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S-270, Basic Air Operations (ILT)

Course Title
Basic Air Operations (ILT)
Training Required For
SEMG 310-1 Training Path 01, RAMP 310-1 Training Path 01, MXMS 310-1 Training Path 01
Version Date

2011

Previous Certification Dates

2003-03
1991-08
1978-01

Course Number
S-270
Other Training Which Supports
Aircraft Dispatcher (ACDP), Crew Boss, Single Resource (CRWB), Unmanned Aircraft System, Module Leader (UASL), Felling Boss, Single Resource (FELB), Unmanned Aircraft System, Manager (UASM), Engine Boss, Single Resource (ENGB), Helicopter Manager, Single Resource (HMGB), Firing Boss, Single Resource (FIRB), Heavy Equipment Boss, Single Resource (HEQB)
Course Description

This course covers aircraft types and capabilities, aviation management and safety for flying in and working with agency aircraft, tactical and logistical uses of aircraft, and requirements for helicopter take-off and landing areas. Note: The regulations, procedures, and policies addressed in this course are primarily those governing federal agency and ICS operations. State, county, or other political subdivisions using this course will need to consult their agency having jurisdiction with respect to regulations, procedures and policies. Refer to the Interagency Aviation Training (IAT) Guide for IAT A-course equivalencies: https://www.iat.gov/.

Course Objective

Upon completion of this course, the student will have obtained the basic understanding of the different functions of Air Operations.

Lead Instructor Minimum Qualifications
The lead and unit instructors must be knowledgeable in the use of aviation resources in wildland fire suppression, agency aviation policy, and Federal Aviation Regulations.
Format
Instructor Led
Special Delivery Considerations

2011 Version
The optional video Helicopter Capabilities and Limitations (NFES 2392) referenced in Appendix A and suggested for use in unit 4 is no longer available in the Publications Management System (PMS). Since the material was optional it should have no effect on the unit time or objectives.

Information found in Unit 2 of the Instructor Guide (p 2.17, 2.19) and PowerPoint slides (2-50, 2-57) should be updated prior to instructing. The Interagency Safety Alert 13-1, Helicopter Operations – Brace for Impact, should be used as a supplement to provide the updates.

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

Business Steward
AMC Aviation Management Committee
Unit Instructor Minimum Qualifications
The lead and unit instructors must be knowledgeable in the use of aviation resources in wildland fire suppression, agency aviation policy, and Federal Aviation Regulations.
Alternate Delivery Mode
Not Applicable
Class Size Recommendations

Recommended class size is maximum 30 students. Instructors should maintain a 7:1 ratio of students to instructors/coaches to facilitate exercises and discussion and to enable strong mentorship to the students.

Class Size Recommendations

Recommended class size is maximum 30 students. Instructors should maintain a 7:1 ratio of students to instructors/coaches to facilitate exercises and discussion and to enable strong mentorship to the students.

Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP)

NWCG Latest Announcements

NWCG Committees Observe Suicide Prevention Awareness Week: September 7-13, 2026

Date:  September 8, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Health and Wellness Subcommittee

The NWCG Health and Wellness Subcommittee (HWSC) and Safety/Risk Management Committee (SRC) recognize the unique challenges and demands faced by the wildland fire community. The HWSC and SRC know that we are all stronger together and believe in fostering a culture of support, understanding, and resilience.

Suicide Prevention Awareness encourages us to actively connect with and support each other. For more information that could make a difference for yourself or someone else please review the materials and resources provided for the 2026 Suicide Prevention Awareness Week.

References:

2026 Letter from Leadership

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Health and Wellness Subcommittee

Safety and Risk Management Committee

2025 Paul Gleason Award Winners Announced

Date:  August 13, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Leadership Development Subcommittee

The NWCG Qualifications Management Committee (QMC) and Leadership Development Subcommittee (LDSC) are proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 Paul Gleason "Lead By Example" awards. Award categories include Initiative and Innovation, Mentoring and Teamwork, and Motivation and Vision.

Congratulations to the awardees:

  • Hunter Bell, U.S. Forest Service — Initiative and Innovation
  • Shannon Deane, U.S. Wildland Fire Service— Initiative and Innovation
  • Chris Delaney, U.S. Wildland Fire Service — Motivation and Vision
  • Sean Peterson, U.S. Forest Service — Mentoring and Teamwork

References:

Paul Gleason Lead By Example Award

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program (WFLDP)

Leadership Development Subcommittee

LMC Equipment Bulletin 26-001: Aquatic Invasive Species – Seasonal Reminder for Mussels

Date:  July 30, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Equipment and Technology Subcommittee

The Logistics and Equipment Management Committee (LMC) issued Equipment Bulletin 26-001: Aquatic Invasive Species - Seasonal Reminder for Mussels, reminding the wildland fire community that aquatic mussels continue to be a problem. Mussels rapidly colonize hard and soft surfaces, including aquatic plants and fire equipment, clogging pipes, fouling motors, disrupting water systems, and impacting native species.

To help prevent their spread, fire personnel must follow the decontamination procedures outlined in the NWCG Guide to Preventing Aquatic Invasive Species Transport by Wildland Fire Operations, PMS 444. Additionally, report any sightings immediately to your Lead Resource Advisor and include clear, close-up photos (with a pen or your hand for size reference) and location details.”

Read the complete LMC Equipment Bulletin 26-001, to learn more. 

References:

NWCG Alerts

LMC Equipment Bulletin 26-001: Aquatic Invasive Species - Seasonal Reminder for Mussels

NWCG Guide to Preventing Aquatic Invasive Species Transport by Wildland Fire Operations, PMS 444

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