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PMS 200

PMS 200

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing PMS 200

Aircraft

Crews

Equipment

Aircraft, PMS 200

Body

Airtankers

Airtanker Typing Standard

TYPE CAPACITY GALLONS EXAMPLES
VLAT >6000 DC-10
1 3,000 – 5,999 BAe-146, RJ85, MD-87, C-130, B-737
2 1,800 – 2,999 Q-400, CV-580, P-3
3 800 to 1,799 S-2T, AT-802F
4 Up to 799 Thrush, M18T

Note: Tanker capacity standards may vary by agency.

Airtanker Resources

Helicopters

Helicopter Typing Standard

Components Type 1 Type 2 Type 3
Allowable payload at 59° F at sea level 5,000 2,500 1,200
Passenger seats 15 or more 9 - 14 4 - 8
Retardant or water-carrying capability (gal) 700 300 100
Maximum gross takeoff and landing weight (lb) 12,501+ 6,000 - 12,500 Up to 6,000
Examples CH-54 / CH-47 Bell 204, 205 A1++, 212 HP Bell 407, A-Star B3
Helitanker
  • Fixed tank
  • 1,100 minimum gallon capacity

Helicopter Resources

Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)

UAS Typing Standard

Type Configuration Endurance Data Collection Altitude (agl) Max Range (miles) Typical Sensors*
1 Fixed-Wing
Rotocraft		 6-14 hrs.
N/A		 3,500-8,000
N/A		 50
N/A		 EO/Mid Wave IR
High Quality IR
2 Fixed-Wing
​Rotocraft		 1-6 hrs.
N/A		 3,500-6,000
​N/A		 25
N/A		 EO/Long Wave IR
​Moderate Quality IR
3 Fixed-Wing
​Rotocraft		 20-60 min.
20-60 min.		 2,500 and Below
2,00 and Below		 5
5		 EO/IR Video and Stills
​Moderate Quality IR
4 Fixed-Wing
​Rotocraft		 Up to 30 min.
Up to 20 min.		 1,200 and Below
1,200 and Below		 <2
<2		 EO/IR Video and Stills
​Moderate Quality IR

*Sensor payloads are variable but typically include daylight (electro-optical), infrared (IR), thermal, or mapping cameras. Type 1 and 2 UAS carry multiple camera types in a gimbaled configuration.

Note: Certain aircraft are specialized and will not fit this classification.

Additional current information can be accessed on the Interagency Fire UAS Operations website.

UAS Resources

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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