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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

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