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Helicopter Coordinator Working Group (HLCOWG)

ARCHIVED

This committee has been archived July 1, 2026.  Please reach out to your NWCG Coordinator if any content needs to be moved to the new committee structure.


 

HLCO Working Group header graphic. Photo of a water scooper plane dropping load on forest below. Decorative.

Mission Statement

The Helicopter Coordinator Working Group (HLCOWG) provides national interagency governance in the development and maintenance of the Helicopter Coordinator (HLCO) training curriculum, course delivery, position performance standards, and program reviews.

Primary Objectives:

  • Assist the Air Tactical Group Supervisor Working Group (ATGSWG) when asked in the coordination and delivery of S-378, Aerial Supervision and N-9059, Leadplane Pilot when requested through the National Aerial Supervision Standardization Unit (NASSU).
  • Assist the ATGSWG with coordination and delivery of RT-378 and RT-9059 as requested through the NASSU.
  • Provide oversight of S-378 and HLCO curriculum for updates and accuracy.
  • Coordinate standardization with National Aerial Supervision Academy (NASA) and California Aerial Supervision Academy (CASA).
  • Manage taskings from the NASSU.
  • Recommend changes to the NWCG Standards for Aerial Supervision, PMS 505, through the NASSU.
  • Recommend changes to the NWCG Task Book for the Positions of Helicopter Coordinator (HLCO) and Air Tactical Group Supervisor (ATGS), PMS 311-18.
  • Assist peer aerial supervision working groups with subject matter expertise pertaining to the broad scope of interagency aerial supervision operations as requested.

Membership

MemberRoleOrganizationEmail
Matt CountsVice-ChairForest Servicesteven.counts@usda.gov
Matt MullerChairForest Servicematthew.p.muller@usda.gov
Paul KarpusCalFire RepNational Association of State ForestersPaul.Karpus@fire.ca.gov
Dave SchultzNWCG CoordinatorBureau of Land Managementdschultz@blm.gov
USWDS Paragraphs

NWCG Latest Announcements

Equipment Advisory 26-001: Potential Front Driveline Joint Failure on 2018 and Earlier Ram Pickups

Date:  July 10, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Equipment and Technology Subcommittee

The Logistics/Equipment Management Committee (LMC) has released Equipment Advisory 26-001: Potential Front Driveline Joint Failure on 2018 and Earlier Ram Pickups. This advisory highlights multiple U.S. Forest Service regions reporting front driveline joint failure incidents.

This advisory recommends firefighters and fire managers to: 

  • Follow all Ram-issued inspection, maintenance, and service guidance for front driveline joints. 
  • Consider installing a driveline loop. 
  • Coordinate with fleet managers and service providers to determine the most appropriate driveline loop kit for each pickup.

For further details, please refer to the complete advisory.

References:

Equipment Advisory 26-001: Potential Front Driveline Joint Failure on 2018 and Earlier Ram Pickups

Technical Service Bulletin: 03-002-21

NEW! NWCG Standard Operating Procedures, PMS 900

Date:  July 9, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: NWCG Staff

NWCG is excited to announce the publication of the NWCG Standard Operating Procedures, PMS 900.

The new publication establishes general, consistent, and uniform standards for conducting business with the National Wildfire Coordinating Group.

References:

NWCG Standard Operating Procedures, PMS 900

Quarter Four Materials for the 2025-2026 Wildland Fire Leadership Campaign Now Available

Date:  July 8, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Leadership Development Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that Fourth Quarter materials for the 2025/2026 Wildland Fire Leadership Campaign are now available. This annual initiative offers all students of leadership and wildland fire management an opportunity to engage with essential leadership skills and knowledge needed to lead effectively in dynamic environments.

Quarter Four materials focus on Leadership Level 4: Leader of Leaders (Provide Direction). Leadership Level 4 is where you are setting the conditions for others to do things well, even when you are not present. This quarter focuses on equipping experienced leaders with skills to provide direction, build trust across teams, and foster strong decision making. 

References:

2025/2026 NWCG Leadership Campaign - Leadership Levels

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program

Leadership Development Subcommittee

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