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Fixed Wing Parking Tender Incident Position Description

FWPT Incident Position Description

The Fixed Wing Parking Tender (FWPT) facilitates movement of aircraft, vehicles, and equipment in assigned areas and reports to the Ramp Manager (RAMP). The FWPT works in the Air Operations functional area.

Leadership Level 1, Follower (Provide Action)

  • For additional information review Level 1 description, expected behaviors and knowledge, suggested development goals, and self-study opportunities.

Prepare and Mobilize

  • Ensure individual readiness.
  • Gather critical information pertinent to the assignment.
  • Travel to and check in at assignment.
  • Review Base Operations Plan and obtain initial briefing from supervisor.

Supervise and Direct Work Assignments

  • Establish and communicate objectives, priorities, work assignments, and performance expectations.
  • Identify, analyze, and use relevant situational information to make more informed decisions and take appropriate actions.
  • Adjust actions based on changing information and evolving situation awareness. Develop and implement contingency plans. Communicate changing conditions to assigned resources and supervisor.
  • Ensure daily operational objectives and performance standards are met.

Perform Fixed Wing Parking Tender-Specific Duties

  • Coordinate with supervisor and aircrew regarding aircraft ramp movement and assigned area.
  • Direct aircraft movement and communicate effectively with air crews and ramp personnel using the standard hand signals.
  • Act as a wing walker anytime the aircraft is being taxied or parked within 30 feet of an obstacle, or as requested by the Airtanker Base Manager (ATBM), RAMP, or aircrew.
  • Establish and maintain radio contact with aircraft, Aircraft Timekeeper (ATIM), and ramp personnel during ramp operations.
  • Keep assigned area clean and clear of foreign objects and debris (FOD).
  • Allow only essential personnel and vehicles on the ramp during operations.
  • Clear the aircraft for movement (i.e., chocks removed, hoses detached, doors and latches closed, etc.).
  • Maintain constant visual of the pilot in the cockpit to ensure unimpeded communication during arrival, hot loading, simultaneous fueling and loading, startup, and departure.
  • Ensure Ground Support Equipment (GSE) is in the designated safe zone and validate that it is properly secured prior to any aircraft movement.
  • Perform FOD walk of ramp area as directed by supervisor.
  • Monitor the safety of all fueling operations.
  • Relay aircrew requests (retardant, fuel, meals, etc.) to the RAMP/supervisor and/or other appropriate personnel.
  • Maintain tools, vehicles, and other equipment used for airtanker base and ramp operations.
  • Stock water and other supplies to maintain efficiency of ramp operations.
  • Visually check the aircraft and notify pilot immediately of any anomalies with the aircraft, such as signs of leaking, smoking, etc.
  • Direct and oversee wildland fire chemical loading.
  • Provide input to a SAFECOM and/or document actions/issues, as directed.
  • Monitor hot loading operation for safety, efficiency, and proper procedures as stated in the hot loading plan and the NWCG Standards for Airtanker Base Operations (SABO), PMS 508.
  • Monitor simultaneous fueling and loading operations for safety, efficiency, and proper procedures as stated in the SABO and GSE simultaneous fueling and loading plan.

Communicate and Coordinate

  • Obtain briefing from assigned supervisor.
  • Follow established processes and chain of command for collecting, producing, and distributing information.
  • Communicate changing conditions to supervisor.
  • Ensure basic understanding of multichannel radio operation.
  • Participate in briefings and After Action Reviews (AAR).

Manage Risk

  • Work within your skill level and limitations.
  • Apply the Risk Management Process as stated in the NWCG Incident Response Pocket Guide (IRPG), PMS 461.
  • Ensure compliance with all safety practices and procedures for self and those around you.
  • Utilize chock blocks, fire extinguishers, and required Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) specific to the base.
  • Utilize the base operations plan to guide decisions and actions.
  • Implement emergency response plan as needed.
  • Notify ATBM of any spills, issues, hazards, or emergencies.

Document

Demobilize

  • Follow demobilization instructions from supervisor.
  • Ensure incident and agency demobilization procedures and work/rest standards are followed.

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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

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Date:  April 15, 2026
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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.

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Glossary Request Feedback

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Date:  March 23, 2026
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Please contact: Joe Schindel

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