S-470    

Air Operations Branch Director

This course is designed to meet the needs of the Air Operations Branch Director (AOBD) position. Topics include preparedness and mobilization, initial briefings and meetings, transition, preparing and organizing for an aviation operation, implementation of an aviation operation, management and oversight of an aviation operation, and demobilization.

This course is for personnel desiring to be qualified Air Operations Branch Director (AOBD)

What you need to bring…..

Notebook/pencil/pen

Reusable water bottle

Snacks (lunch provided)

Any medications currently prescribed

Laptop with downloaded material listed in the pre-work include:

  • Cost tracking documentation.

  • Forms you would like to share that have helped you in your current aviation position.

  • Websites or mobile applications that support your aviation responsibilities.

  • Daily Operational Risk Assessment Tool (DORA Spreadsheet)

  • NWCG Standards for Aerial Supervision, PMS 505

  • NWCG Standards for Helicopter Operations, PMS 510

  • NWCG Standards for Airspace Coordination, PMS 520

  • NWCG Standards for Aviation Risk Management, PMS 530

  • NWCG Aviation Risk Management Workbook, PMS 530-1 (available summer 2021)

  • Military Use Handbook

  • Interagency Standards for Fire and Fire Aviation Operations (NFES 002724) (Red Book)

  • National Mobilization Guide (NFES 002092), Chapter 20  (Aircraft Ordering Information)

  • ICS-220, Air Operations Summary

  • ICS-214, Activity Log

Pre-Requisites

***

Pre-Requisites ***

Qualified as Air Support Group Supervisor (ASGS) AND satisfactory completion of pre-course work.

It is recommended students have completed ICS 400, Advanced ICS

and

L-480, Organizational Leadership in the Fire Service

Course Pre-Work & Instructor Contact

Instructors: Marcos Escobedo

Contact mescobedo@blm.gov with any questions

S-470 pre-work is available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal. We’ve also placed it below so you know what is expected for the course. Prework should be done in advance and also downloaded to the laptop you bring to class.

Read the Air Operations Branch Director Position Task Book, PMS 311-17 to become familiar with the duties and responsibilities of the position.

  1. Read the Introduction to Aviation Risk Management document.

  2. Go to the National Transportation Safety Board website and select one incident (non-fire or fire) that occurred in the last calendar year to be discussed in class. The objective will be to apply the responsibilities of the AOBD to the incident.

  3. Read the Wesley Incident Decision. Look for items in this document that will have an effect on your aviation operations.

  4. Review the Wildland Fire Chemicals website.