The Yosemite National Park contracted Helicopter 551 will begin its 162 day contract on Saturday May 7. The flight operations are based at Crane Flat Helibase from Saturday May 7th through Saturday October 15th. The 2016 season will be the 4th optional year of the current contract.
Helicopter 551 is a medium, high performance, helicopter. It performs a variety of NPS "all hazard" missions to include: helicopter rappel, helicopter short-haul, in park, local, state and national wildland fire support, law enforcement flights, search and rescue missions. The flight operations also include High Sierra Camp logistical support, back-country utility, back-country trail camp and resource management support flights.
Yosemite Helitack staffs the helicopter for seven day coverage during the duration of the season. During the first three weeks of May the helitack crew, pilots, helicopter search and rescue personnel, and helicopter law enforcement personnel will be participating in training and certifications for helicopter operations.