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S-371, Helibase Manager (ILT)

Course Title
Helibase Manager (ILT)
Training Required For
HEBM 310-1 Training Path 01
Version Date

2007

Previous Certification Dates

1997-05

Course Number
S-371
Other Training Which Supports
Helicopter Coordinator (HLCO)
Course Description

This course provides students with the skills necessary to perform as a Helibase Manager (HEBM) through facilitated discussions and group exercises. The final exercise is designed to give students a realistic Helibase Manager experience which prompts the student to communicate, resolve issues, and make decisions in support of an incident.

Course Objective

Perform the tasks required of a Helibase Manager to develop, organize, and manage a helibase in given simulations and exercises to support incident activities.

Prerequisite Qualifications Notes

HMGB Helicopter Manager, Single Resource

Lead Instructor Minimum Qualifications
Lead and unit instructors must be a qualified Helibase Manager (HEBM).
Format
Instructor Led
Special Delivery Considerations

Additional Materials and Equipment Needed These materials are needed above and beyond the usual items (pens, paper, flip charts, markers, etc.).
Helibase Display Boards Part 1 (1 set per group), NFES 2866
Helibase Display Boards Part 2 (1 set per group), NFES 2867

Course Updates
2007 Version
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
Lead and unit instructors must be a qualified Helibase Manager (HEBM).
Alternate Delivery Mode
Not Applicable
Class Size Recommendations

Recommended class size is 24 students. Instructors should maintain a 4:1 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 24 students. Instructors should maintain a 4:1 ratio of students to instructors/coaches to facilitate exercises and discussion and to enable strong mentorship to the students.

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