
This page is updated as new information becomes available.
Last Update: 5/16/2022: Updates to NWCG Fire Traffic Area Reference from PMS 505
Are you prepared for the 2022 Season?
Information: Several RPs have reported problems in IQCS with UASP qualifications. Many are missing the triennial RT-373 requirement. Please check the UASP Position Qualification Requirements from the NWCG website for more information. RT-373 is available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal.
Before any flight, have you:
Checked your Pilot Currency? (eg: Part 107, A-452R, RT373; Carded, Proficient, and Current on aircraft and mission profile (ELOS/BVLOS) per Agency/Departmental Policy)
Checked your Aircraft status? (eg: Inspection and 36U)
Confirmed your Authorization? (eg: Approved PASP/MASP, familiar with PMS 515 procedures and policy; notifications made)
Coordinated your Airspace Clearance? (Do you need a NOTAM or SGI? What FAA provisions or agreement are you flying under?)
OPM-11 Guidance for Remote Pilots
DOI OPM-11 remains a core policy for UAS Operations. This policy was updated by OAS on January 1, 2022.
Flight Proficiency and Currency
OAS Proficiency Waiver - Issued on 3/12/2021, outlined instructions for regaining proficiency and currency with allowances for COVID mitigation. This waiver has expired. OPM-11 Section 19 Rules are in effect.
RPs should pay special attention to definitions for flight currency and flight proficiency.
Flight Proficiency: Remote Pilots must demonstrate three takeoffs (launch) and landings (recovery) with the UAS they are approved to operate within the preceding 90 days.
Flight Currency: Remote Pilots are required to fly each of the aircraft for which they are carded at least once every 12 months or the interval specified on their OAS-30U.
Check OPM-11 section 19 for more information.
2021 Agency-FAA Certificates of Authorization
- USFS: 2020-CSA-6198 (Rev 1)
- DOI: 2020-CSA-6708 (Rev 1)
NOTAMs and Airspace
- NWCG Fire Traffic Area Reference and Diagram (Updated 4/2022)
- DoD Aeronautical Information System (Links to AP1A/AP1B on right side menu)
- Flight Services (1800WXBrief)
- SkyVector
Special Government Interest Waivers
SGI waivers are required for UAS operations inside a TFR. Contact the UAS Coordinator for assistance with waiver coordination through the FAA.
- Interagency SGI Instructions (4/12/2022)
- IFUAS SGI Request Template (4/12/2022, MS Word Doc)
- FAA SGI Website
Miscellaneous Information
DOI Multirotor Checklist v190227
BLM NOC UAS Flight Planning Spreadsheet (Gapinski, 4/8/2022)
Western US Standard Air to Ground Frequencies for Air Ambulance/Air MedEvac on Wildland Fire Incidents (NIFC, 4/7/2022)