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N-9065 National Interagency Leadplane Pilot Training Course

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General Information

Forms

Course Materials

Click the individual links to download material or download all materials in one zip file (not yet available).

Unit/TopicPresentationsMaterials
Helicopter dropping retardant

Unit:  Introduction

SEAT flying in over a group of firefighters looking on.

Unit 1:  Safety​​

Firefighter taking a photo of a SEAT dropping water.

Unit 2:  Communications Verbal Skills and Brevity

Overview of mountains with smoke hanging in the valleys.

Unit 3:  Mountain Flying and Weather

Water scooper dropping water.

Unit 4:  Checklists and Single Pilot Resource Management

Large airtanker dropping retardant.

Unit 5:  In Route and Time Management

Wildfire burning down the mountains.

Unit 6: FTA and High Low Recon

Firefight stands on road and watches SEAT dropping water over burning hillside.

Unit 7:  Leadplane Profile Exit Maneuver and Exit Route

SEAT flying in over a range land fire and dropping water.

Unit 8:  Situational Awareness and Judgement

Large military airtanker sitting on the tarmac with wildfire smoke in background.

Unit 9:  Responsibility for Separation and Join Ups

Large fire in heavy timber putting up dark, black smoke.

Unit 10:  Strategy and Tactics

mountain scene with green forest in foreground and blue skies.

Unit 11:  Post Flight and Non-Mission Topics

SEAT dropping retardant.

Unit 12:  Phase 2 and 3 and Sign Offs

Large helicopter siphoning water from a lake.

Unit 13:  Flight Training

SEAT dropping a load of water.

Unit 14:  Course Review

 

NWCG Latest Announcements

NEW! S-490, Advanced Fire Behavior Calculations (Blended) Available Now

Date:  March 17, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Fire Behavior Subcommittee

NWCG is pleased to announce that the new S-490, Advanced Fire Behavior Calculations (Blended), 2026 course is now available.

This training includes performance-based activities that allow students to apply the knowledge and concepts required for the Fire Behavior Analyst (FBAN), Long Term Fire Analyst (LTAN), and Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 1 (RXB1) positions. It supports individuals working towards these incident qualifications.

This blended course begins with a self-paced online training (OLT) in the Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP), followed by an in-person instructor-led training (ILT).

References:

S-490, Advanced Fire Calculations (Blended)

NWCG Fire Behavior Analyst (FBAN) Position Page

NWCG Long Term Fire Analyst (LTAN) Position Page

NWCG Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 1 (RXB1) Position Page

2024 Paul Gleason Award Winners Announced

Date:  March 13, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Leadership Committee

The NWCG Leadership Committee is proud to announce the recipients of the 2024 Paul Gleason "Lead By Example" awards. Award categories include Initiative and Innovation, Mentoring and Teamwork, Motivation and Vision, as well as a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Congratulations to the awardees:

  • Justin Baxter, National Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Operations Specialist, with the U.S. Forest Service — Initiative and Innovation
  • Kelly Woods, Director of the Wildland Firefighting Lessons Learned Center — Mentoring and Teamwork
  • Doug Booster, Instructor, ProHealth Net, Inc. — Motivation and Vision
  • Pam McDonald, Writer-Editor for the National Interagency Fire Center — Lifetime Achievement Award

References:

Paul Gleason Lead By Example Award

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program (WFLDP)

Leadership Committee

NEW! S-231, Engine Boss Course Available Now

Date:  March 6, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Incident Operations Subcommittee

NWCG is pleased to announce the new S-231, Engine Boss (Single Resource) course is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP). Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this training supports individuals working towards Engine Boss, Single Resource (ENGB) incident qualifications. 

This is a performance-based instructor-led training (ILT) that focuses on the application of ENGB responsibilities during wildland fire operations, emphasizing readiness, information gathering, risk management, engine tactics, and Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) operations. Trainees apply these skills through scenario-based group work and an optional field day that reinforces hands-on engine operation tasks. 

References:

S-231, Engine Boss (Single Resource) (Instructor-led)

NWCG Engine Boss, Single Resource (ENGB) Position Page

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

NWCG Celebrates 50 Years!

Date:  March 6, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: NWCG Executive Secretary

NWCG is proud to celebrate 50 years of service to the wildland fire community. Beginning in 1976 with an interagency agreement between the Department of Interior and Department of Agriculture, NWCG has grown to include additional member agencies and is recognized as the standard-setting leader in wildland fire operations.

To honor where we’ve been and highlight where we are going, the NWCG team has created a video showcasing our history and accomplishments. The video is now available on the NWCG website.

References:

NWCG 50 Year Anniversary Video