Skip to main content

S-470, Air Operations Branch Director (ILT)

Course Title
Air Operations Branch Director (ILT)
Training Required For
AOBD 310-1 Training Path 01
Version Date

2013

Previous Certification Dates

2002-08

Course Number
S-470
Course Description

This course is designed to meet the needs of the Air Operations Branch Director (AOBD) position. Topics include preparedness and mobilization, initial briefings and meetings, transition, preparing and organizing for an aviation operation, implementation of an aviation operation, management and oversight of an aviation operation, and demobilization.

Course Objective

Perform the tasks required of an Air Operations Branch Director to mobilize and transition into an incident aviation environment, and be able to prepare for, manage, and oversee an aviation operation.

Prerequisite Qualifications Notes

ASGS Air Support Group Supervisor

Lead Instructor Minimum Qualifications
Lead and unit instructors must be qualified Air Operations Branch Directors (AOBD).
Format
Instructor Led
Special Delivery Considerations

Space and Classroom Requirements
The characteristics of the classroom and supportive facilities have a significant impact on the learning environment. The classroom should be chosen and viewed well in advance of the presentation.

Course Updates
An error has been found in the S-470 Course Instructions. A sample “Nomination Letter” was included on pages 9 and 10 of the Instructor Guide and is not appropriate for this course; the pre-course work is not graded. The “Selection Letter” on page 11 references the incorrect position task book. Use this “Selection Letter” in its place.

Applies to 2013 Version

Business Steward
AMC Aviation Management Committee
Unit Instructor Minimum Qualifications
Lead and unit instructors must be qualified Air Operations Branch Directors (AOBD).
Alternate Delivery Mode
Not Applicable
Class Size Recommendations

This course is designed for a class size of 25 to 30 students, with a student-to-teacher ratio of 5:1. Cadre instructors should be present for all instructional sessions. A minimum of 3 instructors should present this course - more if there is a field exercise.

Class Size Recommendations

This course is designed for a class size of 25 to 30 students, with a student-to-teacher ratio of 5:1. Cadre instructors should be present for all instructional sessions. A minimum of 3 instructors should present this course - more if there is a field exercise.

NWCG Latest Announcements

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

2025 Wildland Fire EMS Awards

Date:  June 12, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Emergency Medical Committee

The NWCG Emergency Medical Committee (EMC) announces the recipients of the 2025 Wildland Fire Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Awards. EMC annually recognizes individuals and groups who have demonstrated outstanding actions or accomplishments that are above and beyond the expectation of one’s normal mission or job duties.

Congratulations to all the awardees and nominees. Through leadership and initiative, they have made significant contributions to the safety of the wildland fire community. These awards are well deserved.

References:

2025 Wildland Fire EMS Awards

Emergency Medical Committee

Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Book Now Available for RAMP

Date:  June 12, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Airtanker Base Operations Unit

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Book are now available for Ramp Manager (RAMP).

The Performance Support Package for this position was developed as part of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization effort. These resources support trainees, qualified personnel, and evaluators in their respective roles.

Any changes to qualification pathways will take effect with the next update of the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1, scheduled for release in January 2027.

References:

NWCG Ramp Manager Position Page

National Interagency Aviation Committee