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S-373, Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Incident Operations (ILT)

Course Title
Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Incident Operations (ILT)
Training Required For
UASP 310-1 Training Path 01
Version Date

2018

Course Number
S-373
Course Description

This course is designed to meet the training needs of the Unmanned Aircraft System Pilot (UASP), Unmanned Aircraft System, Manager (UASM), Unmanned Aircraft System, Module Leader (UASL), and Unmanned Aircraft System, Data Specialist (UASD) to manage the information needs of incidents managed with the Incident Command System (ICS). The course combines lectures, facilitated discussions, individual/group exercises, and simulations. These UAS positions are used to collect, process, and distribute tactical and strategic information to meet the needs of incident operations and planning personnel.

During the course, students will:
Describe the dispatch and mobilization process and the procedures for incident check-in, time documentation, and demobilization.
Demonstrate ability to obtain a Special Government Interest Waiver (SGI) and file a NOTAM.
Demonstrate the ability to select/depict a restricted operations zone (ROZ) or suitable launch and recovery area for fireline operations.
Determine UAS mission altitudes and maintain separation from participating aircraft.
Demonstrate the ability to obtain a clearance from aerial supervision and coordinate with on-scene aircraft on designated radio frequencies.
Demonstrate proficiency in manual and planned flights in the incident environment.
Develop data management structures in accordance with agency standards.
Discuss the policies of Civil Rights, publicly identifiable information (PII), and data archiving based on agency standards.
Manage contract UAS operations in accordance with agency policy.
Demonstrate supervisory techniques for a module comprised of Unmanned Aircraft System Pilot (UASP) and Unmanned Aircraft System, Data Specialists (UASD).

Demonstrate the ability to:
Download UAS telemetry files with specialized software.
Download GPX and KML files with tablets / PC.
Produce estimated acreage and perimeter in real time.
Build ground control station (GCS) maps (Data Specialist).
Perform a viewshed analysis (Data Specialist).
Describe the incident planning cycle and the associated timeframes and product deadlines critical to UAS incident support.
Collect, package, and deliver requested data products.
Prepare required contractor documentation including invoices and transportation worksheets.
Discuss examples of the more complex data analysis and manipulation commonly requested of a UAS position.

Course Objective

Manage vendor provided UAS services.

Prerequisite Qualifications Notes

UASL Unmanned Aircraft System, Module Leader

Lead Instructor Minimum Qualifications
None
Format
Instructor Led
Special Delivery Considerations

Hardware and Software Requirements
All students: Tablet and PC, GPS data logger such as BadElf GPS Pro+, additional applications: Bad Elf for iOS, Gaia, Avenza
Unmanned Aircraft System Pilot (UASP): Agency certified UAS, Electro-optical and infrared sensors, additional applications: Solex GCS
Unmanned Aircraft System, Data Specialist (UASD): ArcMap with FMV and Spatial Analyst

Location
Course locations are chosen for areas with favorable weather conditions for UAS flights and a flight area in close proximity to the classroom.

Course Level
National course presented at the geographic level

Business Steward
AMC Aviation Management Committee
Unit Instructor Minimum Qualifications
None
Alternate Delivery Mode
Not Applicable

Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP)

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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.

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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:

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References:

Paul Gleason Lead By Example Award

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

Date:  July 30, 2026
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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:

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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

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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:

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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:

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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