Skip to main content

S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (ILT)

Course Title
Helicopter Crewmember (ILT)
Version Date

2010

Previous Certification Dates

2004-11
1993-11

Course Number
S-271
Course Description

This is a combined classroom/field course designed to provide student proficiency in all areas of the tactical and logistical use of helicopters to achieve efficiency and standardization. Topics include aviation safety, aircraft capabilities and limitations, aviation life support equipment, aviation mishap reporting, pre-flight checklist and briefing/debriefing, aviation transportation of hazardous materials, crash survival, helicopter operations, helicopter field exercise. 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 be able to demonstrate proficiency in all identified areas of helicopter use to safely achieve efficiency and standardization.

Prerequisite Qualifications Notes

FFT2 Firefighter Type 2

Lead Instructor Minimum Qualifications
The lead instructor must be a qualified Helicopter Manager, Single Resource (HMGB).
Format
Instructor Led
Special Delivery Considerations

These materials are needed above and beyond the usual items (pens, paper, flip charts, markers, etc.).
Sample agenda
Quizzes, handouts
NWCG Passenger/ Crew Cargo and Manifest, PMS 245
NWCG Standards for Helicopter Operations, PMS 510
NWCG Standards for Aviation Transport of Hazardous Materials, PMS 513
Interagency Load Calculations
Aviation Life Support Equipment (ALSE) Handbook
FSH 5709.16 Chapter 30 section 33- Flight Plans and Flight Following (2017)
DOI Departmental Manual 351DM1- Flight Operations Standards and Procedures

2010 Version
Completion of S-271 does not meet the recommended equivalencies for and will not provide credit for the IAT course A-110 Aviation Transport of Hazardous Materials. To receive credit students must take A-110 through the IAT program.

The course materials and sample agenda incorrectly note the time allotted for the course presentation at 40 hours. The actual hours for course presentation are 24 – 26 hours allowing adequate breaks for the students. Use the updated course agenda which reflects the actual course presentation time.

Information found in Unit 7B of the Instructor Guide (p 7B.7, 7B.9) and PowerPoint slides (7B-21, 7B-28) 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.

The Basic Aviation Safety Guide listed in Appendix A Course Ordering Information and Support Information is not available for order. The most recent version of the publication, which is now called the Basic Aviation Safety Booklet can be downloaded directly from the IAT website.

Business Steward
Interagency Helicopter Operations Subcommittee IHOPS
Unit Instructor Minimum Qualifications
Unit instructors must be qualified as Helicopter Crewmember (HECM).
Alternate Delivery Mode
Not Applicable
Class Size Recommendations

Recommended class size is maximum 30 students. Instructors should maintain a 5:1 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 5:1 ratio of students to instructors/coaches to facilitate exercises and discussion and to enable strong mentorship to the students.

NWCG Latest Announcements

2026 Week of Remembrance

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.

References:

2026 Week of Remembrance: Letter to Leadership

Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center

RMC Memorandum 26-02: SAFENET Modernization and SafeNetX Launch

Date:  June 25, 2026
Questions? 
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

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