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S-378, Aerial Supervision (ILT)

Course Title
Aerial Supervision (ILT)
Training Required For
ATGS 310-1 Training Path 01, HLCO 310-1 Training Path 01
Version Date

2009

Previous Certification Dates

2003-11
1999-02

Course Number
S-378
Course Description

This course is designed to meet the training needs of an Air Tactical Group Supervisor (ATGS), Helicopter Coordinator (HLCO), lead plane pilot, and Aerial Supervision Module (ASM) crewmember as outlined in the Interagency Aerial Supervision Guide (IASG), PMS 505. Topics include aerial supervision program introduction, aerial supervision roles and responsibilities, administration, training, certification, currency, policies, incident aircraft, suppressants and retardants, aerial supervision mission procedures, aerial firefighting strategy and tactics, incident aircraft operations, all-hazard incidents, and safety.

Course Objective

Describe efficient procedures for utilization of aircraft to meet incident objectives.

Lead Instructor Minimum Qualifications
Lead instructor must be a qualified Air Tactical Group Supervisor (ATGS).
Format
Instructor Led
Special Delivery Considerations

These materials are needed above and beyond the usual items (pens, paper, flip charts, markers, etc.).
Handheld VHF AM Radios (10 ea).
FM to Helmet Adapter (King Helmet adapter) (20 ea).
Helmet to Aviation Headset (GA to U92 adapter) (20 ea).
Power Supplies for Air Attack Radio kit (3 ea).
Dummy loads for Air Attack Kits (6 ea).
Plotters (20 ea).
Regional/Local Mobilization Guide (1ea).
Salt Lake City sectional (1 per student) at https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/flight_info/aeronav/productcatalog/VFRC…

Course Updates
2009 Version
As of March 2020, the Interagency Single Engine Airtanker Operations Guide, PMS 506 was discontinued and combined with the NWCG Standards for Airtanker Base Operations, PMS 508.

All radio equipment and radio frequency use for the course (classroom simulations, field exercises, course logistics, etc.) requires specific authorization and must be coordinated and assigned through the local agency frequency coordinator or the Communications Duty Officer at the NIFC National Interagency Incident Communications Division, as appropriate. Radio equipment and frequencies for training should be requested well in advance of course start date (at least two months) and shall be released/returned to the issuing entity upon course conclusion.

Optional materials have been developed to enhance the students understanding of the Wildland Fire Decision Support System (WFDSS) relative to the Air Tactical Group Supervisor position. Instructors who choose to use the optional materials to enhance the course should be familiar with the lesson and its contents and determine how it will be used in the course. The materials are available here: http://wfdss.usgs.gov/wfdss/WFDSS_NWCG_WFDSS.shtml.

B3 Combined Helicopter/Airplane Safety was replaced with A-100 Basic Aviation Safety in December 2013. Cadre will need to update the reference, from B3 to A-100, in the Instructor Guide on page 5 and on the Sample Nomination Letter on page 9.

Business Steward
AMC Aviation Management Committee
Unit Instructor Minimum Qualifications
Unit instructor cadre should include a lead plane pilot, airtanker pilot, Helicopter Coordinator (HLCO), state/regional aviation safety manager and/or Air Operations Branch Director (AOBD), Operations Section Chief (OSC), and an Incident Commander Type 3 (ICT3).
Alternate Delivery Mode
Not Applicable
Class Size Recommendations

The ideal class size is 12 students. It is highly recommended that the maximum class size be limited to 16 students.

Class Size Recommendations

The ideal class size is 12 students. It is highly recommended that the maximum class size be limited to 16 students.

NWCG Latest Announcements

NEW! NWCG Standard Operating Procedures, PMS 900

Date:  July 9, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: NWCG Staff

NWCG is excited to announce the publication of the NWCG Standard Operating Procedures, PMS 900.

The new publication establishes general, consistent, and uniform standards for conducting business with the National Wildfire Coordinating Group.

References:

NWCG Standard Operating Procedures, PMS 900

Quarter Four Materials for the 2025-2026 Wildland Fire Leadership Campaign Now Available

Date:  July 8, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Leadership Development Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that Fourth Quarter 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 Four materials focus on Leadership Level 4: Leader of Leaders (Provide Direction). Leadership Level 4 is where you are setting the conditions for others to do things well, even when you are not present. This quarter focuses on equipping experienced leaders with skills to provide direction, build trust across teams, and foster strong decision making. 

References:

2025/2026 NWCG Leadership Campaign - Leadership Levels

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program

Leadership Development Subcommittee

2026 Week of Remembrance

Date:  June 30, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: 6 Minutes for Safety Subcommittee

As we approach the 2026 Week of Remembrance (WOR), June 30–July 6, we dedicate this time to reflect on past incidents from 2016 and honor the fallen through learning. Since its inception in 2014, WOR has honored wildland firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice while encouraging critical discussions that reinforce lessons learned.

Throughout the week, we encourage thoughtful and generative conversations that promote a culture of continuous learning and safety.

References:

2026 Week of Remembrance: Letter to Leadership

Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center

RMC Memorandum 26-02: SAFENET Modernization and SafeNetX Launch

Date:  June 25, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Risk Management Committee

The Risk Management Committee (RMC) is pleased to announce the launch of SafeNetX, the modernized safety reporting system now available to the wildland fire community. Effective June 15, 2026, SafeNetX enables reporting of unsafe, unhealthy, near-miss, and high-risk operations across wildland fire, all-hazard incidents, training, and related work environments.

SafeNetX is the result of a multi-agency modernization effort led by RMC, which began evaluating improvements to the legacy SAFENET system in 2021. To learn more, read the full RMC memorandum in the links provided.

References:

SafeNetX

RMC Safety Memorandum 26-02: SAFENET Modernization and SafeNet X Launch