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Aircraft Dispatcher

ACDP decorative banner: photos depicting ACDP position.

The Aircraft Dispatcher (ACDP) is responsible for mobilizing aviation resources to wildfires and other incidents. The ACDP reports to the Dispatch Center Manager, floor supervisor, or desk lead, and works in the Dispatch functional area.

USWDS Paragraphs

Expanded Dispatch Coordinator (CORD) Aircraft Dispatcher (ACDP) Expanded Dispatch Supervisory Dispatcher (EDSP) Expanded Dispatch Support Dispatcher (EDSD) Expanded Dispatch Recorder (EDRC) Initial Attack Dispatcher (IADP)

 

The Forest Service and Department of Interior are enabled by Administratively Determined Pay Plans (AD Pay Plans) to hire persons for temporary duration for the following reasons:

  1. To cope with a sudden and unexpected emergency caused by a fire, or extreme fire potential, flood, storm, or any other all-hazard emergency that threatens damage to federally protected property, has the potential to cause loss of life, serious injury, public health risk, or damage to natural or cultural resources unless brought under immediate control.
  2. To provide emergency assistance to states under formalized agreements.
  3. To meet mission assignments issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

The National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) Incident Business Committee (IBC) reviews positions annually and establishes pay rate classifications for each position.

For more information on the AD Pay Plans, visit Incident Business Committee.

Date: Jan 2026

Added:

Required Training

  • D-312, Aircraft Dispatcher

Removed:

Other Training Which Supports Development of Knowledge and Skills

  • D-312, Aircraft Dispatcher
Date: Mar 2025

Added: NWCG Incident Position Standards for Aircraft Dispatcher, PMS 350-67

Date: Oct 2021

Required Training:

Added:

Removed:

  • ICS-200, ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents

Required Experience:  

Added: Satisfactory performance as an Initial Attack Dispatcher (IADP)
Removed: Satisfactory performance as an Expanded Dispatch Recorder (ERDC)

These Positions Maintain Currency for ACDP:

Added: Initial Attack Dispatcher (IADP)
Removed: Aircraft Base Radio Operator (ABRO) , Expanded Dispatch Recorder (EDRC) 

ACDP Maintains Currency for These Positions:

Added: Aircraft Base Radio Operator (ABRO), Expanded Dispatch Support Dispatcher (EDSD), Initial Attack Dispatcher (IADP)

Date: Apr 2021

Added: Incident Position Description (IPD) approved.

Date: Mar 1999

Position created.

  • Current ACDP trainees must meet the qualification requirements outlined in the PMS 310-1.
  • Read the complete 2021 ACDP Transition Plan.
USWDS Paragraph Bundles

Primary Committee: National Coordination System Committee
Steward: National Coordination System Committee
Key Stakeholder(s): National Interagency Aviation Committee


Last Modified / Reviewed:

NWCG Latest Announcements

NEW! S-212, Intermediate Faller (Online) Course Available Now 

Date:  April 23, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Hazard Tree and Tree Felling Subcommittee

NWCG is pleased to announce that the new S‑212, Intermediate Faller (Online), course is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP). This second course in the series provides students with the knowledge and skills required to perform the duties of an Intermediate Faller (FAL2), as described in the FAL2 Incident Position Description. This course is intended for individuals seeking to advance from Basic Faller (FAL3) to FAL2.

S‑212, Intermediate Faller is a fully online, self‑paced training program consisting of 13 units. Learners will engage with interactive, scenario‑based content designed to progressively build foundational skills and knowledge essential for the FAL2 role.

Students must be qualified as a Basic Faller (FAL3) prior to enrolling in S‑212, Intermediate Faller course.

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 January 2027.

References:

S-212 Intermediate Faller (Online)

RMC Memo 26-01: Transition Plan for Implementing Updates to Intermediate Faller (FAL2) Position Qualifications

Intermediate Faller (FAL2) Position Page

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Chainsaw Operations, PMS 212

New Aircraft Flight Schedule Form, PMS 249

Date:  April 17, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: National Coordination System Committee

A new publication from the National Coordination System Committee (NCSC) is now available. The NWCG Aircraft Flight Schedule Form, PMS 249, will be used for aviation crews and dispatch to share flight information that is needed for resource tracking, and if needed, for emergency procedures.

For further details, please contact your NCSC representative. 

References:

NCSC Memo 26-01: Implementation of NWCG Aircraft Flight Schedule Form, PMS 249

NWCG Aircraft Flight Schedule Form, PMS 249

New Glossary Term for Review

Date:  April 15, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Data Standards and Terminology Board (DSTB)

The Data Standards and Terminology Board is requesting feedback on a new glossary term: Resource Protection Measure (RPM).

The proposed definition is: Practical guidance provided for incident personnel in a manner in which incident objectives can be achieved while reducing impacts to identified resources across the landscape. RPMs are informed by, but not restricted to, Minimum Impact Strategies and Tactics (MIST).

Please review, share with your subgroups, and provide feedback as appropriate through the following form: Request Feedback The comment period will close May 10, 2026.

Thank you for your engagement in the NWCG glossary process – your participation is key to our success.

References:

Glossary Request Feedback

Quarter Three Materials for the 2025-2026 Wildland Fire Leadership Campaign Now Available

Date:  April 1, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Leadership Committee

NWCG is excited to announce that Quarter Three 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 Three materials focus on Leadership Level 3: Leader of People (Develop Intent). Leadership Level 3 is where your values, your team, and your influence come together. Leaders of People put their teams first, build trust, and lead with authenticity. They mentor future leaders and shape decisions up and down the chain.

References:

2025/2026 NWCG Leadership Campaign - Leadership Levels

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program

Leadership Committee