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S-372, Helicopter Management (ILT)

Course Title
Helicopter Management (ILT)
Training Required For
HMGB 310-1 Training Path 01
Version Date

2009

Previous Certification Dates

2000-03

Course Number
S-372
Other Training Which Supports
HLCO Helicopter Coordinator
Course Description

This course prepares students to perform the job of Helicopter Manager (HMGB). Unit lectures supported by PowerPoint slides and graphics are designed to facilitate class discussion and group exercises. The final exercise gives students a realistic Helicopter Manager experience; in addition to answering test questions, the student completes necessary forms required by the position.

Course Objective

Perform the tasks required of a Helicopter Manager (HMGB) trainee. Through simulation and exercises, students obtain the skill to competently and safely manage a helicopter to support incident and project helicopter operations.

Prerequisite Qualifications Notes

HECM Helicopter Crewmember

Lead Instructor Minimum Qualifications
The lead instructor must be a qualified Helibase Manager (HEBM).
Format
Instructor Led
Special Delivery Considerations

These materials are needed above and beyond the usual items (pens, paper, flip charts, markers, etc.).
References, some are agency specific or aircraft specific. Instructor will use what is needed.
National, regional, and local area supplements, manuals, and policies
Overdue, mission, or crashed aircraft procedures/guide for the geographical area
Helicopter manager kit
Project Aviation Safety Plan
Regional Type 3 Helicopter Contract
Helicopter ARA with pertinent supplements.
Performance charts.
Conversion charts.
Weight and balance data sheet.
Aircraft flight manuals.
Blank reference HIGE/HOGE charts for the B3 A-Star.
AS350 B2 A-Star performance charts.
For the Aviation Business System (ABS) hands-on exercise, each pair of students will need one computer with the ABS Disconnect Application loaded.

Course Updates
2009 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
Unit instructors must be qualified as Helicopter Managers (HMGB).
Alternate Delivery Mode
Not Applicable
Class Size Recommendations

Recommended class size should be limited to 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 should be limited to 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