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S-378, Aerial Supervision (ILT)

Course Description

This course is designed to meet the training needs of an Air Tactical Group Supervisor (ATGS), Helicopter Coordinator (HLCO), lead plane pilot, and Aerial Supervision Module (ASM) crewmember as outlined in the Interagency Aerial Supervision Guide (IASG), PMS 505. Topics include aerial supervision program introduction, aerial supervision roles and responsibilities, administration, training, certification, currency, policies, incident aircraft, suppressants and retardants, aerial supervision mission procedures, aerial firefighting strategy and tactics, incident aircraft operations, all-hazard incidents, and safety.

Course Objectives

Describe efficient procedures for utilization of aircraft to meet incident objectives.

Prerequisite Qualifications

Students must meet the position prerequisites for their respective target group positions.

Alternate Delivery Mode

Alternate Delivery Mode
Not Applicable
Training Required For
ATGS 310-1 Training Path 01, HLCO 310-1 Training Path 01
Lead Instructor Minimum Qualifications
Lead instructor must be a qualified Air Tactical Group Supervisor (ATGS).
Unit Instructor Minimum Qualifications
Unit instructor cadre should include a lead plane pilot, airtanker pilot, Helicopter Coordinator (HLCO), state/regional aviation safety manager and/or Air Operations Branch Director (AOBD), Operations Section Chief (OSC), and an Incident Commander Type 3 (ICT3).
Business Steward
IASS Interagency Aerial Supervision Subcommittee
Course Level
Area, State, Regional
Format
Instructor Led
Course Number
S-378
Course Title
Aerial Supervision (ILT)
Total Hours
4

Special Delivery Considerations

These materials are needed above and beyond the usual items (pens, paper, flip charts, markers, etc.).
Handheld VHF AM Radios (10 ea).
FM to Helmet Adapter (King Helmet adapter) (20 ea).
Helmet to Aviation Headset (GA to U92 adapter) (20 ea).
Power Supplies for Air Attack Radio kit (3 ea).
Dummy loads for Air Attack Kits (6 ea).
Plotters (20 ea).
Regional/Local Mobilization Guide (1ea).
Salt Lake City sectional (1 per student) at https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/flight_info/aeronav/productcatalog/VFRC…

Course Updates
2009 Version
As of March 2020, the Interagency Single Engine Airtanker Operations Guide, PMS 506 was discontinued and combined with the NWCG Standards for Airtanker Base Operations, PMS 508.

All radio equipment and radio frequency use for the course (classroom simulations, field exercises, course logistics, etc.) requires specific authorization and must be coordinated and assigned through the local agency frequency coordinator or the Communications Duty Officer at the NIFC National Interagency Incident Communications Division, as appropriate. Radio equipment and frequencies for training should be requested well in advance of course start date (at least two months) and shall be released/returned to the issuing entity upon course conclusion.

Optional materials have been developed to enhance the students understanding of the Wildland Fire Decision Support System (WFDSS) relative to the Air Tactical Group Supervisor position. Instructors who choose to use the optional materials to enhance the course should be familiar with the lesson and its contents and determine how it will be used in the course. The materials are available here: http://wfdss.usgs.gov/wfdss/WFDSS_NWCG_WFDSS.shtml.

B3 Combined Helicopter/Airplane Safety was replaced with A-100 Basic Aviation Safety in December 2013. Cadre will need to update the reference, from B3 to A-100, in the Instructor Guide on page 5 and on the Sample Nomination Letter on page 9.

Development History

Replaced I-378 in 2/99. Name changed to Aerial Supervision 2/07; reference NWCG Curriculum Issue Paper #87.

Version Date

2009

Previous Certification Dates

2003-11
1999-02

NWCG Latest Announcements

New Aircraft Flight Schedule Form, PMS 249

Date:  April 17, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: National Coordination System Committee

A new publication from the National Coordination System Committee (NCSC) is now available. The NWCG Aircraft Flight Schedule Form, PMS 249, will be used for aviation crews and dispatch to share flight information that is needed for resource tracking, and if needed, for emergency procedures.

For further details, please contact your NCSC representative. 

References:

NCSC Memo 26-01: Implementation of NWCG Aircraft Flight Schedule Form, PMS 249

NWCG Aircraft Flight Schedule Form, PMS 249

New Glossary Term for Review

Date:  April 15, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Data Standards and Terminology Board (DSTB)

The Data Standards and Terminology Board is requesting feedback on a new glossary term: Resource Protection Measure (RPM).

The proposed definition is: Practical guidance provided for incident personnel in a manner in which incident objectives can be achieved while reducing impacts to identified resources across the landscape. RPMs are informed by, but not restricted to, Minimum Impact Strategies and Tactics (MIST).

Please review, share with your subgroups, and provide feedback as appropriate through the following form: Request Feedback The comment period will close May 10, 2026.

Thank you for your engagement in the NWCG glossary process – your participation is key to our success.

References:

Glossary Request Feedback

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

Date:  April 1, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Leadership Committee

NWCG is excited to announce that Quarter Three 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 Three materials focus on Leadership Level 3: Leader of People (Develop Intent). Leadership Level 3 is where your values, your team, and your influence come together. Leaders of People put their teams first, build trust, and lead with authenticity. They mentor future leaders and shape decisions up and down the chain.

References:

2025/2026 NWCG Leadership Campaign - Leadership Levels

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program

Leadership Committee

WFSTAR 2026 Core Components Module Package and 2025 Fire Year in Review Now Available

Date:  March 23, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Joe Schindel

The 2026 Core Components Module Package for RT-130, Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher (WFSTAR) and the 2025 Fire Year in Review are now available on the NWCG website. The 2026 Core Components Module Package provides all content needed to deliver RT-130.

References:

2026 Core Components Module Package

2025 Fire Year in Review Module