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S-470, Air Operations Branch Director (ILT)

Course Description

This course is designed to meet the needs of the Air Operations Branch Director (AOBD) position. Topics include preparedness and mobilization, initial briefings and meetings, transition, preparing and organizing for an aviation operation, implementation of an aviation operation, management and oversight of an aviation operation, and demobilization.

Course Objectives

Perform the tasks required of an Air Operations Branch Director to mobilize and transition into an incident aviation environment, and be able to prepare for, manage, and oversee an aviation operation.

Prerequisite Qualifications

Qualified as Air Support Group Supervisor (ASGS).

Alternate Delivery Mode

Alternate Delivery Mode
Not Applicable
Training Required For
AOBD 310-1 Training Path 01
Lead Instructor Minimum Qualifications
Lead and unit instructors must be qualified Air Operations Branch Directors (AOBD).
Unit Instructor Minimum Qualifications
Lead and unit instructors must be qualified Air Operations Branch Directors (AOBD).
Business Steward
National Interagency Aviation Committee NIAC
Course Level
Area, State, Regional
Format
Instructor Led
Course Number
S-470
Course Title
Air Operations Branch Director (ILT)

Special Delivery Considerations

Space and Classroom Requirements
The characteristics of the classroom and supportive facilities have a significant impact on the learning environment. The classroom should be chosen and viewed well in advance of the presentation.

Course Updates
An error has been found in the S-470 Course Instructions. A sample “Nomination Letter” was included on pages 9 and 10 of the Instructor Guide and is not appropriate for this course; the pre-course work is not graded. The “Selection Letter” on page 11 references the incorrect position task book. Use this “Selection Letter” in its place.

Applies to 2013 Version

Development History

Replaced I-470 in 8/02. Course hours changed with 2013 revision; reference NWCG Curriculum Issue Paper #121.

Version Date

2013

Previous Certification Dates

2002-08

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