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Operational Manual

PART 2

The operational instructions and information in this manual have been developed as a result of extensive field testing and through experience gained during trails and consultation with the USDA Forest Service in Missoula, MT, the Ministry of Transport, Pacific Region Canada and the US Forest Service in North Carolina.

2-a Installation in Helicopter

The dispenser is designed to be operated from the right rear door of a bell 206 Jet Ranger helicopter. Other types of helicopters may require an auxiliary support bracket so that the exit chute clears the aircraft fuselage. Before installing the dispenser in the helicopter, the appropriate door must be removed and the cabin cleared of all cushions and other loose articles.

Securely fastened extra cartons of sphere or a metal bulk container (securely fastened) may be carried in the cabin. (Ex. 10 and Ex. 11)

EXHIBIT 10 and EXHIBIT 11

Lead acid batteries and extra glycol must not be carried in the cabin when the dispenser is installed.

The dispenser must be readied for installation outside the safety circle of the helicopter by filling the glycol tank with the recommended anti-freeze solution. (Ex. 9) Secure filler cap. The water storage tank is filled and the delivery hose is checked for kinks. Secure filler cap. An additional one gallon container (canteen) of water must be carried in the cabin, available to the operator in case a fire occurs in the dispenser during flight.

• The glycol tank must be filled and tightly capped away from the aircraft.
  
  
• The fire extinguisher water tank filled.
  
  
• An additional one gallon container of water must be located in the cabin.
  
  
• Lead acid batteries must no be carried in the cabin.
  
  
• Extra supplies of glycol must be carried in the aircraft.
  
  
• A metal container must be on hand to test dispenser after installation

Install the dispenser in the door of the helicopter so that the exit chute overhangs the fuselage and the main frame sits on the rear cabin floor. Attach the tie-down strap by snapping the "Y" end to the holes on each side of the outboard end of the dispenser. The other end is passed under the fuselage, under the opposite door and fastened to the quick-release buckle on the inboard end of the dispenser. Check that the strap is free of any aircraft vents or antennas and cinch tightly (secure loose end). Attach the extension chute and securely fasten with knurled counter nuts and wing nuts. A sharp knife must be readily available to the operator should the need to jettison the dispenser arise during flight. (Ex. 12)

Connect the dispenser power supply cord to a compatible electrical outlet in the helicopter. Ensure the outlet wiring is compatible with the dispenser and is a negative ground system. Check electrical connection by turning on drive switch and hopper-feed switch. Manual assist must rotate counter clockwise (direction of arrow). If electrical power is available, turn off both switched and prepare for pre-flight test.

Note: Pilot or Helicopter Engineer is responsible for the electrical connection to the helicopter.

PERMO MK III mounted in helicopter (Courtesy U.S. Forest Service)

EXHIBIT 12

2-b Preflight Equipment Test

The objective of this test is to determine the operability of the dispenser and preset the ignition timing delay of the plastic spheres. The test should be performed daily, prior to intended use.

CAUTION! IGNITION WILL OCCUR DURING THE TEST