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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?
     
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NWCG Risk Management Committee Releases Safety Bulletin: 24-001 Use of Respirators on Wildland Fires

Date: November 7, 2024
Contact: Risk Management Committee

The Risk Management Committee (RMC) has released Safety Bulletin: 24-001 Use of Respirators on Wildland Fires. As wildland fire respirators are available through several established vendors, wildland fire personnel need to understand regulations and limitations of respirator use in the workplace.

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Contact: Incident Medical Subcommittee

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The Performance Support Package, which for MEDL includes the Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Book, were developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort. The Performance Support Package will support trainees, those qualified in the position, and evaluators.

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NWCG Medical Unit Leader Position Page

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NWCG Position Task Book for Medical Unit Leader (MEDL), PMS 311-39

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Date: October 9, 2024
Contact: Wildland Fire Learning Portal

The Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP) is back online following a migration to a new learning management system (LMS) application. The WFLP team is actively addressing any issues that may arise as a result of the update, and appreciates your patience as the team works to enhance your experience. NWCG will share information from the WFLP as it is available.

Should you have any issues with accessing or using the WFLP, please use the link below to submit a ticket through the Help Center.

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Wildland Fire Learning Portal

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Contact: Equipment Technology Committee

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