Appendix P

Appendix P

Using Helipace

Helipace Procedures

Within the Washougal Basin, there are harvest units that can only be accessed by a helicopter logging system. Helipace is a program that computes production and cost estimates for this type of system. To analyze each harvest unit, there are some basic steps to follow. Included in these steps is an example of an analysis for a central landing located in the northeastern section of the Washougal Basin.

Step 1: Choosing the aircraft

The aircraft chosen must be able to operate under the desired and given stand conditions. The most important factors are payload, operating cost, and elevation. Once these factors are specified, you must choose an aircraft that is operable and the most economical under these conditions.

Example: For landing #2-cp-34

Payload: 4667 lbs

Cost: Low

Maximum Elevation: 2800 ft (low enough so as to be insignificant)

Of the all aircrafts listed in the Aircraft Menu, the K-Max Helicopter is most suitable for this landing. It has an operating lift of 5000 lbs at sea level and an operating cost of $5947/day.

Step 2: Setting the sale information

In order to analyze a harvest unit, you must enter the proper information for the landing and helicopter location. This information can be found on a map that includes the landing and original helicopter location.

Example: Best/Worst Air Distance: Portland – 24 miles/Kelso – 48 miles

Northing and Easting: 6000 ft, 5500 ft (use an x,y-coordinate system)

Elevation: 2200 ft

Construction Cost: $2000 (assumed)

Step 3: Input data into the Alternative Menu

Now you can enter the proper data for the first unit. This section is broken down into specific categories:

A)Unit/Aircraft information

This allows you to designate the landing location and the aircraft.

Example: Total acres: 59 acres

Centroid in Northing and Easting: 6300 ft, 4700 ft (use x,y-coordinate system)

Elevation: 1850 ft

B)Stand Data

This information is based on the information from timber maps and LMS stand data. It can also be attained using a program FORSEE, but it was recommended to not be used due to it’s inaccurate estimates.

Example: For this harvest unit we did not include additional fiber. This material is not large or significant enough to be included.

C)Wood Availability

This information is also based on the information from the timber maps and LMS stand data. We also used the silvicultural objectives and landscape objectives to determine the harvesting method.

D)Production Rate

The information needed can be found in the stand data.

E)Production Cost

In this section, you must determine the indirect costs that will affect a helicopter logging, such as the number of sawyers, operators, and ground crew. This section will also produce preliminary costs that are useful in analyzing broken down costs.

Example: For this harvest unit we consulted Rick Toupin, USFS engineer, and Jim English, former logger.

Step 4: Input any other unit alternatives if needed.

This allows you to analyze other helicopter harvesting options. To create other alternatives, use the Alternative Menu to copy or create alternatives.

Step 5: Select the appropriate unit by using the Alternative Menu.

Once all alternatives have been analyzed, you must choose the prefrerred alternative with the Alternative/Select Menu.

Step 6: Print out the unit summary by using the File Menu.

Now you can print out a copy of the unit summary, stand data, and the alternative detail

window.

Note:
Helpful Hints

It is highly recommended to refer to the "Occupational Health and Safety Code Manual" and the "Safety Standards for Logging Operations".

It is not recommended to use a helicopter in a dense canopy (>60%). It requires more time and can create very hazardous conditions for the helicopter.

It is highly recommended to include a service landing and service flight time.

The service landing should be no further than a mile away from the central landing.

Remember that with a helicopter, significant costs pile up by the second.

Program Troubleshooting

The cost data for the following aircrafts, S-58T and S-64, are out-of-date. Do not rely on these costs.