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Aircraft and Pilot Carding

 

Every aircraft and pilot used in support of a federal wildland fire mission must have a current Aircraft and Pilot Card or letter of authorization. The card must be held in the aircraft or with the pilot and give specific authorization to complete the requested mission. These missions could be all or any number of missions as follows:

  • Air Attack (Level I, Level II, Level III)
  • Reconnaissance
  • Fire Surveillance
  • Water Delivery (buckets)
  • Helitorch
  • Cargo
  • Longline
  • Plastic Sphere Dispenser (PSD) Operations

 

Every pilot who flies a properly-carded aircraft must possess a current Interagency Airplane or Helicopter Pilot Qualification Card that gives specific authorization to fly the type of mission requested and the specific type of aircraft being used for the mission. These missions could be all or any number of missions as follows:

  • Air Attack
  • Reconnaissance
  • Fire Surveillance
  • Low-level
  • Paracargo
  • Mountain/Remote Airstrips
  • Smokejumper
  • Longline

 

Before the aircraft and pilot can be used for a specific mission, the aircraft must be listed on a valid and current contract which includes the type of work being performed. A copy of the contract must be onboard the aircraft.

Each user of the aircraft and pilot has the authorization to physically inspect the Aircraft Data Card, the Interagency Airplane or Helicopter Pilot Qualification Card, and the contract. If any one of these three items is not available for inspection, the mission must be canceled or at least postponed until the authorization of the aircraft, pilot, or contract can be determined.

Pilots have very specific and closely monitored duty time and flight time limitations which users must understand and adhere to:

  • 14-hour duty day,
  • 8 hours flight time per day,
  • 2 days off in 14 calendar days, and
  • 36 hours cumulative flight time in any 6 consecutive days.

 

Category
Aviation

Last Modified / Reviewed:


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Updated NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431

Date: May 14, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Fire Use Subcommittee

The updated NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431 serves as a supplemental resource for wildland fire module operations, providing information frequently used in the field.

PMS 431 defines the organizational structure, staffing, and qualifications for Type 1 and Type 2 Wildland Fire Modules, outlining their roles in wildland fire suppression, prescribed fire, and resource management. The NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431, should be used in conjunction with the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Module Operations, PMS 430.

References:

NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Module Operations, PMS 430

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Questions?  Please contact:
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The NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200 has been updated to include newly developed Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) typing standards. These standards organize OHV information into logical categories and outline key safety requirements for occupants.

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200 establishes minimum typing standards for aircraft, crews, and equipment used in national mobilization to wildland fire incidents. Typing designations are assigned based on measurable capability and performance criteria.

References:

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200

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Date: May 12, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Risk Management Committee

The S-204, Interpersonal and Critical Thinking Skills for Safety Officers self-directed online course is now available! Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this training supports individuals working towards Safety Officer, Field (SOFF) incident qualifications.

S-204, Interpersonal and Critical Thinking Skills for Safety Officers focuses on facilitating hazard mitigation conversations and building trust to influence safety-related decisions. Individuals can self-enroll through the Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP).

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

References:

S-204, Interpersonal and Critical Thinking Skills for Safety Officers 

NWCG Safety Officer, Field (SOFF) Position Page

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Date: May 7, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
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Phone: (208) 387-5104
Fax: (208) 387-5573

The Great Basin Cache (GBK) is transitioning to a new inventory system to better serve the wildland fire community. During this upgrade, GBK will be unable to process standard orders from Part 1: Fire Supplies and Equipment and Part 2: Publications between May 8-20, 2025, with exceptions made for emergency fire orders. Orders will be accepted through close of business May 7.

To browse the latest available items, please refer to the National Fire Equipment System (NFES) catalogs. 

References:

NWCG NFES Catalog-Part 1: Fire Supplies and Equipment, PMS 449-1

NWCG NFES Catalog-Part 2: Publications, PMS 449-2