. “They have been instrumental in reaching ten-years of region-wide accident-free flying. But, this milestone could only have been achieved through the vigilance on the part of every employee, on every trip.”

Foul weather makes Alaska one of the most dangerous states in which to fly. And since many forest work locations are only accessible by helicopter or float plane, frequent air travel is a reality for many of the Region’s over 1,000 Forest Service employees.

To minimize the risk, the agency’s aviation managers run a rigorous aviation safety program. Every employee who flies must take an aviation safety course annually, they must undergo a safety briefing before each flight, and they are required to wear a float/survival vest during flights. Employees are empowered to choose not to fly if the weather or the air-worthiness of the aircraft is questionable. The Alaska Region only contracts with pilots who meet strict safety standards and whose aircraft have been inspected by the Forest Service.

The slogan, “Ten Again,” is being heard around the Alaska Region as Forest Service employees begin their next decade of accident-free flying.