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Aviation Communication

Aviation operations are complex and communicating with air resources is vital for wildland firefighters’ safety. Below are considerations to discuss as a group and share what has worked well for communicating with different aviation resources.

Radio Frequency Management:

  • Aircraft prioritize radio communication to maintain safe flights, provide appropriate airspace with other aircraft, and conduct incident operations. Aircraft will talk to other aircraft/air traffic controllers first, followed by ground resources, and then dispatch.
  • Establish a primary air-to-ground frequency on the fire and ensure fire personnel are monitoring the channel.
  • If the frequency gets congested, request another frequency, (e.g. “air-to-ground secondary”).
  • Ensure that fire personnel have a clear delineation of what operations will occur on which air-to-ground frequency.
  • Air Guard can be used to communicate emergency traffic. All aircraft are monitoring this frequency. Ground personnel should also monitor Air Guard for aircraft emergencies.

Aviation Communication Best Practices:

  • The ABCs of communicating with aviation resources are to be “Accurate, Brief, and Clear.”
  • Communication to aircraft should occur when they are a few miles out. Provide them with what you want them to accomplish, your location, and any aerial hazards such as powerlines, wind, other aircraft, etc.
  • It is also best to communicate with the aircraft when they are off the dip site, following a water or retardant drop, or when they are performing a recon. Do not communicate during critical phases of flight (e.g. using the dip site, executing a drop, or when they are taking off or landing).
  • When communicating directions, always give them from the pilot’s perspective.
    • Use easily understandable directions, such as: north, east, 2 o’clock low, 9 o’clock mid-slope, etc.
    • Use standard fire characteristics and common vernacular to describe the target to the pilot such as: “we would like the bucket drop on the large snag at the heel of the fire.”
    • Before a water or retardant drop occurs, ensure all ground personnel are cleared from the line and communicate that to the pilot.
  • If using latitude and longitude coordinates, use WGS 84 datum and provide the coordinates in degrees, decimal minutes (DDM).

Discussion Questions:

  • Who is responsible for communicating with ground resources to notify them of the incoming aircraft and intended mission?
  • Discuss any past experiences where there was miscommunication with aviation. What did it impact? How could that miscommunication have been improved?
     
Category
Aviation
References
NWCG Incident Response Pocket Guide (IRPG), PMS 461
Video: “Communicating with Aviation Resources”
Group Discussion Points

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NWCG Latest Announcements

NEW! Incident Performance and Training Modernization Story Map Now Available

Date: Aug 26, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
National Wildfire Coordinating Group

NWCG is excited to announce the launch of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) Story Map, a new interactive resource that showcases how NWCG is transforming wildland fire training and qualifications through a performance-based system.

Since its launch in 2023, IPTM has made major strides in updating how we manage incident positions:

  • 36 incident positions now have new Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Books available for field use
  • 6 more incident positions are nearing completion
  • 111 total incident positions are being analyzed through the IPTM initiative

The Story Map guides you through the IPTM process, highlights key accomplishments, and outlines what’s ahead. Whether you are a trainer or a trainee, this tool offers valuable insight into the modernization effort shaping the future of wildland fire training and qualifications.

This effort would not be possible without the contributions of NWCG staff, NWCG committees, and hundreds of subject matter experts across the wildland fire community.

References:

IPTM Story Map

Incident Performance and Training Modernization Webpage

NEW! S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended) Available Now

Date: Aug 15, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Fire Behavior Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that the S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended) training is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal. S-290 (Blended) training combines online training and instructor-led training components that support individuals working towards any Single Resource Boss or Fire Effects Monitor incident qualifications.

This second course in the series collectively serves to develop fire behavior prediction knowledge and skills, and provides more detailed information on fuels, weather, and topography that affect wildland fire behavior for safety purposes.

Students are required to finish the prerequisite S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior, before enrolling in S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended).

References:

S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended)

S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

NEW! S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended) Now Available

Date: Aug 14, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Interagency Helicopter Operations Subcommittee

The S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended) is now available. Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this training supports individuals working towards Helicopter Crewmember (HECM) incident qualifications. 

S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended) training combines online training and instructor-led training components. This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the duties of the HECM position, as described in the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Helicopter Crewmember, PMS 350-22.

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 2026.

References:

S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended)

NWCG Helicopter Crewmember (HECM) Position Page

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Books Now Available for FBAN and LTAN

Date: Aug 13, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Fire Behavior Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Books are now available for Fire Behavior Analyst (FBAN) and Long Term Fire Analyst (LTAN).

The Performance Support Packages for these positions were developed as part of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort. These resources support trainees, qualified personnel, and evaluators in their respective roles.

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 2026.

References:

NWCG Fire Behavior Analyst Position Page

NWCG Long Term Fire Analyst Page