HECM: Helicopter Crewmember (Sample)

The Helicopter Crewmember (HECM) is responsible for supporting the ground-based operations of the helicopter mission in a rapidly changing, high-risk wildland fire environment. The HECM is a member of a helicopter module and reports to the Helicopter Manager (HMGB). Knowledge, skills, abilities, duties, and responsibilities are:

Mobilize and Perform Initial Position Duties

• Ensure individual readiness.
• Gather critical information pertinent to the assignment.
• Travel to and check in at assignment.
• Review Incident Action Plan (IAP) and/or obtain briefing, objectives, and intent from supervisor.
• Assemble local maps, pocket cards, and other pertinent materials.

Accomplish HECM Objectives

• Assist Helicopter Manager and/or Helibase Manager with performance of all helicopter mission components based on IHOG, IRPG, and other pertinent guidance. This includes daily inventory checks; helicopter operational readiness; tool, equipment, and vehicle maintenance and refurbishment; facility and cache maintenance; proficiency checks and drills; passenger/cargo operations; external load preparation; marshalling helicopters.
• Perform pre-operation briefing with pilot to ensure compliance with Interagency Helicopter Operations Guide (IHOG) standards.
• Prepare and manage helicopter passenger/cargo loads.
• Manifest loads using Interagency Helicopter Passenger/Cargo Manifest Form OF-252.
• Brief passengers and verify PPE using IRPG helicopter passenger briefing.
• Calculate loads using forms NFES# 1064, AMD-67, or FS-5700-17.
• Comply with Interagency Aviation Transport of Hazardous Materials Guide standards.
• Comply with Aviation Life Support Equipment (ALSE) Handbook standards.
• As required and if qualified perform as Parking Tender (PARK) or Loadmaster (LOAD).
• Construct and manage helispots, dipsites, and landing areas.
• Understand and execute the crash rescue plan.
• Perform FFT2 duties as directed and according to established FFT2 standards.

Communicate and Coordinate

• Communicate and coordinate with pertinent individuals to accomplish objectives. Ensure relevant information is exchanged during briefings and debriefings.
• Follow established processes and command channels for collecting, producing, and distributing information.
• Ensure clear understanding of expectations and timely communication with supervisor.
• Apprise supervisor of: work progress; resource status; changes from assignment; changing  conditions; hazards.
• Conduct or participate in After Action Reviews.
• Use radios effectively: clear text; radio discipline; ICS terminology; change of location to improve reception/transmission; emergency traffic protocols.

Manage Risk

• Apply the Risk Management Process stated in the IRPG.
• Recognize changing conditions that warrant risk reassessment, and take action.
• Identify, communicate, and mitigate unsafe conditions directly, through command channels, or through the Safety Officer.
• Account for safety of helicopter module crewmates at all times.

Document

• Complete pertinent aviation forms, vehicle reports, and requisitions as required.
• Use the following forms as applicable:
  • Crew Time Report (SF 261)
  • General Message (ICS 213)
  • Activity Log (ICS 214)
  • SAFECOM
  • SAFENET
• Report and document accidents, incidents, and near misses.
• Document significant risk management and/or safety occurrences.
• Complete agency reporting requirements.

Demobilize

• Receive demobilization instructions from supervisor.
• Ensure incident and agency demobilization procedures are followed.

Required Training

• Aviation Transportation of Hazardous Material (A-110); Triennial must complete A-110 once every 3 years
• Annual Fireline Safety Refresher (RT-130)
• Helicopter Crewmember (S-271)
• Completion of NWCG Helicopter Crewmember Position Task Book (PMS 311-22)

Required Experience

• Satisfactory performance as a Firefighter Type 2 (FFT2)

Physical Fitness Level

Arduous: Duties involve fieldwork requiring physical performance calling for above-average endurance and superior conditioning. These duties may include an occasional demand for extraordinarily strenuous activities in emergencies under adverse environmental conditions and over extended periods of time. Requirements include running, walking, climbing, jumping, twisting, bending, and lifting more than 50 pounds; the pace of work typically is set by the emergency situation.

These Positions Maintain Currency For HECM

• Deck Coordinator (DECK)
• Helibase Manager Type 1 (HEB1)
• Helibase Manager Type 2 (HEB2)
• Helicopter Manager, Single Resource (HMGB)

HECM Maintains Currency For These Positions

• Aircraft Base Radio Operator (ARBO)
• Firefighter Type 2 (FFT2)

Other Training Which Supports Development Of Knowledge And Skills

None

Placeholder for potential update/improvements to certification information in 310-1, including alignment with updated NIMS-NQS Qualification/Certification/Credentialing direction.

The Forest Service and Department of Interior are enabled by Administratively Determined Pay Plans (AD Pay Plans) to hire persons for temporary duration for the following reasons:

1. To cope with a sudden and unexpected emergency caused by a fire, or extreme fire potential, flood, storm, or any other all-hazard emergency that threatens damage to federally protected property, has the potential to cause loss of life, serious injury, public health risk, or damage to natural or cultural resources unless brought under immediate control.
2. To provide emergency assistance to States under formalized agreements.
3. To meet mission assignments issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

The National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) Incident Business Committee (IBC) reviews positions annually and establishes pay rate classifications for each position.

For more information on the AD Pay Plans, go to