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S-373, Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Incident Operations (ILT)

Course Description

This course is designed to meet the training needs of the Unmanned Aircraft System Pilot (UASP), Unmanned Aircraft System, Manager (UASM), Unmanned Aircraft System, Module Leader (UASL), and Unmanned Aircraft System, Data Specialist (UASD) to manage the information needs of incidents managed with the Incident Command System (ICS). The course combines lectures, facilitated discussions, individual/group exercises, and simulations. These UAS positions are used to collect, process, and distribute tactical and strategic information to meet the needs of incident operations and planning personnel.

During the course, students will:
Describe the dispatch and mobilization process and the procedures for incident check-in, time documentation, and demobilization.
Demonstrate ability to obtain a Special Government Interest Waiver (SGI) and file a NOTAM.
Demonstrate the ability to select/depict a restricted operations zone (ROZ) or suitable launch and recovery area for fireline operations.
Determine UAS mission altitudes and maintain separation from participating aircraft.
Demonstrate the ability to obtain a clearance from aerial supervision and coordinate with on-scene aircraft on designated radio frequencies.
Demonstrate proficiency in manual and planned flights in the incident environment.
Develop data management structures in accordance with agency standards.
Discuss the policies of Civil Rights, publicly identifiable information (PII), and data archiving based on agency standards.
Manage contract UAS operations in accordance with agency policy.
Demonstrate supervisory techniques for a module comprised of Unmanned Aircraft System Pilot (UASP) and Unmanned Aircraft System, Data Specialists (UASD).

Demonstrate the ability to:
Download UAS telemetry files with specialized software.
Download GPX and KML files with tablets / PC.
Produce estimated acreage and perimeter in real time.
Build ground control station (GCS) maps (Data Specialist).
Perform a viewshed analysis (Data Specialist).
Describe the incident planning cycle and the associated timeframes and product deadlines critical to UAS incident support.
Collect, package, and deliver requested data products.
Prepare required contractor documentation including invoices and transportation worksheets.
Discuss examples of the more complex data analysis and manipulation commonly requested of a UAS position.

Course Objectives

Manage vendor provided UAS services.

Prerequisite Qualifications

Agency remote pilot certification for Unmanned Aircraft System Pilot (UASP), Unmanned Aircraft System, Manager (UASM), and Unmanned Aircraft System, Module Leader (UASL).

Alternate Delivery Mode

Alternate Delivery Mode
Not Applicable
Training Required For
UASP 310-1 Training Path 01
Lead Instructor Minimum Qualifications
None
Unit Instructor Minimum Qualifications
None
Business Steward
IFUASS Interagency Fire Unmanned Aircraft Systems Subcommittee
Course Level
National
Format
Instructor Led
Course Number
S-373
Course Title
Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Incident Operations (ILT)
Pre-course Work (PCW) Hours
8-12

Special Delivery Considerations

Hardware and Software Requirements
All students: Tablet and PC, GPS data logger such as BadElf GPS Pro+, additional applications: Bad Elf for iOS, Gaia, Avenza
Unmanned Aircraft System Pilot (UASP): Agency certified UAS, Electro-optical and infrared sensors, additional applications: Solex GCS
Unmanned Aircraft System, Data Specialist (UASD): ArcMap with FMV and Spatial Analyst

Location
Course locations are chosen for areas with favorable weather conditions for UAS flights and a flight area in close proximity to the classroom.

Course Level
National course presented at the geographic level

Development History

Name and number assigned; reference NWCG Curriculum Issue Paper #136.

Version Date

2018

NWCG Latest Announcements

NEW! S-212, Intermediate Faller (Online) Course Available Now 

Date:  April 23, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Hazard Tree and Tree Felling Subcommittee

NWCG is pleased to announce that the new S‑212, Intermediate Faller (Online), course is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP). This second course in the series provides students with the knowledge and skills required to perform the duties of an Intermediate Faller (FAL2), as described in the FAL2 Incident Position Description. This course is intended for individuals seeking to advance from Basic Faller (FAL3) to FAL2.

S‑212, Intermediate Faller is a fully online, self‑paced training program consisting of 13 units. Learners will engage with interactive, scenario‑based content designed to progressively build foundational skills and knowledge essential for the FAL2 role.

Students must be qualified as a Basic Faller (FAL3) prior to enrolling in S‑212, Intermediate Faller course.

Any changes to qualification pathways will take effect with the next update of the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1, scheduled for January 2027.

References:

S-212 Intermediate Faller (Online)

RMC Memo 26-01: Transition Plan for Implementing Updates to Intermediate Faller (FAL2) Position Qualifications

Intermediate Faller (FAL2) Position Page

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Chainsaw Operations, PMS 212

New Aircraft Flight Schedule Form, PMS 249

Date:  April 17, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: National Coordination System Committee

A new publication from the National Coordination System Committee (NCSC) is now available. The NWCG Aircraft Flight Schedule Form, PMS 249, will be used for aviation crews and dispatch to share flight information that is needed for resource tracking, and if needed, for emergency procedures.

For further details, please contact your NCSC representative. 

References:

NCSC Memo 26-01: Implementation of NWCG Aircraft Flight Schedule Form, PMS 249

NWCG Aircraft Flight Schedule Form, PMS 249

New Glossary Term for Review

Date:  April 15, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Data Standards and Terminology Board (DSTB)

The Data Standards and Terminology Board is requesting feedback on a new glossary term: Resource Protection Measure (RPM).

The proposed definition is: Practical guidance provided for incident personnel in a manner in which incident objectives can be achieved while reducing impacts to identified resources across the landscape. RPMs are informed by, but not restricted to, Minimum Impact Strategies and Tactics (MIST).

Please review, share with your subgroups, and provide feedback as appropriate through the following form: Request Feedback The comment period will close May 10, 2026.

Thank you for your engagement in the NWCG glossary process – your participation is key to our success.

References:

Glossary Request Feedback

Quarter Three Materials for the 2025-2026 Wildland Fire Leadership Campaign Now Available

Date:  April 1, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Leadership Committee

NWCG is excited to announce that Quarter Three materials for the 2025/2026 Wildland Fire Leadership Campaign are now available. This annual initiative offers all students of leadership and wildland fire management an opportunity to engage with essential leadership skills and knowledge needed to lead effectively in dynamic environments.

Quarter Three materials focus on Leadership Level 3: Leader of People (Develop Intent). Leadership Level 3 is where your values, your team, and your influence come together. Leaders of People put their teams first, build trust, and lead with authenticity. They mentor future leaders and shape decisions up and down the chain.

References:

2025/2026 NWCG Leadership Campaign - Leadership Levels

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program

Leadership Committee