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Helicopter Coordinator Working Group (HLCOWG)

HLCO Working Group header graphic. Photo of a water scooper plane dropping load on forest below. Decorative.

Mission Statement

The Helicopter Coordinator Working Group (HLCOWG) provides national interagency governance in the development and maintenance of the Helicopter Coordinator (HLCO) training curriculum, course delivery, position performance standards, and program reviews.

Primary Objectives:

  • Assist the Air Tactical Group Supervisor Working Group (ATGSWG) when asked in the coordination and delivery of S-378, Aerial Supervision and N-9059, Leadplane Pilot when requested through the National Aerial Supervision Standardization Unit (NASSU).
  • Assist the ATGSWG with coordination and delivery of RT-378 and RT-9059 as requested through the NASSU.
  • Provide oversight of S-378 and HLCO curriculum for updates and accuracy.
  • Coordinate standardization with National Aerial Supervision Academy (NASA) and California Aerial Supervision Academy (CASA).
  • Manage taskings from the NASSU.
  • Recommend changes to the NWCG Standards for Aerial Supervision, PMS 505, through the NASSU.
  • Recommend changes to the NWCG Task Book for the Positions of Helicopter Coordinator (HLCO) and Air Tactical Group Supervisor (ATGS), PMS 311-18.
  • Assist peer aerial supervision working groups with subject matter expertise pertaining to the broad scope of interagency aerial supervision operations as requested.

Membership

Member Role Organization Email
Luke Abell Chair/Secretary Forest Service luke.abell@usda.gov
Matt Muller Vice-Chair Forest Service matthew.p.muller@usda.gov
Paul Karpus CalFire Rep National Association of State Foresters Paul.Karpus@fire.ca.gov
USWDS Paragraphs

No additional resources at this time.

NWCG Latest Announcements

Updated NWCG Standards for Water Scooping Operations, PMS 518

Date: December 19, 2024
Contact: Water Scooper Operations Unit

The NWCG Standards for Water Scooping Operations, PMS 518 establishes the standards for dispatching, utilizing, and coordinating water scooping aircraft on interagency wildland fires. These standards should be used in conjunction with the NWCG Standards for Aerial Supervision (SAS), PMS 505, and any local, state, or geographic/regional water scooping plans.

References:

NWCG Standards for Water Scooping Operations, PMS 518

Updated NWCG Standards for Aerial Supervision, PMS 505

Date: December 19, 2024
Contact: Interagency Aerial Supervision Subcommittee

The Interagency Aerial Supervision Subcommittee has updated the NWCG Standards for Aerial Supervision, PMS 505. PMS 505 establishes standards for aerial supervision operations for national interagency wildland fire operations. 

References:

NWCG Standards for Aerial Supervision, PMS 505

New Job Aids Available: Packing Lists for Wildland Fire Fireline Personnel and Support Staff, J-101 and J-102

Date: December 3, 2024
Contact: NWCG TRAINING

Two new job aids are now available: Packing List for Wildland Fire Fireline Personnel, J-101 and Packing List for Wildland Fire Support Personnel, J-102, should serve as a baseline for items needed on a wildland fire assignment. These lists will help personnel prepare for a 14 to 21-day assignment on the fireline or in a support role.

References:

Job Aid Catalog

NWCG Packing List for Wildland Fire Fireline Personnel, J-101

NWCG Packing List for Wildland Fire Support Staff, J-102

NWCG Equipment Technology Committee Releases Safety Warning: 24-001 Stihl Chainsaw Toolless Fuel Cap Spill Prevention

Date: November 14, 2024
Contact: Equipment Technology Committee

The Equipment Technology Committee (ETC) has released Safety Warning: 24-001 Stihl Chainsaw Toolless Fuel Cap Spill Prevention. Misaligned toolless fuel caps on Stihl chainsaws have led to recurring fuel spillage, fuel ignition, and burn injuries during wildland fire management operations.

This Safety Warning is intended to highlight the details and recommended procedures for the installation of a Stihl chainsaw toolless fuel cap, as well as how to identify and correct a misaligned, damaged, or broken fuel cap to help prevent fuel spillage.

References:

NWCG Safety Warning: 24-001 Stihl Chainsaw Toolless Fuel Cap Spill Prevention

Advertencia de equipos 24-001: Prevención de derrames de la tapa de combustible sin herramientas de la motosierra Stihl

NWCG Alerts