Aircraft Base Radio Operator

ABRO decorative banner: photos depicting ABRO position. ABRO Position Description: The Aircraft Base Radio Operator (ABRO) reports to the Helibase Manager or Fixed-Wing Base Manager and is responsible for establishing communication between incident assigned aircraft and airbases, Air Tactical Group Supervisor, Air Operations Branch Director, and the Takeoff and Landing Coordinator.

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ABRO Incident Position Description

The Aircraft Base Radio Operator (ABRO) serves as a member of an aircraft base staff, assisting the Helibase Manager (HEBM), Airtanker Base Manager (ATBM), and/or Fixed Wing Base Manager (FWBM) in the performance and completion of aircraft missions. The ABRO reports to the HEBM, ATBM, and/or FWBM and works in the Aviation functional area.
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Prepare and Mobilize

  • Ensure individual readiness.
  • Gather critical information pertinent to the assignment.
  • Travel to and checks in at assignment.
  • Review Base Operations Plan and obtain initial briefing from supervisor.

Build the Team

  • Conduct self in a professional manner.
  • Establish and maintain positive interpersonal and interagency working relationships.
  • Use Incident Command System (ICS) terminology, organization, and command structure.
  • Participate in proficiency checks and drills.
  • Calculate amount and type of additional supplies and equipment required and obtain through established ordering procedures. Ensure adequate staffing is in place for anticipated or expected activity.

Lead, Supervise, Direct

  • Model leadership values and principles. Provide positive influence. Emphasize teamwork.
  • Follow and communicate objectives, priorities, work assignments, and performance expectations.
  • Identify, analyze, and use relevant situational information to make more informed decisions and take appropriate actions.
  • Adjust actions based on changing information and evolving situation awareness. Communicate changing conditions to assigned resources and supervisor.

Perform Aircraft Base Radio Operator Position-Specific Duties

  • Assist supervisor in ensuring operational readiness of aircraft base.
  • Check functionality of assigned radios prior to daily operations.
  • Operate multiple radios (AM, FM, VHF) simultaneously.
  • Verify radio frequencies daily with supervisor and notify them if additional frequencies are needed.
  • Use current flight following software.
  • Flight follow aircraft using the identified procedures and maintain a log of aircraft takeoffs, landings, estimated time of arrival (ETA), estimated time of departure (ETD), and flight route check-ins.

Communicate and Coordinate

  • Communicate using ICS terminology and clear text.
  • Obtain daily or more frequent briefings from supervisor.
  • Coordinate aircraft departures from base with appropriate aerial supervision or dispatch.
  • Maintain communication with appropriate incident functions including, but not limited to dispatch, logistics, helispots, or incident aircraft.
  • Follow established processes and chain of command for collecting, producing, and distributing information.
  • Communicate changing conditions to supervisor.
  • Participate in daily briefing and/or functional area briefings and After Action Review (AAR).

Manage Risk

  • Apply the Risk Management Process as stated in the Incident Response Pocket Guide (IRPG), PMS 461:
    • Identify Hazards.
    • Assess Hazards.
    • Develop Controls and Make Risk Decisions.
    • Implement Controls.
    • Supervise and Evaluate.
  • Report hazards, injuries, incidents, and accidents to supervisor immediately.
  • Review the helibase crash rescue plan, incident medical plan, NWCG Aviation Mishap Response Guide, PMS 503, and/or local emergency response plan and compete a scenario-based exercise for overdue aircraft, missing aircraft, or other aviation mishaps. Manage the medical emergency based on procedures stated in the Medical Incident Report, helibase crash rescue plan, and/or other relevant guidelines.
  • Implement the SAFECOM process when necessary.

Document

  • Complete, authorize, ensure timeliness of, and route as required:
  • Ensure forms/logs are appropriate to assignment complexity.
  • Acquire and post necessary materials and documents in the work area for reference.

Demobilize

  • Follow demobilization instructions from supervisor.
  • Check out with incident or dispatch to demobilize.
  • Ensure incident and agency demobilization procedures and work/rest standards are followed.
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Page Last Modified / Reviewed: 
2021-07-12

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