Helicopter Crewmember Program

The program is a two-year commitment for participants. They must be willing to attend two-week training sessions each year as well as being available for fire assignments. These assignments may be in Alaska and or Lower 48 fires.

The Program

This training opportunity is a two year program that takes entry level EFF firefighters and gives them education, training, and experience to obtain the qualification of Helicopter Crewmember (HECM), with the possibility of other qualifications such as Aircraft Base Radio Operator (ABRO), Take Off and Landing Coordinator (TOLC) and Deck Coordinator (DECK). After the two year training program, if the individuals want to continue their aviation career, they may do so through their respective Fire Management Zones.

The Training

The first year of the program, individuals will attend a two week training session. The first week will include the NWCG approved Basic Helicopter Crewmember class (S-271), and additional fire training courses. The second week will consist of hands on training and field experience in aviation operations. The second year of the training program would be another two week training session, with the first week including various fire training courses designed to give more knowledge to the students in fire and the second week includes more field exercises and simulations which expand the knowledge and skills gained from the previous summer. The final fundamental training emphasis will be a daily physical training (PT) program.

The Experience

During the two years that the individuals are enrolled, they will need to be available for fire assignments in order to obtain the experience necessary to complete the Position Task Book for HECM.

The Contacts

To be considered for the program contact the BLM/AFS Zone representative for the village you live in.