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Aviation Communication

Aviation operations are complex and communicating with air resources is vital for wildland firefighters’ safety. Below are considerations to discuss as a group and share what has worked well for communicating with different aviation resources.

Radio Frequency Management:

  • Aircraft prioritize radio communication to maintain safe flights, provide appropriate airspace with other aircraft, and conduct incident operations. Aircraft will talk to other aircraft/air traffic controllers first, followed by ground resources, and then dispatch.
  • Establish a primary air-to-ground frequency on the fire and ensure fire personnel are monitoring the channel.
  • If the frequency gets congested, request another frequency, (e.g. “air-to-ground secondary”).
  • Ensure that fire personnel have a clear delineation of what operations will occur on which air-to-ground frequency.
  • Air Guard can be used to communicate emergency traffic. All aircraft are monitoring this frequency. Ground personnel should also monitor Air Guard for aircraft emergencies.

Aviation Communication Best Practices:

  • The ABCs of communicating with aviation resources are to be “Accurate, Brief, and Clear.”
  • Communication to aircraft should occur when they are a few miles out. Provide them with what you want them to accomplish, your location, and any aerial hazards such as powerlines, wind, other aircraft, etc.
  • It is also best to communicate with the aircraft when they are off the dip site, following a water or retardant drop, or when they are performing a recon. Do not communicate during critical phases of flight (e.g. using the dip site, executing a drop, or when they are taking off or landing).
  • When communicating directions, always give them from the pilot’s perspective.
    • Use easily understandable directions, such as: north, east, 2 o’clock low, 9 o’clock mid-slope, etc.
    • Use standard fire characteristics and common vernacular to describe the target to the pilot such as: “we would like the bucket drop on the large snag at the heel of the fire.”
    • Before a water or retardant drop occurs, ensure all ground personnel are cleared from the line and communicate that to the pilot.
  • If using latitude and longitude coordinates, use WGS 84 datum and provide the coordinates in degrees, decimal minutes (DDM).

Discussion Questions:

  • Who is responsible for communicating with ground resources to notify them of the incoming aircraft and intended mission?
  • Discuss any past experiences where there was miscommunication with aviation. What did it impact? How could that miscommunication have been improved? 

References:

Category
Aviation

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NEW! S-390, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior Calculations (Blended) Available Now

Date: December 22, 2025
Questions about RT-130? 
Please contact: Fire Behavior Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that the new S-390, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior Calculations (Blended) training is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal.

This third course in the series combines online and instructor-led training components aimed at individuals who are involved in planning, managing, and executing wildland fire and prescribed burn operations; who require a thorough understanding of fire behavior calculations to enhance effectiveness and safety. This includes students who require the knowledge and skill necessary to perform the duties of a Type 3 Incident Commander (ICT3), Division/Group Supervisor (DIVS), or Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 2 (RXB2).

Students are required to be qualified as any Single Resource Boss position and complete the prerequisite S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire behavior (Blended) course, before enrolling in S-390.

References:

S-390, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior Calculations (Blended)

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Date: December 18, 2025
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Please contact: Incident and Position Standards Committee

NWCG is excited to announce that S-320, Introduction to Incident Management Teams (Blended) is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal!

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References:

S-320, Introduction to Incident Management Teams (Blended)

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New! Ransom Road WFSTAR Module

Date: December 16, 2025
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Please contact: NWCG Audiovisual Specialist

NWCG is excited to announce the release of the new Ransom Road Fire Module to RT-130, Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher (WFSTAR).

This module features a firsthand account from Rob Lee, official reports, and animated maps of the Ransom Road Fire which occurred on June 8, 1981, in Florida's Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.

The module is available now in NWCG's RT-130, WFSTAR Catalog.

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Call for Nominations: Paul Gleason Lead by Example Award

Date: December 11, 2025
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Do you know someone working in wildland fire who strives to make positive change and is undeterred by obstacles or setbacks? Now is your chance to give that person the acknowledgment they deserve by nominating them for a Paul Gleason Lead by Example Award.

This award, is presented by the NWCG Leadership Committee to remember Paul Gleason's contributions to the wildland fire community and to recognize individuals or groups that exhibit the same spirit and dedication to leadership – those who lead by example.

Nominations can be submitted via email with an attached Lead by Example Form to BLM_FA_Leadership_Feedback@blm.gov or through the online form. 

Tips for successful nominations and more information can be found on the Lead by Example webpage. All nominations must be submitted by December 31, 2025.

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Paul Gleason Lead By Example Award 

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