Skip to main content

D-312, Aircraft Dispatcher (ILT)

Course Title
Aircraft Dispatcher (ILT)
Training Required For
ACDP 310-1 Training Path 01, CORD 310-1 Training Path 02, CORD 310-1 Training Path 01
Version Date

2009

Course Number
D-312
Course Description

This course is designed to provide a consistent knowledge and skill base for the Aircraft Dispatcher (ACDP). The concepts taught in this course will help an ACDP perform at an acceptable level on a national basis without regard to geographic boundaries. This course is a mix of lecture/discussion, group exercises, and simulation. Students will have the opportunity to practice new skills in the exercise and simulation portions of the class.

Course Objective

Dispatch aviation resources using standard procedures.

Prerequisite Qualifications Notes

EDRC Expanded Dispatch Recorder

Lead Instructor Minimum Qualifications
The lead instructor must be either an assistant center manager with initial attack experience or an Expanded Dispatch Supervisory Dispatcher (EDSP) with aircraft experience.
Format
Instructor Led
Special Delivery Considerations

Additional information has been added to scenario #4 in the D-312 pre-course work. This will not have an effect on the answer key found on the course materials CD.

A-111 Flight Payment Documents has been removed as a requirement for completing the D-312 pre-course work. It is highly recommended that students complete agency specific training regarding flight payment documents. (DOI – Aviation Management System (AMS), USFS – Aviation Business System (ABS)).

Question #5 in the D-312 pre-course work has been updated as follow:

1. Submit your A109-Aviation Radio Use course certificate with your pre-course work. This course is required as part of the pre-course work for D-312, Aircraft Dispatcher.
The information contained in the D-312 Instructors Guide (NFES 1587) and on the D-312 Course Materials CD (NFES 1588) have not been updated with the above information. When hosting/instructing this course use the information found on NWCG.gov on the D-312 pre-course work page.

Versions Affected: Applies to 2009 Version

Business Steward
IMC Integration Management Committee
Unit Instructor Minimum Qualifications
Unit instructors must be qualified as Aircraft Dispatcher (ACDP).
Alternate Delivery Mode
Not Applicable
Class Size Recommendations

To facilitate group exercises and simulations, it is recommended the cadre maintain a minimum ratio of 5:1 students to cadre. Suggest the number of students be in multiples of five with an even number of groups for effective execution of the simulations. Maximum class size is determined by availability of classroom/simulation space and number of cadre.

Class Size Recommendations

To facilitate group exercises and simulations, it is recommended the cadre maintain a minimum ratio of 5:1 students to cadre. Suggest the number of students be in multiples of five with an even number of groups for effective execution of the simulations. Maximum class size is determined by availability of classroom/simulation space and number of cadre.

NWCG Latest Announcements

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

Make an Impact: Serve the Wildland Fire Community as an IPTM SME!

Date:  June 11, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: NWCG SME Specialist

Note: Positions with an * will last approximately 6 months.
Positions with ** will last 12 - 18 months.

NWCG is seeking experienced wildland firefighters and support personnel to serve as Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) for the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) initiative. IPTM aims to transition NWCG’s training and qualification system to a performance-based model by updating position descriptions, Incident Position Standards, Next Generation Position Task Books (Next Gen PTBs), and training where needed.

NWCG is currently recruiting SMEs for the Fall 2026 positions listed below:

  • Equipment Manager (EQPM)*
  • Fixed Wing Parking Tender (FWPT)**
  • Mixmaster (MXMS)*
  • Public Information Officer Complex (PIOC)*
  • Retardant Crewmember (RTCM)*
  • Strike Team Leader Crew (STCR)*
  • Strike Team Leader Engine (STEN)*
  • Strike Team Leader Heavy Equipment (STEQ)*
  • Task Force Leader (TFLD)**
  • Wildland Fire Investigator (INVF)** 

Projects begin October 2026. Sign up by July 10, 2026, at the link below and review the attached document for additional details. 

References:

NWCG SME Interest Sign-up

IPTM Subject Matter Expert Duties and Expectations Document

Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM)

RMC Safety Bulletin 26-001: Rhabdomyolysis in Wildland Firefighters

Date:  May 28, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Risk Management Committee

The Risk Management Committee (RMC) has issued Safety Bulletin 26-001: Rhabdomyolysis in Wildland Firefighters. Research from 2016 to 2025 shows that 88 cases of rhabdomyolysis (rhabdo) were reported. Analysis of reports from eSafety, the Safety Management Information System (SMIS), and the Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center (LLC) indicates that rhabdo is common during this time of year due to Work Capacity Tests and contributing factors such as weather, hydration, nutrition, and medication or supplement use.

RMC issued this safety bulletin to raise awareness in the Wildland Fire Community, and to provide research findings and educational resources that support reducing future cases of rhabdo.

References:

NWCG Alerts

RMC Safety Bulletin 26-001: Rhabdomyolysis in Wildland Firefighters