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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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Date: Aug 15, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Fire Behavior Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that the S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended) training is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal. S-290 (Blended) training combines online training and instructor-led training components that support individuals working towards any Single Resource Boss or Fire Effects Monitor incident qualifications.

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Students are required to finish the prerequisite S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior, before enrolling in S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended).

References:

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Date: Aug 14, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
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S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended) training combines online training and instructor-led training components. This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the duties of the HECM position, as described in the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Helicopter Crewmember, PMS 350-22.

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 January 2026.

References:

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Date: Aug 13, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
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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.

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Questions? Please contact:
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Frequently Asked Questions about this new information and how to implement recommendations can be found on the NWCG Alerts page. Read the complete ETC/RMC Safety Bulletin: 25-001 to learn more. 

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