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Mountain Flying Part 1

 

The recommendations listed below are not all-inclusive, nor are they directive in nature. While the conditions listed can be experienced in places like the Rocky Mountains and Sierra Front, they can also be found in non-mountainous areas or at low altitudes. For example, density altitudes over 8,500 feet mean sea level (MSL) can be found regularly on the eastern plains of Colorado in the summer. Also, dangerous mechanical and or mountain wave turbulence can be found in areas that aren't usually considered mountainous. In addition, keep in mind that fires in any geographic area can and do produce their own localized weather and the hazards described here can occur in these situations as well.

Pilot Ability

Carefully consider your experience and background before beginning a fire mission into mountainous terrain. Mountain flying in many areas will stretch your abilities to fly the airplane proficiently, navigate, and deal with weather. Consider your ability to react to strong winds and the up and down drafts they may cause. The aircraft’s gross weight and its effect on performance should be carefully considered.

Visibility

Many experienced mountain pilots recommend having at least 15 miles of visibility before attempting mountain flights. In the fire environment, make sure you have enough visibility to safely maneuver the aircraft to avoid any obstacles. Remember, turn radius is greater due to increased true airspeed (TAS). Also, engine response time is increased and thrust is reduced due to higher density altitudes.

Winds

Strong winds can cause some of the most dangerous conditions you will have to contend with in the mountains. Mountain top winds in excess of 25 knots (28 mph) are indicative of moderate to severe turbulence at ridge top levels as well as the likelihood of very strong updrafts and downdrafts. Plan your approach/drop and leave an “out” in case you encounter dry or unexpected turbulence or downdrafts. When encountering a downdraft, maintain sufficient airspeed. Jettison part or all the load if necessary. Guard against stalling the aircraft and fly out of the downdraft immediately with full power. Proceed to an area of an updraft or smoother air. Pay close attention to the forecasts at and above the mountain ridges. In the west, that usually means the 9,000- and 12,000-feet wind forecasts. In the east, you’ll look at lower wind level forecasts. Winds above 25 knots at these levels should be a warning sign regarding turbulence and updraft or downdraft potential.

Mountain Wave

When the wind speed is above about 25 knots and flowing perpendicular to the ridge lines, the air flow can form waves, much like water flowing over rocks in a stream bed. The waves form downwind from the ridgeline and will be composed of very strong updrafts and downdrafts, with the probability of dangerous rotor action under the crests of the waves. If enough moisture is present, standing lenticular clouds can form to give a visual indication of the wave action. These clouds are also an indication of moderate to severe turbulence.

Winds Through Passes

Winds flowing through the narrow restriction of a mountain pass tend to increase in velocity. When the winds are forecast above 20 knots (23 mph), be aware that this phenomenon may cause turbulence and drafts.

 

Also see: Mountain Flying Part 2

 

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FAQ Now Available for Archiving Type 1 and Type 2 Incident Positions

Date: Aug 6, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Incident and Position Standards Committee

To support the transition to Complex Incident Management (CIM), NWCG will archive all Type 1 and Type 2 Command and General Staff (C&G) position qualifications in January 2026, as outlined in NWCG Executive Board Memo 25-002. To assist with this transition, a new Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document is now available.

This resource answers common questions about the status of Type 1 and Type 2 qualifications, impacts to incident qualification management, training requirements, and resource ordering considerations. Review the full FAQ to learn more.

For additional information on CIM and the transition of C&G positions, see NWCG Executive Board Memos 23-005, 24-005, and 25-002, as well as the Incident Workforce and Development Group webpage.

References:

NWCG Type 1 & Type 2 Position Archiving FAQ

NWCG Executive Board Correspondence

Incident Workforce Development Group

Incident and Position Standards Committee

Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books Now Available for UASD, UASM, UASL and UASP

Date: July 31, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Interagency Fire Unmanned Aircraft Systems Subcommittee
 

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books are now available for all four Unmanned Aircraft Systems positions:

  • Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Data Specialist (UASD)
  • Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Manager (UASM)
  • Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Module Leader (UASL)
  • Unmanned Aircraft Systems Pilot (UASP)

The Performance Support Packages for these positions were 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 January 2026.

References:

NWCG Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Data Specialist Position Page

NWCG Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Manager Position Page

NWCG Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Module Leader Position Page

NWCG Unmanned Aircraft Systems Pilot Position Page

Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books Now Available for RADO and INCM

Date: July 30, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Incident Logistics Subcommittee
 

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books are now available for Radio Operator (RADO) and Incident Communications Center Manager (INCM).

The Performance Support Packages for these positions were 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 January 2026.

References:

NWCG Radio Operator Position Page

NWCG Incident Communications Center Manager Position Page

ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-004 NEW Aquatic Invasive Species – Golden Mussels

Date: July 29, 2025
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Equipment Technology Committee
 

The Equipment Technology Committee (ETC) issued Equipment Bulletin: 25-004, notifying the wildland fire community about a newly discovered invasive species and actions to take if found. Golden mussels, a highly invasive species recently identified in California, pose a significant risk to native ecosystems, infrastructure, and fire equipment. These mussels rapidly colonize hard and soft surfaces, including aquatic plants and fire equipment, clogging pipes, fouling motors, disrupting water systems, and impacting native species.

To help prevent their spread, fire personnel must follow the decontamination procedures outlined in the NWCG Guide to Preventing Aquatic Invasive Species Transport by Wildland Fire Operations, PMS 444. Additionally, report any sightings immediately to your Lead Resource Advisor and include clear, close-up photos and location details.

Read the complete ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-004 to learn more. 

References:

NWCG Alerts

ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-004

NWCG Guide to Preventing Aquatic Invasive Species Transport by Wildland Fire Operations, PMS 444