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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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2026 Week of Remembrance

Date:  June 30, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: 6 Minutes for Safety Subcommittee

As we approach the 2026 Week of Remembrance (WOR), June 30–July 6, we dedicate this time to reflect on past incidents from 2016 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 that promote a culture of continuous learning and safety.

References:

2026 Week of Remembrance: Letter to Leadership

Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center

RMC Memorandum 26-02: SAFENET Modernization and SafeNetX Launch

Date:  June 25, 2026
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Please contact: Risk Management Committee

The Risk Management Committee (RMC) is pleased to announce the launch of SafeNetX, the modernized safety reporting system now available to the wildland fire community. Effective June 15, 2026, SafeNetX enables reporting of unsafe, unhealthy, near-miss, and high-risk operations across wildland fire, all-hazard incidents, training, and related work environments.

SafeNetX is the result of a multi-agency modernization effort led by RMC, which began evaluating improvements to the legacy SAFENET system in 2021. To learn more, read the full RMC memorandum in the links provided.

References:

SafeNetX

RMC Safety Memorandum 26-02: SAFENET Modernization and SafeNet X Launch

2025 Wildland Fire EMS Awards

Date:  June 12, 2026
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Please contact: Emergency Medical Committee

The NWCG Emergency Medical Committee (EMC) announces the recipients of the 2025 Wildland Fire Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Awards. EMC annually recognizes individuals and groups who have demonstrated outstanding actions or accomplishments that are above and beyond the expectation of one’s normal mission or job duties.

Congratulations to all the awardees and nominees. Through leadership and initiative, they have made significant contributions to the safety of the wildland fire community. These awards are well deserved.

References:

2025 Wildland Fire EMS Awards

Emergency Medical Committee

Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Book Now Available for RAMP

Date:  June 12, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Airtanker Base Operations Unit

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Book are now available for Ramp Manager (RAMP).

The Performance Support Package for this position was developed as part of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization 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 release in January 2027.

References:

NWCG Ramp Manager Position Page

National Interagency Aviation Committee