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Type 1 Helicopter Operations

Over several years, federal, state, and municipality agencies have transitioned Type 1 helicopters from single-mission water delivery aircraft to multi-mission aircraft. Type 1 multi-mission helicopters offer increased power margins, speed, response range, safety features and safety equipment. Therefore, the use of Type 1 helicopters is predicted to become more prominent in wildland fire. There are several operational differences to consider compared to legacy fleet helicopters and established standards.

Landing Site Selection, Helispot Management, and Helispot Construction:

  • Type 1 Helicopter landing areas require a much larger area due to the size and design features of the aircrafts such as how most Type 1 helicopters use wheels instead of skids. Some Type 1 helicopters can land on more slope than helicopters with skids; however, the best practice is to have a clear, flat, and level landing area.

    • Touchdown Pad: 30 feet x 30 feet, clear and level.

    • Safety Circle: 110-foot diameter.

  • Type 1 helicopters can weigh over 20,000 lbs. Therefore, identified landing sites should be as hardpacked as possible. Landing on the inside or the edge of the fireline or on soft, wet, or muddy sites is not recommended.

  • Helispot management with good radio communications with the helicopter is highly recommended due to limited visibility from the helicopter cockpit. Communication of any site specifics or hazards can be discussed prior to the helicopter attempting to land.

  • If a Type 1 helicopter has a tank and snorkel for water-dropping operations, additional clearances on the touchdown pad are needed. Tanks attached to the bottom of the aircraft only have 4 to 6 inches of clearance above the ground. Ensure all obstacles are cleared from the pad. For example, large rocks need to be removed, trees need to be flush cut, etc. or they can damage the external tank.

  • With increased rotor wash speeds from Type 1 helicopters, ensure all Foreign Objects of Debris (FOD) and loose materials are secured or removed from the helispot prior to landing.

Rotor wash:

  • Rotor wash speeds from Type 1 helicopters can be more than 80 mph (nearly double that of Type 2 helicopters) and can produce rotor wash speeds of 55 mph at a 100-foot hover above the ground. Due to the increased rotor wash, traditional helicopter marshalling is not recommended.

  • Strongly consider dust abatement prior to conducting helispot landings with little or no vegetation. Rotor wash may cause:

    • Intense brown-out conditions on loose soil.

    • Adverse effects to fire behavior.

    • Blowing debris and material that can injure personnel and damage vehicles.

    • Snags and branches to fall in the surrounding area.

Passenger Transport Missions:

  • A passenger briefing is required prior to flying onboard. Specifics of the aircraft will be discussed including PPE requirements, seating assignments for aircraft weight and balance, operation of seatbelts and doors, and the location and operation of emergency equipment and exits onboard.

Water Dropping Missions:

  • Type 1 helicopters will continue performing water-dropping missions from buckets or tanks. They carry thousands of pounds of water that can injure personnel and damage vehicles and equipment. Before receiving a water drop, ensure the drop area is clear of all personnel and equipment.

Activity and Discussion:

  • Review the Helicopter Landing Area Selection from the Incident Response Pocket Guide (IRPG), PMS 461 and establish parameters (pacing, etc.) to create the minimum Type 1 Helicopter Landing Size.

  • With your team and using your unit’s vegetation and terrain, estimate how long would it to take to create a Type 1 Helicopter Landing Site and discuss the factors that would influence the timeline and construction.

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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)
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  • Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Module Leader (UASL)
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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
Questions?  Please contact:
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

Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books Now Available for ICT5 and FFT1

Date: July 29, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Incident Command Subcommittee
Incident Operations Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books are now available for Incident Commander Type 5 (ICT5) and Firefighter Type 1 Squad Boss (FFT1).

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 Incident Commander Type 5 Position Page

NWCG Firefighter Type 1 Squad Boss Position Page