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Communicating with Aviation Resources

Communicating with Aviation Resources

The Aviation Training Delivery Team and National Training Delivery Team have developed this short video to promote aviation safety:

You can play the embedded video above or scan the QR code below to watch it. 

Lineart of helicopter flying over mountain to drop water on smoke, while a man in hardhat reviews notepad. Communicating with aviation resources.
QR code for communicating with aviation.

Discussion Questions:

  • Describe some examples of safety concerns you would want to point out to a pilot when they are arriving on scene of an incident or a new division.
  • What considerations should be made regarding communication when an aircraft is approaching an incident?
  • How do we communicate priorities to pilots when there isn't an Air Tactical Group Supervisor (ATGS) or Helicopter Coordinator (HLCO) on scene yet?
  • How do we communicate and verify that “the line is clear” prior to an incoming drop or bucket? Who is responsible for communicating with the aerial resources to notify whether the drop zone is clear?
  • Who is responsible for communicating with ground resources to notify them of incoming aircraft and intended mission?
  • Discuss any past experiences where there was miscommunication with aviation assets.
    • What did it impact?
    • How could that miscommunication have been improved?
Category

6MFS Suggestion Form


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NWCG Latest Announcements

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

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