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Aerial Supervision

Aerial Supervision and the Fire Traffic Area 

The Aviation Training Delivery Team and National Training Delivery Team developed this short training video to promote Aviation Safety (6 minutes). You can play the embedded video below or scan the QR code to watch it. Then work through the discussion questions with your crew. 

You can play the embedded video above or scan the QR code below to watch it. Then work through the discussion questions with your crew.

YouTube video QR code. Click to view video.

 

Discussion Points:Aerial supervision and the FTA. Line drawing of multiple planes flying over mountains.

  • Are you familiar with the Aviation Watch Out Situations? Reference the Aviation Watch Out Situations in the blue section (aviation pages) of the IRPG and discuss any past experiences where these Watch Out Situations may have affected aviation operations.
  • How are you assessing aircraft effectiveness? What feedback should we be providing to aerial supervision and/or pilots during aviation operations? Discuss a time that you provided feedback regarding aircraft effectiveness and the changes that were made.
  • Why is it important to have a ground contact that is aware of the FTA protocol and "the stack"? How can this awareness improve aviation and ground firefighters' safety and effectiveness?
  • Discuss different ground and aerial hazards you have encountered and how they could have impacted the safety of aviation resources.

References:

NWCG Interagency Aerial Supervision Guide, PMS 505
Interagency Standards for Fire and Fire Aviation Operations (Red Book), Chapter 16 Aviation Operations and Resources
NWCG Incident Response Pocket Guide (IRPG), PMS 461, (Aviation pages)
National Interagency Fire Center, Aerial Supervision
NWCG National Aerial Supervision Standardization Unit

Category
Aviation

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NWCG Latest Announcements

WFSTAR 2026 Core Components Module Package and 2025 Fire Year in Review Now Available

Date:  March 23, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Joe Schindel

The 2026 Core Components Module Package for RT-130, Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher (WFSTAR) and the 2025 Fire Year in Review are now available on the NWCG website. The 2026 Core Components Module Package provides all content needed to deliver RT-130.

References:

2026 Core Components Module Package

2025 Fire Year in Review Module

NEW! S-490, Advanced Fire Behavior Calculations (Blended) Available Now

Date:  March 17, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Fire Behavior Subcommittee

NWCG is pleased to announce that the new S-490, Advanced Fire Behavior Calculations (Blended), 2026 course is now available.

This training includes performance-based activities that allow students to apply the knowledge and concepts required for the Fire Behavior Analyst (FBAN), Long Term Fire Analyst (LTAN), and Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 1 (RXB1) positions. It supports individuals working towards these incident qualifications.

This blended course begins with a self-paced online training (OLT) in the Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP), followed by an in-person instructor-led training (ILT).

References:

S-490, Advanced Fire Calculations (Blended)

NWCG Fire Behavior Analyst (FBAN) Position Page

NWCG Long Term Fire Analyst (LTAN) Position Page

NWCG Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 1 (RXB1) Position Page

2024 Paul Gleason Award Winners Announced

Date:  March 13, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Leadership Committee

The NWCG Leadership Committee is proud to announce the recipients of the 2024 Paul Gleason "Lead By Example" awards. Award categories include Initiative and Innovation, Mentoring and Teamwork, Motivation and Vision, as well as a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Congratulations to the awardees:

  • Justin Baxter, National Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Operations Specialist, with the U.S. Forest Service — Initiative and Innovation
  • Kelly Woods, Director of the Wildland Firefighting Lessons Learned Center — Mentoring and Teamwork
  • Doug Booster, Instructor, ProHealth Net, Inc. — Motivation and Vision
  • Pam McDonald, Writer-Editor for the National Interagency Fire Center — Lifetime Achievement Award

References:

Paul Gleason Lead By Example Award

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program (WFLDP)

Leadership Committee

NEW! S-231, Engine Boss Course Available Now

Date:  March 6, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Incident Operations Subcommittee

NWCG is pleased to announce the new S-231, Engine Boss (Single Resource) course is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP). Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this training supports individuals working towards Engine Boss, Single Resource (ENGB) incident qualifications. 

This is a performance-based instructor-led training (ILT) that focuses on the application of ENGB responsibilities during wildland fire operations, emphasizing readiness, information gathering, risk management, engine tactics, and Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) operations. Trainees apply these skills through scenario-based group work and an optional field day that reinforces hands-on engine operation tasks. 

References:

S-231, Engine Boss (Single Resource) (Instructor-led)

NWCG Engine Boss, Single Resource (ENGB) Position Page

Wildland Fire Learning Portal