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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.

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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

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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. 

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2025/2026 NWCG Leadership Campaign - Leadership Levels

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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.

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2026 Week of Remembrance: Letter to Leadership

Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center

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Date:  June 25, 2026
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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