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Helicopter Performance

 

Certain helicopter missions push the limits of the aircraft’s performance capabilities. Items that could reduce the effectiveness and increase the risk of the mission include weight, temperature, altitude, and visibility. Below are some points to remember when evaluating missions.

  • Helicopter missions that transport external loads increase risk.
  • A helicopter’s performance/lift capabilities decrease as temperature and/or altitude increase. Be watchful of conditions that are “High, Hot, and Heavy.”
  • All helicopters have different maximum performance capabilities. Be aware of the capabilities of the specific helicopter that you are working with.
  • Low-level helicopter operations often occur in heavy smoke where hazards (e.g., trees, snags, antennas, visibility, turbulence, and other aircraft) increase the risk significantly.
  • Determine the risk level for every mission. Is the risk level acceptable? Can the risk be mitigated? If the risk is not acceptable or it cannot be mitigated, then the mission should not be flown.
  • A large part of the success of a helicopter mission is the result of clear and effective communication between the pilot and the user on the ground.
  • Accurate target and hazard descriptions are essential to a safe mission. Gather this information and relay it to the pilot. Things to consider in the description include:
    • What would the target look like from the air?
    • Are you located where the pilot can see you?
    • Do you have a signal mirror?
    • Are you using cardinal directions or clock directions in relation to the track of the aircraft?
    • What is the wind direction? Provide this information to the pilot.
    • Are all firefighters clear of the drop area?
    • Is there a safer way to accomplish the suppression action?

Activity:

If available, have a pilot explain how to complete a load calculation and the effects of density altitude on aircraft capability and allowable payload.

 

Category
Aviation

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Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books Now Available for PROC and TIME

Date: July 17, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Incident Business Committee

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books are now available for Procurement Unit Leader (PROC) and Time Unit Leader (TIME).

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 update, scheduled for January 2026.

References:

NWCG Procurement Unit Leader Position Page

NWCG Time Unit Leader Position Page

National Wildland Firefighter Day

Date: July 2, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
National Interagency Fire Center

The National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) recognizes July 2, 2025, as National Wildland Firefighter Day (NWFFD). Established in 2022, NWFFD honors the dedication of wildland firefighters and support personnel. This day falls within the 2025 Week of Remembrance (June 30 - July 6), providing an opportunity to renew our commitment to wildland firefighter safety while remembering those who have fallen in the line of duty.

NWCG provides leadership to enable interoperable wildland fire operations among federal, state, local, Tribal, and territorial partners. NWCG standards and training establish common practices to contribute to safe, effective, and coordinated interagency wildland fire operations nationwide.

References:

Week of Remembrance

National Wildland Firefighter Day

2025 Week of Remembrance

Date: June 27, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
6 Minutes for Safety Subcommittee

As we approach the 2025 Week of Remembrance (WOR), June 30–July 6, we dedicate this time to reflect on the past incidents from 2015 and honor the fallen through learning. Since its inception in 2014, WOR has honored wildland firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice while encouraging critical discussions that reinforce lessons learned.

Throughout the week, we encourage thoughtful and generative conversations—whether in briefing rooms or at tailgates—that promote a culture of continuous learning and safety.

References:

2025 Week of Remembrance: Letter to Leadership

Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center

ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-003 Flame-Resistant Shirt Survey

Date: June 12, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Equipment Technology Committee

The U.S. Forest Service National Technology and Development Program (NTDP) is seeking input on the Forest Service-designed flame-resistant (FR) shirt, currently available through the National Interagency Support Cache system and FedMall.

NTDP is conducting a product review to improve future FR shirt designs. As part of this effort, a short survey is now open for federal employees who have worn any of three recent FR shirt models. Feedback will guide design improvements to better meet the needs of wildland firefighters.

To comply with the Paperwork Reduction Act, responses are limited to federal employees. The survey is open through September 12, 2025. 

References:

NWCG Alerts

ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-003