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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

NWCG Latest Announcements

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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

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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