Unmanned Aircraft Systems Pilot

UASP Incident Position Description

The Unmanned Aircraft Systems Pilot (UASP) plays a critical role in supporting tactical and strategic decision making by flying, managing, and coordinating unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) missions during wildland fire and other incidents. The UASP reports to the Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Manager (UASM), Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Module Leader (UASL), Air Operations Branch Director (AOBD), or other assigned supervisor. The UASP works in the Air Operations functional area.

All UAS missions shall be conducted in accordance with the NWCG Standards for Fire Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations, PMS 515, and applicable federal/state policies (e.g., Federal Aviation Administration [FAA], Department of Interior [DOI], United States Forest Service [USFS]).

Prepare and Mobilize

• Ensure individual readiness.
• Obtain and assemble information and materials needed for kit.
• Gather critical information pertinent to the assignment.
• Travel to and check in at the assignment base of operations and with the supervisor.

Build the Team

• Establish and communicate chain of command, reporting procedures, risk management processes, radio frequency management, and aviation operational strategy.
• Establish a common operating picture with supervisor and subordinates.
• Establish team cohesiveness and accountability utilizing effective Crew Resource Management (CRM).
• Attend incident briefings, coordinate with other aviation units, and obtain Incident Action Plans (IAPs), relevant plans, and incident maps for the duration of the incident.
• Establish and communicate objectives, priorities, work assignments, and performance expectations. Identify, analyze, and use relevant situational information to make informed decisions and take appropriate actions.

Perform Unmanned Aircraft Systems Pilot-Specific Duties

• Adjust actions based on changing information and evolving situational awareness, develop and implement contingency plans, and communicate changing conditions to assigned resources and the supervisor.
• Ensure the UAS aircraft and payload are mission-appropriate and the UASP is qualified, current, and proficient for the system and mission.
• Coordinate travel to and from fireline (e.g., travel routes, check-in with the Division/Group Supervisor [DIVS], communication procedures, accountability).
• Survey the area of responsibility to assess the feasibility of assigned objectives, locate potential landing and recovery zones (LRZs), and identify flight hazards.
• Ensure UAS flight crew mission, pre-flight, and pre-takeoff responsibilities are completed as outlined by policy, system checklists, and any mission-specific directives and adhere to NWCG Standards for Fire Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations, PMS 515.
• Plan for data collection and processing according to the mission requirements and agency data management policies.
• Perform post-mission duties and plan for the needs of the next operational period.
• Identify and anticipate operational and logistical needs, and request additional resources and/or replacements as needed.
• Execute UAS operations based on incident objectives, leader’s intent, and fire behavior in observance of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), interagency, and agency policy and adhere to NWCG Standards for Fire Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations, PMS 515.
• Follow UAS emergency procedures as per agency policy and NWCG Standards for Fire Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations, PMS 515.

Communicate and Coordinate

• Ensure a clear understanding of expectations and timely communication within and across Incident Command System (ICS) functional areas and chain of command.
• Communicate effectively using multichannel radios, prepare and program radios for assignment, ensure effective radio communications when assigned resources are using multiple frequencies during incident operations, and use plain language and Incident Command System (ICS) terminology.
• Utilize common terminology and brevity with dispatch, ground resources, and other aircraft.
• Establish communication and exchange necessary briefings/information with appropriate personnel based on incident complexity.
• Ensure remote pilot, visual observer (VO), and mission-pertinent personnel are briefed on the mission.
• Establish positive contact with on-scene aircraft and/or aerial supervision prior to takeoff, ensure operational and airspace clearance for the UAS mission, and comply with all instructions to safely operate UAS in an incident airspace (fire traffic area and temporary flight restriction, if applicable).
• Conduct and/or participate in After Action Reviews (AARs).

Manage Risk

• Apply the Risk Management Process as stated in the NWCG Incident Response Pocket Guide (IRPG), PMS 461: identify hazards, assess hazards, develop controls and make risk decisions, implement controls, and supervise and evaluate.
• Ensure Lookouts, Communications, Escape Routes, and Safety Zones (LCES) are in place.
• Use Look Up, Down, and Around in the NWCG Incident Response Pocket Guide (IRPG), PMS 461 to help maintain situational awareness and adjust actions accordingly.
• Plan for medical emergencies, ensure assigned resources are prepared to execute the Medical Plan and Medical Incident Report (ICS 206 WF), and ensure familiarity with medical responders, communication procedures, and transportation plan.
• Account for the location, health, safety, and welfare of assigned personnel.
• Identify hazardous situations and respond appropriately.

Document

• Complete, authorize, and ensure timeliness of flight use reporting, statistics, Incident Command System (ICS) messages, activity logs, and safety tracking systems as required by policy.
• Provide UAS-specific information to appropriate Planning Section personnel.
• Submit accident/incident reports through established chain of command.

Demobilize

• Plan for demobilization, brief assigned resources on demobilization procedures and responsibilities, and ensure incident and agency demobilization procedures and work/rest driving standards are followed.
• Return equipment and supplies to the appropriate unit.
• Complete the demobilization check-out process before being released from the incident.
• Upon demobilization, report status to the home unit including reassignment or estimated time of arrival (ETA) at the home unit.
• Anticipate demobilization, identify excess resources, coordinate and prepare demobilization schedules, and communicate with the supervisor.
• During transfer of command, ensure continuity of operations, exchange critical safety information, and communicate transfer of authority through established chain of command.

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