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S-373, Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Incident Operations (ILT)

Course Title
Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Incident Operations (ILT)
Training Required For
UASP 310-1 Training Path 01
Version Date

2018

Course Number
S-373
Course Description

This course is designed to meet the training needs of the Unmanned Aircraft System Pilot (UASP), Unmanned Aircraft System, Manager (UASM), Unmanned Aircraft System, Module Leader (UASL), and Unmanned Aircraft System, Data Specialist (UASD) to manage the information needs of incidents managed with the Incident Command System (ICS). The course combines lectures, facilitated discussions, individual/group exercises, and simulations. These UAS positions are used to collect, process, and distribute tactical and strategic information to meet the needs of incident operations and planning personnel.

During the course, students will:
Describe the dispatch and mobilization process and the procedures for incident check-in, time documentation, and demobilization.
Demonstrate ability to obtain a Special Government Interest Waiver (SGI) and file a NOTAM.
Demonstrate the ability to select/depict a restricted operations zone (ROZ) or suitable launch and recovery area for fireline operations.
Determine UAS mission altitudes and maintain separation from participating aircraft.
Demonstrate the ability to obtain a clearance from aerial supervision and coordinate with on-scene aircraft on designated radio frequencies.
Demonstrate proficiency in manual and planned flights in the incident environment.
Develop data management structures in accordance with agency standards.
Discuss the policies of Civil Rights, publicly identifiable information (PII), and data archiving based on agency standards.
Manage contract UAS operations in accordance with agency policy.
Demonstrate supervisory techniques for a module comprised of Unmanned Aircraft System Pilot (UASP) and Unmanned Aircraft System, Data Specialists (UASD).

Demonstrate the ability to:
Download UAS telemetry files with specialized software.
Download GPX and KML files with tablets / PC.
Produce estimated acreage and perimeter in real time.
Build ground control station (GCS) maps (Data Specialist).
Perform a viewshed analysis (Data Specialist).
Describe the incident planning cycle and the associated timeframes and product deadlines critical to UAS incident support.
Collect, package, and deliver requested data products.
Prepare required contractor documentation including invoices and transportation worksheets.
Discuss examples of the more complex data analysis and manipulation commonly requested of a UAS position.

Course Objective

Manage vendor provided UAS services.

Prerequisite Qualifications Notes

Agency remote pilot certification for Unmanned Aircraft System Pilot (UASP), Unmanned Aircraft System, Manager (UASM), and Unmanned Aircraft System, Module Leader (UASL).

Lead Instructor Minimum Qualifications
None
Format
Instructor Led
Special Delivery Considerations

Hardware and Software Requirements
All students: Tablet and PC, GPS data logger such as BadElf GPS Pro+, additional applications: Bad Elf for iOS, Gaia, Avenza
Unmanned Aircraft System Pilot (UASP): Agency certified UAS, Electro-optical and infrared sensors, additional applications: Solex GCS
Unmanned Aircraft System, Data Specialist (UASD): ArcMap with FMV and Spatial Analyst

Location
Course locations are chosen for areas with favorable weather conditions for UAS flights and a flight area in close proximity to the classroom.

Course Level
National course presented at the geographic level

Business Steward
IFUASS Interagency Fire Unmanned Aircraft Systems Subcommittee
Unit Instructor Minimum Qualifications
None
Alternate Delivery Mode
Not Applicable

NWCG Latest Announcements

Leadership Committee IAP Flyer Now Available

Date:  May 8, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Leadership Committee

The NWCG Leadership Committee promotes and enables leadership development across the wildland fire service. The committee provides education, training opportunities, and support for leadership innovation and best practices throughout the community.

A new IAP flyer is now available on the committee website, offering an overview of the products, curriculum, and learning opportunities the Leadership Committee develops. This resource is ideal for posting in your office, sharing with new employees, or distributing through your incident management teams to engage new voices in the leadership journey and reinforce a culture of self‑reflection, development, and growth.

References:

Leadership Committee 2026 IAP Flyer

Incident Operations Subcommittee Updates the Next Generation Position Task Book for FFT1

Date:  May 7, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Incident Operations Subcommittee

The NWCG Incident Operations Subcommittee (IOSC) has updated the NWCG Position Task Book for Firefighter Type 1 (Squad Boss) (FFT1), PMS 311‑14. The FFT1 Position Task Book transitioned to the Next Generation (Next Gen PTB) format in June 2025 through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization effort. Since then, IOSC has received feedback from the wildland fire community regarding coding for one of the tasks. Task #13 has been updated to include the option of evaluation in a simulation.

See IOSC Memorandum 26‑01: Transition Plan for Implementation of Updates to the NWCG Position Task Book for Firefighter Type 1 (Squad Boss) (FFT1), PMS 311‑14 for more information.

References:

IOSC Memorandum 26-01: Transition Plan for Implementation of Updates to the NWCG Postion Task Book for Firefighter Type 1

NWCG Firefighter Type 1 Squad Boss Position Page 

NEW! S-212, Intermediate Faller (Online) Course Available Now 

Date:  April 23, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Hazard Tree and Tree Felling Subcommittee

NWCG is pleased to announce that the new S‑212, Intermediate Faller (Online), course is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP). This second course in the series provides students with the knowledge and skills required to perform the duties of an Intermediate Faller (FAL2), as described in the FAL2 Incident Position Description. This course is intended for individuals seeking to advance from Basic Faller (FAL3) to FAL2.

S‑212, Intermediate Faller is a fully online, self‑paced training program consisting of 13 units. Learners will engage with interactive, scenario‑based content designed to progressively build foundational skills and knowledge essential for the FAL2 role.

Students must be qualified as a Basic Faller (FAL3) prior to enrolling in S‑212, Intermediate Faller course.

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 2027.

References:

S-212 Intermediate Faller (Online)

RMC Memo 26-01: Transition Plan for Implementing Updates to Intermediate Faller (FAL2) Position Qualifications

Intermediate Faller (FAL2) Position Page

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Chainsaw Operations, PMS 212

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