Course Description - NAFA - National Aerial Firefighting Academy

January 13 -- 16, 2009

Target Group

Aviation flight crews involved in aerial wildland fire suppression operations at National, Regional, and Field levels using large retardant and water delivery aircraft. This includes contract personnel who have responsibilities as firefighter pilots. Contractor management personnel will be considered on a space available basis. Agency individuals may include Leadplane Pilots and Air Tactical Group Supervisors.

Objectives

1. Enhance aviation safety by integrating tactics, operations, and experience into aerial firefighting training. To educate both Agency and contract personnel using expertise from both sectors.
2. Describe the Incident Command System Aviation Organization.
3. Identify the concepts of common fire terminology and the reasons for its use in the aviation community.
4. Comprehend the application of Risk Management in the use of aviation resources.
5. Identify Crew Resource Management principles during the fire simulation exercise.
6. Describe the National Dispatch Policy regarding Airtankers and Regional resources.
7. Define the tactics and coverage levels of retardant application.
8. Identify the low-level flight environment (including aircraft join-ups) involved in aerial firefighting.
9. Identify an increased awareness of the Human Factors involved in Aerial Firefighting.
10. Review Fire Behavior
11. Recognize opportunities and impediments involving mixed types of aircraft.

Course Description

The National Aerial FireFighting Academy (NAFA) is a training effort by and for personnel directly involved in aerial retardant and water delivery. This includes Airtanker, Helicopter, Single Engine Airtanker, Lead and Aerial Supervision aircraft.

The intent is to provide participants information needed to safely and effectively work together in the congested airspace over a wildland fire incident. The course provides a look into the "other pilot's" job, which provides an important perspective needed to achieve the same goal; put the fire out safely and effectively.

Optimum class size is between 55 to 70 persons. A desired attendance composition of: 8 to 10 Air Tactical Group Supervisors (ATGS); 5 Leadplane Pilots; 15 to 20 each Multi-Engine Airtanker Pilots; Single Engine Airtanker Pilots (SEATS); and Type I Helicopter Pilots.

Important Dates

Nominations Due: November 3, 2008
Notification of Selection: December 15, 2008

Nomination Process

Please ensure nominees identify the position they hold (qualified or trainee) that meets the target group requirements.

Please see the NAFRI nomination process available at http://nafri.gov/pages/nominationprocess.htm.

Course Coordinator: Tim Peterson, (520) 799-8757; fax (520) 799-8785