- ATSB AO-2020-007 final report - Collision with terrain, Lockheed EC-130Q N134CG (Coulson), near Peak View NSW, Jan 23, 2020 (final Aug 29, 2022)
Australian Transport Safety Bureau
Large airtanker windshear/downdraft accident; findings used in mountain-weather and accident-record tracks.
Used in tracks 2.1, 2.8
- Crowley, J.S., Helicopter Aircrew Helmets and Head Injury: A Protective Effect (US Army Safety Center TR 90-1, 1990; DTIC ADA372992)
U.S. Army / DTIC
Evidence that helmets reduce head injury in crashes; the course also cites Crowley, Licina & Bruckart, USAARL Report 93-2 (1992).
Used in tracks 3.6
- de Voogt & Louteiro, 'Nose-Over and Nose-Down Accidents in General Aviation: Tailwheels and Aging Airplanes', Safety (MDPI) 10(2):39, 2024
MDPI (journal Safety; the course cites it as Aerospace)
Analysis of 134 NTSB tailwheel accidents used in the ground-loop track (summarized by General Aviation News, Feb 7, 2025).
Used in tracks 2.4
- Horns Mountain Fire Fatality 2018 (Fire Boss 242, Colville National Forest, Aug 14, 2018) - LLC incident page
Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center
Incident page collecting the RLS and related documents for the Fire Boss crash.
Used in tracks 2.8
- Interagency Aviation Lessons Learned IA LL 21-02, Firefighting Flight Operations (Jan 29, 2021) - Bishop Fire midair
DOI OAS / USFS
Lessons from the two-SEAT midair: explicit separation standards, steady platform, safety over mission.
Used in tracks 2.8
- Interagency Aviation Lessons Learned IA LL 21-03, Single Engine Air Tanker Operations (Apr 5, 2021) - Emmett, Idaho
DOI OAS / USFS
'Never depend on the release to clear terrain'; ASHHE drop check; jettison; arming-switch discipline; CRM soft skills.
Used in tracks 2.1, 2.2, 2.8, 3.9
- NAAA Fly Safe messages (compiled from NTSB accident data; e.g., 9 June 2025, 11 May 2020)
National Agricultural Aviation Association
Seasonal safety messages compiled from ag-aviation accident data; the 2020 compilation is public.
Used in tracks 3.6
- NTSB CAROL (Case Analysis and Reporting Online) - aviation accident report search
National Transportation Safety Board
NTSB's public case search (help guide at ntsb.gov/Documents/CAROL-Guide.pdf). Search here by case number for every NTSB report cited in Track 2.8: LAX02GA201 (Tanker 130), DEN02GA074 (Tanker 123), 20001206X02066 (Tanker 82), WPR12GA243 (Tanker 11), WPR15GA005 (Tanker 81), CEN22FA035 (N802NZ Kruger Rock), WPR20LA246 (Bishop Fire midair), WPR24FA255 (N805DG Falls Fire), CEN22LA386 (N830DA Onalaska), WPR24FA238 (N10122 Horse Gulch), WPR20LA315 (N836MM Emmett), and the N331BS Capitan preliminary.
Used in tracks 1.1, 1.3, 2.1, 2.2, 2.8
- NTSB Most Wanted List: Prevent Loss of Control in Flight in General Aviation (2015-2016)
National Transportation Safety Board
LOC-I advocacy fact sheet opening Track 2.2.
Used in tracks 2.2
- NTSB Safety Alert SA-039, Mastering Mountain Flying (March 2015)
National Transportation Safety Board
Mountain-flying accident patterns and training advice.
Used in tracks 2.1
- NTSB Safety Recommendation letter A-04-29 through A-04-33 (April 23, 2004) - airtanker airworthiness
National Transportation Safety Board
Recommendations after the 2002 wing-separation crashes.
Used in tracks 1.1
- NTSB WPR12GA243 final report - Tanker 11, P2V-7 N14447, White Rock Fire, Modena, Utah (June 3, 2012)
National Transportation Safety Board
CFIT while following the lead plane with a tailwind; the one NTSB PDF linked directly in the course.
Used in tracks 2.8
- Rapid Lesson Sharing: SEAT wire strike near Kooskia, Idaho (July 28, 2016)
Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center
SEAT struck an undetected powerline on a changed approach; discovered after landing. The original RLS link (wildfirelessons.net) is dead; Wildfire Today's summary with the RLS link is the reachable source.
Used in tracks 2.8
- Swawilla Fire wing/wire strike 2024 (Keller, Washington, July 31, 2024) - Washington DNR 72-hour report
Washington DNR via Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center
72-hour report on the SEAT wire strike.
Used in tracks 2.8
- TSB Canada Aviation Investigation Report A14P0132 - AT-802A C-GXNX (Conair Tanker 685), Chantslar Lake, BC, 2014
Transportation Safety Board of Canada
Wing stall on a heavy, low-speed departure from a lake; density altitude and weight lessons.
Used in tracks 2.1, 2.8
- Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center (lessons.wildfire.gov)
Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center
Home of Rapid Lesson Sharing reports and the Incident Review Database.
Used in tracks 2.8
- 2017 Great Basin Mobilization Guide, Chapter 50 Aircraft
Great Basin Coordination Center
Historical GB aircraft ordering/rotation language cited for days-off and base life.
Used in tracks 1.9, 3.5
- 2026 California Interagency Standards for Resource Mobilization (CISRM), Chapter 50 Aircraft
CAL FIRE / USFS / CalOES (via OSCC)
Current California airtanker base list with S2/L/M/S/V tags and VLAT bases.
Used in tracks 1.11
- Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection - Aircraft Fleet
Alaska DNR Division of Forestry & Fire Protection
State fleet page.
Used in tracks 1.11
- Arizona DFFM Aviation page (SEAT base listing)
Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management
Arizona aviation program and base listing.
Used in tracks 1.10, 1.11
- BLM Exclusive Use Airbase Directory (2017)
Bureau of Land Management
BLM directory of exclusive-use SEAT bases.
Used in tracks 1.11
- BLM Wyoming bolsters aerial firefighting capabilities with new Casper Airtanker Base (BLM blog, July 31, 2024)
Bureau of Land Management
Announcement of the permanent Casper LAT/SEAT base.
Used in tracks 1.11
- Casper Interagency Dispatch Center Mobilization Guide, Chapter 50 Aircraft Operations (2026)
Casper Interagency Dispatch Center (Rocky Mountain GACC)
Wyoming base and aircraft ordering procedures.
Used in tracks 1.11
- Colorado DFPC - Single Engine Air Tankers (SEAT) page
Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control
Colorado state SEAT program (CO Fire Aviation contract).
Used in tracks 1.8, 1.9, 1.10, 1.11
- MNICS (Minnesota Incident Command System) 2026 Mobilization Guide
Minnesota Incident Command System
Minnesota base listing. The 2026 mobilization guide itself was not re-located; the 2026 MNICS flight following guide and older mob guides are on mnics.org.
Used in tracks 1.11
- NIFC National Significant Wildland Fire Potential Outlook
NIFC Predictive Services
Monthly 4-month outlook used to describe the U.S. season calendar.
Used in tracks 1.10
- NIFC VLAT Bases list (May 21, 2014)
National Interagency Fire Center
Only public national VLAT base list.
Used in tracks 1.11
- NWCG Airtanker Base Directory, PMS 507 - April 2019 public snapshot (NFES 002537), mirrored PDF
NWCG (mirror hosted by ruudleeuw.com)
Most complete public per-base listing (lat/long, frequencies, VLAT, MAFFS) used to build the base map; unofficial mirror.
Used in tracks 1.11
- OurAirports open airport dataset
OurAirports (David Megginson)
Public airport coordinates used to geocode bases for the map.
Used in tracks 1.11
- Texas A&M AgriLife Today, April 6, 2021 (SEAT coverage)
Texas A&M AgriLife
News item on Texas SEAT operations. URL not re-located.
Used in tracks 1.9, 1.10
- Texas A&M Forest Service - Single Engine Airtanker FAQ (2024)
Texas A&M Forest Service
SEAT daily rates ($3,000-4,000 standby), capacity, CWN arrangement with the federal government.
Used in tracks 1.9, 1.10, 1.11
- 14 CFR 121.542 - Flight crewmember duties (sterile cockpit rule)
FAA / eCFR (also LII text)
The airline sterile-cockpit rule borrowed as the model for 'delay everything that is not flying the airplane'.
Used in tracks 2.6
- 14 CFR 61.63 - Additional aircraft ratings (other than for ratings at the ATP level)
FAA / eCFR
The rule under which an ASES rating is added to an existing certificate.
Used in tracks 1.4
- 14 CFR 91.115 - Right-of-way rules: water operations
FAA / eCFR
Right-of-way on the water for seaplanes.
Used in tracks 1.4
- 14 CFR 91.9 - Civil aircraft flight manual, marking, and placard requirements
FAA / eCFR
Why AFM placards (e.g., helmet placards on Air Tractors) are binding.
Used in tracks 3.6
- 14 CFR Part 121 Subpart Y - Advanced Qualification Program
FAA / eCFR
Regulatory basis for AQP.
Used in tracks 2.7
- 14 CFR Part 137 - Agricultural Aircraft Operations
FAA / eCFR
The ag-ops rule; the course verified that 'helmet' does not appear in it.
Used in tracks 3.6
- 14 CFR Part 5 - Safety Management Systems
FAA / eCFR
SMS regulation underpinning Track 2.7.
Used in tracks 2.7
- AC 00-57, Hazardous Mountain Winds and Their Visual Indicators
FAA
Mountain wave, rotor and downdraft indicators (sections 2.0, 3.2, 3.3, 5.1, 5.2). Listed as cancelled by FAA but still the reference text.
Used in tracks 2.1
- AC 120-100, Basics of Aviation Fatigue
FAA
Fatigue physiology basics for the sleep/circadian track.
Used in tracks 3.2
- AC 120-115, Maintainer Fatigue Risk Management (Dec 2, 2016)
FAA
Sections 5.3, 5.9, 6.2, 9.1.5: hours-awake versus blood-alcohol-equivalent impairment, sleep need.
Used in tracks 3.9
- AC 120-51D (now 120-51E), Crew Resource Management Training
FAA
CRM definition and workload-management guidance (para 12.b.3(b), Appendix 1). The course cites the 51D text.
Used in tracks 2.6
- AC 120-54A, Advanced Qualification Program (with Change 1)
FAA
The AQP advisory circular.
Used in tracks 2.7
- AC 137-1B, Certification Process for Agricultural Aircraft Operators
FAA
Para 2.6.12.1 on protective equipment for ag operations.
Used in tracks 3.6
- AC 60-22, Aeronautical Decision Making
FAA
Original source of the five hazardous attitudes.
Used in tracks 3.4
- AC 61-134, General Aviation Controlled Flight Into Terrain Awareness (April 1, 2003)
FAA
CFIT risk factors and mitigations (sections 5.c, 10.f, 14.c, Appendix 2).
Used in tracks 2.1
- AC 61-67C, Stall and Spin Awareness Training (Change 2, Jan 6, 2016)
FAA
Stall/spin awareness; accelerated stalls, uncoordinated flight, recovery (paras 100-111, 200.d).
Used in tracks 2.2
- Aeronautical Information Manual, Chapter 7 Section 6 - Potential Flight Hazards (7-6-7 Mountain Flying; 7-6-14 Flat Light, Brown Out, White Out)
FAA
AIM mountain-flying and visual-illusion paragraphs.
Used in tracks 2.1
- Aeronautical Information Manual, Chapter 8 Section 1 - Fitness for Flight (8-1-1, 8-1-1.5 fatigue)
FAA
AIM definitions of acute and chronic fatigue.
Used in tracks 3.9
- FAA Advanced Qualification Program (AQP) program page
FAA Flight Standards
Overview of AQP used to frame structured safety programs for fire operators.
Used in tracks 2.7
- FAA aeromedical guidance on melatonin / medications and flying
FAA Office of Aerospace Medicine
Cited generally for the melatonin caution; see the FAA 'Medications and Flying' brochure on the pilot safety brochures page.
Used in tracks 3.2
- FAA CAMI brochure: Circadian Rhythm Disruption and Flying
FAA Civil Aerospace Medical Institute
Circadian disruption and jet-lag countermeasures used in Track 3.2.
Used in tracks 3.2
- FAA CAMI brochure: Fatigue in Aviation (OK-20-0925)
FAA Civil Aerospace Medical Institute
Sleep need, fatigue symptoms and countermeasures.
Used in tracks 3.9
- FAA CAMI brochure: Fit for Flight - Developing a Personal Fitness Program (AM-400/09/2)
FAA Civil Aerospace Medical Institute
Five-element fitness program for pilots.
Used in tracks 3.9
- FAA Fly Safe: Prevent Loss of Control Accidents - mountain flying (Feb 15, 2019)
FAA
GA loss-of-control outreach piece on mountain flying.
Used in tracks 2.1
- FAA Issue Paper A-1 (Sept 14, 1992) and ELOS Memo ACE-09-02 (Air Tractor helmet/placard certification basis)
FAA Aircraft Certification
Certification-basis papers behind the Air Tractor helmet placard. Not publicly posted; obtain through the FAA or Air Tractor.
Used in tracks 3.6
- FAA Safety Briefing, 'Rise to the Top' (Medium)
FAA Safety Briefing magazine
Article on pilot skill and self-assessment cited in the Dunning-Kruger track. URL not re-confirmed.
Used in tracks 3.4
- FAA-H-8083-23, Seaplane, Skiplane, and Float/Ski Equipped Helicopter Operations Handbook (2004)
FAA
The seaplane handbook (Chapters 1-8) that Track 1.4 float training follows lesson by lesson; landing page links each chapter PDF.
Used in tracks 1.3, 1.4
- FAA-H-8083-25C, Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge
FAA
Ch.2 ADM/hazardous attitudes/SRM/workload, Ch.5 forces in turns, Ch.11 performance/density altitude, Ch.12 weather (wind shear, microbursts), Ch.17 aeromedical factors.
Used in tracks 2.1, 2.2, 2.6, 3.9
- FAA-H-8083-2A, Risk Management Handbook (2022)
FAA
Hazardous attitudes/antidotes and risk-management framework used in Track 3.9.
Used in tracks 3.9
- FAA-H-8083-3C, Airplane Flying Handbook (March 29, 2022)
FAA
Chapter 5 upset prevention and recovery / stall template (Fig. 5-10), Chapter 7 ground reference maneuvers, Chapter 10 performance maneuvers - the basis of Track 2.2 low-altitude maneuvering.
Used in tracks 2.2
- FAA-P-8740-2, Density Altitude (AFS-8, 2008)
FAA
Density altitude pamphlet (charts and performance effects). FAA-hosted copy is on FAASafety.gov.
Used in tracks 2.1
- FAA-P-8740-60, Tips on Mountain Flying (AFS-803)
FAA
Density altitude, weather factors, ridge and pass crossing, enroute considerations, emergency/survival sections.
Used in tracks 2.1, 2.2
- FAA-S-ACS-6C, Private Pilot for Airplane Category Airman Certification Standards (effective May 31, 2024)
FAA
Private ASES checkride tasks (XII.B post-landing etc.).
Used in tracks 1.4
- FAA-S-ACS-7B, Commercial Pilot for Airplane Category Airman Certification Standards (effective May 31, 2024)
FAA
Commercial ASES checkride tasks (I.G, II.E, IV.x seaplane tasks, IX.x emergencies, XI.B post-landing).
Used in tracks 1.4
- 'A Statistical Explanation of the Dunning-Kruger Effect', Frontiers in Psychology (2022)
Frontiers in Psychology
Statistical critique of the Dunning-Kruger pattern. Exact article not re-located; search Frontiers for the title.
Used in tracks 3.4
- AOPA Air Safety Foundation Safety Advisor SA20, Maneuvering Flight - Hazardous to Your Health? (2005)
AOPA Air Safety Institute
Maneuvering-flight accident data; AOPA's online 'Maneuvering Flight' page is the current home.
Used in tracks 2.2
- CASA Flight Safety Australia, 'Rudder, ailerons, stalls and spins' (Thomas P. Turner) and CASA AC 61-16 Spin Avoidance and Stall Recovery Training
Civil Aviation Safety Authority (Australia)
Basis of the upset-recovery module (Track 2.3). URLs not recorded in the course.
Used in tracks 2.3
- CDC Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans - Adults (reviewed Dec 20, 2023)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
150 min moderate / 75 min vigorous per week plus 2 strength days.
Used in tracks 3.9
- Chang et al., 'The effects of acute exercise on cognitive performance: a meta-analysis', Brain Research 2012;1453:87-101
Brain Research
Acute exercise and cognitive performance.
Used in tracks 3.9
- Dawson & de Meza, 'Talking the Talk, Not Walking the Walk: The Coevolution of Overconfidence and Loss Aversion', Psychological Review (2026), DOI 10.1037/rev0000644
APA Psychological Review / University of Bath & LSE
Recent reanalysis of overconfidence cited as a caution on the classic effect.
Used in tracks 3.3, 3.4
- Dunning, D., 'The Dunning-Kruger Effect: On Being Ignorant of One's Own Ignorance', Advances in Experimental Social Psychology 2011;44:247-296
Elsevier
Dunning's review chapter.
Used in tracks 3.4
- Ericsson, K.A., 'Deliberate Practice and Acquisition of Expert Performance: A General Overview', Academic Emergency Medicine 2008;15(11)
Academic Emergency Medicine
Deliberate-practice framework.
Used in tracks 3.4
- Flight Safety Foundation, A Practical Guide for Improving Flight Path Monitoring (Active Pilot Monitoring Working Group, Nov 2014)
Flight Safety Foundation
Areas of vulnerability concept, Recommendations 3 and 5, Table 5 - the model for Track 2.6.
Used in tracks 2.6
- ICAO fatigue definition / Aerospace Medical Association fatigue countermeasures literature
ICAO / AsMA
General fatigue definitions cited in Track 3.2 without a specific document; see ICAO Doc 9966 (FRMS Manual) and AsMA position papers.
Used in tracks 3.2
- Jim Collins, Good to Great (2001), Ch.4 'Confront the Brutal Facts' (Stockdale Paradox); Stockdale, In Love and War (1984)
HarperBusiness / Harper & Row
Books; the Stockdale Paradox in Track 3.3. No public URL (commercial books).
Used in tracks 3.3
- Jocko Willink & Leif Babin, Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win (St. Martin's Press, 2015)
St. Martin's Press
Book; ownership principles applied to airtanker flying in Tracks 3.3 and 3.4. No public URL.
Used in tracks 3.3, 3.4
- Kruger & Dunning, 'Unskilled and Unaware of It', Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 1999;77(6):1121-1134
APA / JPSP
The original Dunning-Kruger paper.
Used in tracks 3.3, 3.4
- Laurence Gonzales, Deep Survival: Who Lives, Who Dies, and Why (W.W. Norton, 2003)
W.W. Norton
Book; twelve survivor rules. No public URL.
Used in tracks 3.3
- Lim & Dinges, 'A meta-analysis of the impact of short-term sleep deprivation on cognitive variables', Psychological Bulletin 2010;136(3):375-389
APA Psychological Bulletin
Meta-analysis of sleep deprivation effects on attention and cognition.
Used in tracks 3.9
- Maurino, D., 'Threat and Error Management (TEM)', ICAO, Canadian Aviation Safety Seminar, Vancouver, April 2005 (SKYbrary copy)
ICAO / SKYbrary
Canonical TEM definitions of threat, error and undesired aircraft state used in Tracks 2.5, 2.6, 2.8.
Used in tracks 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8
- NAAA Aerial Applicator's Manual (Chapter 2, Appendix 3 Heat Stress)
National Agricultural Aviation Association
Heat-stress and hydration material transcribed for Track 3.1; the manual is a project document (AerialApplicatorsManual.pdf) sold by NAAA, not freely posted.
Used in tracks 3.1
- NASA ASRS CALLBACK Issue 492, 'Distractions in the Cockpit' (January 2021)
NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System
Task-saturation narratives.
Used in tracks 2.6
- Neuroscience and behavioral-science sources cited in Track 3.3 (Saebo clinical articles; flintrehab.com massed practice; Geelong Neuro Centre; stroke rehabilitation literature; dopamine prediction-error research; Aero-News Network report on NASA/AOPA positive-reinforcement training, 2014; APA stress-management research; Britannica; Scientific American July 2021)
Various
Secondary popular-science and clinical sources cited by name only; the course labels the aviation application as the author's inference. No URLs recorded.
Used in tracks 3.3
- NIOSH Heat Stress: Hydration (DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2017-126)
CDC / NIOSH
Drink 8 oz every 15-20 min, cap 48 oz/hr, alcohol and energy-drink cautions.
Used in tracks 3.9
- Pest Control Aircraft Pilot Certification Study Guide (Chapter 3, Sidebars 14, 15, 17)
California Department of Pesticide Regulation
California PCAP study guide used for heat and protective-gear rules in Track 3.1; a project document (pcap_cert_study_guide.pdf). Public copy is on the DPR website.
Used in tracks 3.1
- Secondary Dunning-Kruger sources cited in Track 3.4 (SERC Carleton College 'The Dunning-Kruger Effect and Metacognition'; scienceofpeople.com; AVweb 2017 'Dunning-Kruger in Aviation'; SIUC aviation-student study via ResearchGate; SKYbrary safety database)
Various
Popular and secondary sources cited by name only; no URLs recorded in the course.
Used in tracks 3.4
- Sleep, circadian and caffeine research cited in Track 3.2 (Chronobiology International 2018; J. Pineal Research 2026; Frontiers in Neuroscience 2020; npj Biological Timing and Sleep 2024/2025; Physical Activity and Nutrition 2024; Sleep Medicine Reviews 2023/2026; SLEEP 2025; Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews; J. Cardiovascular Electrophysiology 2022; NIH ODS B12 fact sheet; 2021 B12 meta-analysis; Nature and Science of Sleep)
Various peer-reviewed journals / NIH
Track 3.2 cites these by journal and year only; individual DOIs were not recorded in the course or research notes, so no URLs are given. The NIH ODS B12 fact sheet is at ods.od.nih.gov.
Used in tracks 3.2
- Smith et al., 'Aerobic exercise and neurocognitive performance: a meta-analytic review of randomized controlled trials', Psychosomatic Medicine 2010;72(3):239-252
Psychosomatic Medicine
Exercise effects on attention, executive function and memory.
Used in tracks 3.9
- Van Dongen et al., 'The cumulative cost of additional wakefulness', Sleep 2003;26(2):117-126
Sleep (journal)
Chronic sleep restriction dose-response data.
Used in tracks 3.9
- WHO Physical Activity fact sheet (June 26, 2024)
World Health Organization
Global activity benchmarks and cognitive/sleep benefits.
Used in tracks 3.9
- Wittbrodt & Millard-Stafford, 'Dehydration impairs cognitive performance: a meta-analysis', Med Sci Sports Exerc 2018;50(11):2360-2368
Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise
Dehydration and cognitive performance.
Used in tracks 3.9
- 10 Standard Firefighting Orders, PMS 110
National Wildfire Coordinating Group
The ten orders every wildland firefighter (and tanker pilot) is expected to know.
Used in tracks 1.5
- 18 Watch Out Situations, PMS 118
National Wildfire Coordinating Group
The 18 situations that shout 'watch out'; paired with the 10 orders in Track 1.5.
Used in tracks 1.5
- 6 Minutes for Safety: First Airtanker Drop (California) - August 12, 1955
National Wildfire Coordinating Group
'This day in history' piece on the first airtanker drop, used for the history lesson in Track 1.1.
Used in tracks 1.1
- 6 Minutes for Safety: Mountain Flying Part 1
National Wildfire Coordinating Group
Short interagency briefing on mountain flying hazards (winds, illusions).
Used in tracks 2.1
- 6 Minutes for Safety: Mountain Flying Part 2 (reviewed Sept 24, 2025)
National Wildfire Coordinating Group
Second mountain-flying briefing (density altitude, ridge crossing, escape routes).
Used in tracks 2.1
- 6 Minutes for Safety: SAFECOMs
National Wildfire Coordinating Group
Defines the Aviation Safety Communique (SAFECOM, AMD-34/FS-5700-14) and its non-punitive purpose; used in the accident-record track.
Used in tracks 2.8
- A Preparedness Guide for Wildland Firefighters and Their Families, PMS 600 (February 2022)
National Wildfire Coordinating Group
NWCG guide for firefighter families on long absences, communication expectations and reintegration; the backbone of Track 3.5.
Used in tracks 1.9, 3.5
- Fitness and Work Capacity, 2009 (Sharkey & Gaskill), PMS 304-2 / NFES 1596
National Wildfire Coordinating Group / USFS Technology & Development
The wildland fire fitness text: hydration (Ch.11), nutrition (Ch.10), injury prevention (Ch.12), fire-season fitness (Ch.8), Table 5.5, Appendices B-D. Basis of the fitness lessons in Track 3.9.
Used in tracks 3.9
- Interagency Mission Certification Standards (IMCS), Special Use Mission - Airplane (signed Nov 2024, effective Sept 1, 2024)
NWCG National Aviation Standards & Safety Unit (NASSU) / USFS / DOI OAS
The evaluation tasks an inspector pilot uses to card an airtanker pilot (Preflight, En Route, Mountain, Low Level, Fire Airspace, Airtanker A-C, Emergency A-B). Central to Track 1.7 carding prep.
Used in tracks 1.7, 1.8
- National Aerial Firefighting Academy Unit and Steering Committee (NWCG committee page)
National Wildfire Coordinating Group
NWCG committee page for NAFA, the academy cited in DOI SEAT contracts as required training for new and Level 1 SEAT pilots.
Used in tracks 1.8
- NWCG 6 Minutes for Safety - Firefighter Stress Management (modified Oct 9, 2025)
National Wildfire Coordinating Group
Stress-management page for wildland firefighters, used for the coming-home lessons in Track 3.5.
Used in tracks 3.5
- NWCG 6 Minutes for Safety - Mental Health page
National Wildfire Coordinating Group
Mental-health resources page referencing PMS 600 and the 'Reset' reintegration guide.
Used in tracks 3.5
- NWCG Airtanker Base Directory, PMS 507 (current edition April 2021)
National Wildfire Coordinating Group
Official national directory of airtanker bases (coordinates, frequencies, VLAT capability). Current edition is hosted on the Enterprise Geospatial Portal behind login; the publication page is public. See also the 2019 public snapshot entry.
Used in tracks 1.11
- NWCG Aviation Risk Management Workbook, PMS 530-1 - Fixed Wing Risk Assessments > SEAT > Personnel, Contractors
National Wildfire Coordinating Group
The agency's own hazard list for SEAT pilots (single-pilot workload, multitasking overload, fatigue, decision making) with pre/post-mitigation ratings; used in Tracks 1.9, 2.6, 3.5, 3.9.
Used in tracks 1.9, 2.6, 3.5, 3.9
- NWCG Fire Behavior Field Reference Guide, PMS 437 (incl. Critical Fire Weather page)
National Wildfire Coordinating Group
Online fire behavior reference (fuels, weather, topography, critical fire weather) supporting the S-190 foundations lesson.
Used in tracks 1.5
- NWCG Fire Traffic Area Diagram, PMS 505d, and Aerial Supervision Standard Scripts, PMS 505e (07/22)
National Wildfire Coordinating Group
The one-page FTA card (12 NM initial contact, 7 NM ring, 5 NM FTA boundary, 500-ft altitude structure) and the standard radio scripts used in the FTA; drilled in Tracks 1.6, 2.6, 2.8, 4.1.
Used in tracks 1.6, 2.6, 2.8, 4.1
- NWCG Glossary of Wildland Fire, PMS 205
National Wildfire Coordinating Group
Official definitions for fire behavior, retardant, coverage level and aviation terms used throughout Track 1.5.
Used in tracks 1.5
- NWCG Guide to Preventing Aquatic Invasive Species Transport by Wildland Fire Operations, PMS 444
National Wildfire Coordinating Group
Decontamination and AIS-prevention guidance referenced by PMS 518 for scooping operations.
Used in tracks 1.3
- NWCG Incident Response Pocket Guide (IRPG), PMS 461 (January 2025)
National Wildfire Coordinating Group
Field pocket guide: LCES, fire behavior indicators, aviation section (pp.74-77) and the 10/18; the tanker pilot's link to what ground crews are trained on.
Used in tracks 1.5, 1.6
- NWCG LMC Equipment Bulletin 26-001 (July 30, 2026)
NWCG Equipment Technology Committee
Equipment bulletin cited in the scooper lesson alongside PMS 518. No public URL was confirmed at time of compilation; check the NWCG Equipment Technology Committee publications page.
Used in tracks 1.3
- NWCG Standards for Aerial Supervision, PMS 505 (December 2025)
National Wildfire Coordinating Group
Air attack / lead plane / ASM standards, aerial supervision requirements by airtanker type, retardant coverage levels and drop evaluation; defines the aerial supervision the tanker pilot works under.
Used in tracks 1.1, 1.3, 1.5, 1.6
- NWCG Standards for Airtanker Base Operations (SABO), PMS 508, with Appendices PMS 508a (April 2026)
National Wildfire Coordinating Group
Airtanker base operations standard (Chapter 07 scooper/SEAT base ops, loading, pilot documentation, base inspection); Appendix O and others in PMS 508a. Used for base-side procedures in Tracks 1.1, 1.3, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7.
Used in tracks 1.1, 1.3, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.9
- NWCG Standards for Airtanker Operations, PMS 514 (February 2026)
National Wildfire Coordinating Group
The interagency airtanker operations standard: FTA/drop procedures, SEAT minimum drop height, Chapter 08 pilot duty and flight-time limits (14-hr duty day, 8 hrs mission flight, 42 hrs/6 days). Backbone of Tracks 1.6, 1.7, 1.9, 3.5, 3.9.
Used in tracks 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.9, 2.2, 3.5, 3.9
- NWCG Standards for Aviation Risk Management, PMS 530 (May 2021)
National Wildfire Coordinating Group
Parent standard for interagency aviation risk management; the workbook (PMS 530-1) hangs off it.
Used in tracks 2.6
- NWCG Standards for Single Engine Airtanker Operations, PMS 506 (May 2018; obsolete, consolidated into PMS 508/514)
National Wildfire Coordinating Group
The former SEAT operations guide: pilot approval (OAS/USFS carding), duty limits, base operations, sterile cockpit and flight-following (Ch.3 §VII). Cited for historical context and where PMS 514/508 carried its language forward.
Used in tracks 1.3, 1.8, 1.9, 2.6, 3.5, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 4.1
- NWCG Standards for Water Scooping Operations, PMS 518 (February 2026)
National Wildfire Coordinating Group
Standards for scooper aircraft including the single-engine Fire Boss: water source evaluation, scooping patterns, aquatic invasive species mitigation, pilot requirements (Chapters 2, 3, 9).
Used in tracks 1.1, 1.3
- NWCG Work Capacity Test, PMS 307 (November 2023)
National Wildfire Coordinating Group
Arduous/Moderate/Light pack-test standards; presented as a benchmark (not a requirement) for contract SEAT pilots.
Used in tracks 3.9
- NWCG work/rest and length-of-assignment memo (Feb 6, 2004)
National Wildfire Coordinating Group
2:1 work-to-rest ratio and 14-day assignment rules; notes pilots follow agency flight-duty limits instead. Read in research for Track 3.9.
Used in tracks 3.9
- Reset: Firefighter and Family Members' Reintegration Guide
NWCG Mental Health Subcommittee (referenced via NWCG Mental Health page)
Reintegration guide referenced by the NWCG Mental Health page; the course cites it only as referenced there. No separate public URL was confirmed - start from the NWCG Mental Health page.
Used in tracks 3.5
- S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior (NWCG course page; Online 2023-01 / ILT 2020-02)
National Wildfire Coordinating Group
The entry-level fire behavior course whose structure Track 1.5 follows.
Used in tracks 1.5
- Becker Avionics product line
Becker Avionics
Manufacturer of VHF transceivers mentioned in the radio hardware survey.
Used in tracks 4.1
- Canyon AeroConnect RT-5000 product page
Canyon AeroConnect
Multi-band AM/FM tactical radio with guard.
Used in tracks 4.1
- Canyon AeroConnect RT-5000 UHF datasheet
Canyon AeroConnect
RT-5000 band and preset specifications.
Used in tracks 4.1
- FCC Narrowbanding Overview
Federal Communications Commission
Non-federal Part 90 narrowbanding deadline (Jan 1, 2013).
Used in tracks 4.1
- FS/OAS A-19 Rev F, Aeronautical P25 Digital VHF-FM Radio Transceivers (Aug 12, 2022)
USFS / DOI OAS
The interagency radio specification for aircraft FM radios (P25, guard receiver, narrowband).
Used in tracks 4.1
- Great Basin Coordination Center aircraft page ('Frequencies 2026' menu)
Great Basin Coordination Center (NIFC)
Where the current Great Basin frequency guide, orientation guide and IA frequency zones are posted.
Used in tracks 4.1
- NAT (Northern Airborne Technology) NPX138 SM41 manual, Rev 4.00 (Nov 10, 2003)
Northern Airborne Technology (hosted by thecontrols.ca)
Legacy VHF-FM radio manual.
Used in tracks 4.1
- National Aviation Frequency Guide (2015 edition, GBCC copy)
NIFC NIICD via Great Basin Coordination Center
Older public edition of the aviation frequency guide.
Used in tracks 4.1
- National IA Frequency Zones (Federal) dataset - NIFC Open Data
NIFC / ArcGIS Open Data
GIS layer of initial-attack frequency zones.
Used in tracks 4.1
- National Interagency Aviation Frequency Guide (March 2022 edition, CUI; 2015 edition)
NIFC NIICD
The aviation frequency guide; introduction quoted, edition posted by RMCC (2022) and GBCC (2015).
Used in tracks 4.1
- NIICD approved radios memo (Mar 6, 2026)
NIFC NIICD
List of NIICD-approved radios.
Used in tracks 4.1
- NIICD memorandum to GBCC on air-to-air frequencies (Apr 13, 2016)
NIFC NIICD
FAA-provided VHF-AM air-to-air assignments by IA zone, valid Apr 1-Nov 1 to 5,000 ft AGL.
Used in tracks 4.1
- NIICD User's Guide 2025 (National Interagency Incident Communications Division)
NIFC NIICD
Air-to-air AM 'Victor', air-to-ground AM/FM altitude, power and range limits.
Used in tracks 4.1
- NIRSC User's Guide 2024 (National Incident Radio Support Cache)
NIFC NIICD
Frequency assignments, air-to-air/air-to-ground rules (pp.9-10, 19).
Used in tracks 4.1
- NTIA Land Mobile Spectrum Planning Options, Chapter 1 - Introduction
National Telecommunications and Information Administration
Federal narrowbanding dates (162-174 MHz by 2005; 406.1-420 MHz by 2008).
Used in tracks 4.1
- Technisonic TDFM-136B Operating Instructions, 08RE399 Rev A (Feb 14, 2013)
Technisonic Industries Ltd.
Band, memories, guard receiver and channel-spacing details for the common SEAT FM radio.
Used in tracks 4.1
- Technisonic TDFM-9000 Operating Instructions, 11RE441 Rev A (Aug 2013)
Technisonic Industries Ltd.
Multi-band P25 radio operating manual.
Used in tracks 4.1
- Technisonic TDFM-9000 product page
Technisonic Industries Ltd.
Manufacturer description of the TDFM-9000 series.
Used in tracks 4.1
- Technisonic TDFM-9100 Operating Instructions, 13RE482 (Nov 2014)
Technisonic Industries Ltd. (hosted by Dallas Avionics)
TDFM-9100 manual (1-2 RF modules).
Used in tracks 4.1
- Vertical Magazine, 'Mission-critical communications: the lowdown on airborne tactical radios' (Lisa Gordon, Sept 3, 2021)
Vertical Magazine
Industry overview of airborne tactical radios (Canyon, Technisonic).
Used in tracks 4.1
- Wildland Fire Application Information Portal - Data Management: National Boundary Datasets
wildfire.gov
Update schedule (Jan 15 / Apr 15 / Oct 15) for national boundary datasets including IA frequency zones.
Used in tracks 4.1
- 2024 On Call/Combined SEAT Services Contract (.docx)
DOI / BLM (via NIFC BLM SEAT page)
The current combined on-call SEAT contract (Section B10 pilot qualifications, B11 duty, B13, Inspection/Acceptance addendum, Exhibits 5 and 7). Posted as a Word file on the BLM SEAT page.
Used in tracks 1.6, 1.7
- 2025 BLM Nationally Funded SEATs SOP (dated May 1, 2024)
Bureau of Land Management
How nationally funded SEATs are ordered and moved (75/90-day task orders under the on-call parent contract).
Used in tracks 1.9, 1.10, 1.11, 3.5
- 351 DM 3 - Departmental Manual, Aviation Management: Special Use Activities (July 27, 2011)
U.S. Department of the Interior
Sets DOI low-level special-use pilot minimums (e.g., 1,500 hrs PIC for vendor pilots, low-level experience or instruction plus flight check).
Used in tracks 1.8
- A History of the USDA Forest Service Aviation Program (section 1.4, Significant Events by Decade)
USDA Forest Service
Agency history used for the airtanker timeline in Track 1.1.
Used in tracks 1.1
- Beyond the Fireline: Strengthening the Mind to Protect the Mission (Angela Gemza, DOI, Jul 28, 2025)
U.S. Department of the Interior, Office of Wildland Fire
Describes the Wildland Fire Therapy Service available to federal wildland fire personnel.
Used in tracks 3.5
- BLM Single Engine Airtanker (SEAT) Program page
Bureau of Land Management / NIFC
Hub page for the national SEAT program: contracts, forms, briefings, task-order numbers; notes PMS 506 was consolidated into PMS 508.
Used in tracks 1.3, 1.8, 1.9, 1.11
- Blue Ribbon Panel Report: Federal Aerial Firefighting - Assessing Safety and Effectiveness (December 2002)
USDA Forest Service / DOI Blue Ribbon Panel
Post-2002 crash review that reshaped the airtanker program ('136 large air tanker crew members have died since 1958').
Used in tracks 1.1, 2.8
- DOI FY2024 Aviation Safety Summary and Annual Report (May 2025)
DOI Office of Aviation Services
SAFECOM statistics (1,214 all-agency, 443 DOI), accidents and fatalities for FY2024.
Used in tracks 2.8
- DOI OAS Operational Procedures Memoranda Index
DOI Office of Aviation Services
Index page for all current OPMs - use it to find the latest OPM-29.
Used in tracks 1.7
- DOI OAS Operational Procedures Memorandum OPM-29, Special Use Activities for Crewed Aircraft (effective Jan 1, 2025; 2026 edition cited)
DOI Office of Aviation Services
Defines special-use missions, pilot approval/waivers (Sec. 5.C), airtanker requirements (Sec. 23). The 2025 PDF is public; the course also cites the Jan 1, 2026 edition - check the OPM index for the latest.
Used in tracks 1.7, 1.8, 3.8
- DOI On-Call SEAT Sample Contract (wheeled)
DOI Interior Business Center, Acquisition Services Directorate
Sample wheeled-SEAT contract (truncated online): pilot minimums, PPE clauses B24.x, radio clauses B7.x.
Used in tracks 1.8, 1.9, 3.7, 4.1
- DOI SEATs Flight Time FAQ
BLM National SEAT Program (NIFC)
Program-manager FAQ on how flight time is counted and billed under DOI SEAT contracts.
Used in tracks 1.6
- DOI/BLM On-Call Amphibious Scooping SEAT (Fire Boss) Flight Services Contract 140D8021D0009 (2021)
DOI Interior Business Center / BLM
The Fire Boss contract text: pilot minimums (B10), training (B10.4), duty (B11.1.1), days off/availability (B17, B18.1), PPE (B22), radios (B7.3). Quoted throughout Tracks 1.6-1.9, 3.5, 3.7, 3.8, 4.1.
Used in tracks 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 3.5, 3.7, 3.8, 4.1
- DOI/USFS Aviation Helmet Standard, Revision 4.3 (Nov 12, 2019)
DOI OAS / USFS
Performance and certification requirements for civil aviation helmets; Type I/II provisions.
Used in tracks 3.6, 3.7, 3.8
- Forest Service Standards for Airtanker Operations (2026 edition; 2023 and 2025 editions also cited)
USDA Forest Service, Fire & Aviation Management
USFS-specific airtanker standards: airtanker types/Table 1, pilot qualifications (§1.1), duty limits (§10.0), VLAT bases. The 2026 edition is at the standing URL; the 2025 edition is linked separately by the FS.
Used in tracks 1.1, 1.8, 1.9, 1.11, 3.5, 3.8
- Forest Service Standards for Airtanker Operations - 2025 edition
USDA Forest Service
2025 edition (Table 1, sections 1.1, 2.1, 7.3, 7.8, 7.9, Chapters 13-14) quoted in Track 1.1.
Used in tracks 1.1
- GAO decision B-415732 et al. (March 6, 2018) - SEAT task order protest
U.S. Government Accountability Office
Sustained protest of a BLM task-order request for 40+ fixed-period SEAT task orders; explains exclusive-use versus on-call contracting.
Used in tracks 1.9
- GAO-13-684, Wildland Fire Management: Improvements Needed in Information, Collaboration, and Planning to Enhance Federal Fire Aviation Program Success (Aug 20, 2013)
U.S. Government Accountability Office
GAO review of the federal fire aviation program used in the airtanker history lesson.
Used in tracks 1.1
- Interagency Aviation Accident Prevention Bulletin IAAPB 18-03 (Apr 20, 2018) - aviation helmet standard
DOI OAS / USFS
Explains why DOI/USFS wrote their own civil helmet standard and the certification deadline for helmets approved under the 2008 handbook.
Used in tracks 3.8
- Interagency Aviation Information Bulletin IA IB 18-07 (Jun 22, 2018) - Frequency Management: National Flight Following and National Guard frequencies
DOI OAS / USFS
Explains use of National Flight Following and Air Guard frequencies.
Used in tracks 4.1
- Interagency Aviation Information Bulletin IA IB 22-04 - Clarification of the NWCG Fire Traffic Area Diagram and FAA TFRs
DOI OAS / USFS
Clarifies FTA dimensions versus TFR boundaries.
Used in tracks 2.6, 4.1
- Interagency Aviation Information Bulletin IA IB 25-01 (Feb 10, 2025) - Single-Engine Scooper Numbering and Identification Change
DOI OAS / USFS
Bulletin on scooper numbering/identification changes cited in Track 1.1.
Used in tracks 1.1
- Interagency Aviation Life Support Equipment (ALSE) Handbook/Guide v3.0 (March 2021)
DOI OAS / USFS
PPE rules: who must wear helmets/FR clothing (Ch.2.1.B), helmet care (2.2), clothing, gloves, boots, undergarments (2.3.A-H), hearing protection (85 dB). Basis of Tracks 3.6, 3.7, 3.8.
Used in tracks 2.1, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8
- Interagency Aviation Tech Bulletin IA TB 24-03 (July 16, 2024)
DOI OAS / USFS
Tech bulletin on SEAT/scooper equipment cited in the Fire Boss base-ops lesson.
Used in tracks 1.3
- Interagency Aviation Training (IAT) website
DOI OAS / USFS
Portal for interagency aviation computer-based training courses required by SEAT contracts (B10.4).
Used in tracks 1.8
- Interagency Standards for Fire and Fire Aviation Operations (Red Book), May 2026 with Errata 1
NIFC (BLM, NPS, FWS, BIA, USFS)
The interagency 'Red Book'; Chapter 16 Aviation Operations sets pilot duty limits, PPE, flight following (AFF preferred), CWN ordering. Current edition is on the NIFC Red Book page.
Used in tracks 1.5, 1.6, 1.7
- Montana DNRC IFB 2020-1050 - Fire SEAT services invitation for bid
Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation
State SEAT contract with call-when-needed definitions and sections 3.1.5-3.1.6 on availability.
Used in tracks 1.9, 3.5
- National Advanced Fire and Resource Institute (NAFRI) course catalog
NAFRI (USFS/DOI)
Where NAFA / NAFA 2 and other aviation courses are scheduled.
Used in tracks 1.7, 1.8
- NIFC Tactical Aircraft page (and NIFC 'Airtankers' page)
National Interagency Fire Center
NIFC descriptions of airtankers, SEATs, scoopers and lead planes.
Used in tracks 1.1
- NPS Reference Manual RM-60 Aviation Management, Chapter 7: Personal Protective Equipment / ALSE (Sept 2024)
National Park Service
NPS PPE chapter used for cross-agency comparison of helmet and clothing rules.
Used in tracks 3.7, 3.8
- OAS AOM Form Library
DOI Office of Aviation Services
Library of OAS forms (pilot qualification card applications, evaluations) referenced in carding prep.
Used in tracks 1.7
- OAS Aviation Helmet Standards page (DOI compliant-helmet table)
DOI Office of Aviation Services
The authoritative list of helmets certified to the DOI/USFS standard; the course tells pilots this page, not the lesson, is the authority.
Used in tracks 3.6, 3.8
- Red Book Chapter 16 - Aviation Operations (January 2023 edition)
NIFC
The 2023 Chapter 16 PDF quoted for duty limits (pp.338-341), PPE (p.336) and CWN/exclusive-use language (p.351).
Used in tracks 1.9, 2.6, 3.5, 3.7, 3.8, 4.1
- Single Engine Airtanker/Scooper Fire Mission Evaluation Request Form (Level 1 upgrade)
BLM National SEAT Program
The form used to request a mission evaluation for upgrade from Level 2 to Level 1 SEAT pilot.
Used in tracks 1.8
- USDA Forest Service 'Planes' page (last modified Feb 4, 2025)
USDA Forest Service
FS overview of fixed-wing fire aircraft types. Specific page URL not re-confirmed; start from the FS aviation section.
Used in tracks 1.1
- USDA Forest Service Aerial Firefighting Use and Effectiveness (AFUE) study page
USDA Forest Service
AFUE program page cited for effectiveness data. Specific URL not re-confirmed.
Used in tracks 1.1
- USDA Forest Service aviation history timeline page
USDA Forest Service
Web timeline of FS aviation milestones cited in Track 1.1. Specific URL not re-confirmed.
Used in tracks 1.1
- USDA Forest Service FY2016 Aviation Safety Summary
USDA Forest Service
FY2016 SAFECOM and accident summary used alongside FY2017.
Used in tracks 2.8
- USDA Forest Service FY2017 Aviation Safety Summary
USDA Forest Service
FS SAFECOM breakdown by category and aircraft type (airtanker 47, SEAT 10) for FY2017.
Used in tracks 2.8
- USDA press release, June 13, 2012: Forest Service announces award of large air tanker agreements
USDA
Announcement of next-generation airtanker awards used in the history lesson.
Used in tracks 1.1
- USFS Wildland Fire Chemical Systems (WFCS) - Wildland Fire Chemicals and Aerial Delivery Systems general information
USDA Forest Service, National Technology & Development Program
Retardant, foam and water-enhancer basics and the qualified products program.
Used in tracks 1.5
Links checked September 2026. Agencies move documents; if a link is dead, search the document title on the publisher’s site or send a note through the feedback link on the course.