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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.

NWCG Latest Announcements

Intermediate Faller (FAL2) Position Task Book Update

Date:  July 24, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Tree Felling Subcommittee

NWCG Operations Management Committee (OMC) has issued an update to the NWCG Position Task Book for Intermediate Faller (FAL2), PMS 311-91. To ensure clarity for both trainees and evaluators, the updated FAL2 Position Task Book (PTB) explicitly states who is authorized to sign off on your tasks:

“Evaluators must be qualified as a FAL2, or an Advanced Faller (FAL1).”

If you are currently working out of a previously published version of the FAL2 PTB, you do not need to restart. However, OMC highly encourages you to take the following step to prevent any confusion in the field:

  • Print and replace the updated evaluator information page (page 2) in your current physical PTB.

References:

Intermediate Faller (FAL2) Position Page

RMC Memo 26-01: Transition Plan for Implementing Updates to Intermediate Faller (FAL2) Position Qualifications

NWCG Position Task Book for Intermediate Faller (FAL2), PMS 311-91

Equipment Advisory 26-001: Potential Front Driveline Joint Failure on 2018 and Earlier Ram Pickups

Date:  July 10, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Equipment and Technology Subcommittee

The Logistics/Equipment Management Committee (LMC) has released Equipment Advisory 26-001: Potential Front Driveline Joint Failure on 2018 and Earlier Ram Pickups. This advisory highlights multiple U.S. Forest Service regions reporting front driveline joint failure incidents.

This advisory recommends firefighters and fire managers to: 

  • Follow all Ram-issued inspection, maintenance, and service guidance for front driveline joints. 
  • Consider installing a driveline loop. 
  • Coordinate with fleet managers and service providers to determine the most appropriate driveline loop kit for each pickup.

For further details, please refer to the complete advisory.

References:

Equipment Advisory 26-001: Potential Front Driveline Joint Failure on 2018 and Earlier Ram Pickups

Technical Service Bulletin: 03-002-21

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