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Helicopter Landing Zone Selection

Consider the following points when selecting a landing zone for a helicopter:

  • Locate a flat area that is of sufficient size for the type of helicopter you are expecting.
    • Type 1 – Clear and level touchdown pad measuring 30 feet by 30 feet; safety circle measuring 110 feet in diameter.
    • Type 2 – Clear and level touchdown pad measuring 20 feet by 20 feet; safety circle measuring 90 feet in diameter.
    • Type 3 – Clear and level touchdown pad measuring 15 feet by 15 feet; safety circle measuring 75 feet in diameter.
  • Choose an area clear of people, vehicles, and obstructions such as trees, poles, and, especially, overhead wires.
  • The area must be free of stumps, brush, posts, large rocks, or anything over 18 inches high.
  • Consider the wind direction. Helicopters land and take off into the wind.
  • Choose an approach free of obstructions. Any obstruction you cannot eliminate should be relayed to the helicopter crew during initial radio contact.
  • Remove or secure any loose items in and around the landing area such as trash, blankets, hats, or equipment.
  • Wet down the landing area if dusty conditions are present.

 

Category
Aviation

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NWCG Latest Announcements

Updated NWCG Standards for Fire Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations, PMS 515

Date: May 10, 2024
Contact: IFUASS Qualification and Curriculum Board (IFUASS) 

The 2024 revision of the NWCG Standards for Fire Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations, PMS 515 is now available. PMS 515 standardizes the processes and procesures for interagency use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), including pilot inspections and approvals. This publication is now available as a PDF for easy use offline.

References:

NWCG Standards for Fire Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations, PMS 515

Memorandum 24-003: Removal of Type 1 Command and General Staff (C&G) Incident Position Qualification Pathways

Date: May 10, 2024
Contact: Aitor Bidaburu 

The purpose of this memorandum is to provide NWCG direction for removal of the Type 1 Command and General Staff (C&G) incident position qualification pathways to transition to Complex Incident Management (CIM). Responders may continue to utilize available NWCG pathways to attain Type 1 C&G qualifications until December 31, 2024.

References:

Memorandum 24-003

CIM Story Map

2024 Professional Reading Program

Date: April 26, 2024
Contact: Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program (WFLDP) 

The Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program is announcing the 2024 Professional Reading list! The intent of the Professional Reading Program is to promote the reading and discussion of these books throughout the year. Discussion guides are provided and the corresponding Wildland Fire Leadership Levels have been identified.

The five books chosen for this year are: Young Men and Fire by Norman Maclean, The Wisdom of the Bullfrog by William H. McRaven, The Art of Clear Thinking by Hasard Lee, Emotional Agility by Susan David, and Writing to Persuade by Trish Hall.

References:

Professional Reading Program

Wildland Fire Leadership Levels

NWCG Training Catalog now on Wildland Fire Learning Portal

Date: April 25, 2023
Contact: NWCG Training  

The National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) has migrated the training catalog from the NWCG website to the Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP) as part of our ongoing efforts to streamline processes and improve efficiency. To facilitate this transition, the training catalog remains available on www.nwcg.gov through April 2024.

Starting May 2024, the training catalog will no longer be accessible on www.nwcg.gov. However, you can still access the complete training catalog by logging in as a guest to the WFLP.

References:

Wildland Fire Learning Portal