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Fixed Wing Parking Tender Incident Position Description

FWPT Incident Position Description

The Fixed Wing Parking Tender (FWPT) facilitates movement of aircraft, vehicles, and equipment in assigned areas and reports to the Ramp Manager (RAMP). The FWPT works in the Air Operations functional area.

Leadership Level 1, Follower (Provide Action)

  • For additional information review Level 1 description, expected behaviors and knowledge, suggested development goals, and self-study opportunities.

Prepare and Mobilize

  • Ensure individual readiness.
  • Gather critical information pertinent to the assignment.
  • Travel to and check in at assignment.
  • Review Base Operations Plan and obtain initial briefing from supervisor.

Supervise and Direct Work Assignments

  • Establish and communicate objectives, priorities, work assignments, and performance expectations.
  • Identify, analyze, and use relevant situational information to make more informed decisions and take appropriate actions.
  • Adjust actions based on changing information and evolving situation awareness. Develop and implement contingency plans. Communicate changing conditions to assigned resources and supervisor.
  • Ensure daily operational objectives and performance standards are met.

Perform Fixed Wing Parking Tender-Specific Duties

  • Coordinate with supervisor and aircrew regarding aircraft ramp movement and assigned area.
  • Direct aircraft movement and communicate effectively with air crews and ramp personnel using the standard hand signals.
  • Act as a wing walker anytime the aircraft is being taxied or parked within 30 feet of an obstacle, or as requested by the Airtanker Base Manager (ATBM), RAMP, or aircrew.
  • Establish and maintain radio contact with aircraft, Aircraft Timekeeper (ATIM), and ramp personnel during ramp operations.
  • Keep assigned area clean and clear of foreign objects and debris (FOD).
  • Allow only essential personnel and vehicles on the ramp during operations.
  • Clear the aircraft for movement (i.e., chocks removed, hoses detached, doors and latches closed, etc.).
  • Maintain constant visual of the pilot in the cockpit to ensure unimpeded communication during arrival, hot loading, simultaneous fueling and loading, startup, and departure.
  • Ensure Ground Support Equipment (GSE) is in the designated safe zone and validate that it is properly secured prior to any aircraft movement.
  • Perform FOD walk of ramp area as directed by supervisor.
  • Monitor the safety of all fueling operations.
  • Relay aircrew requests (retardant, fuel, meals, etc.) to the RAMP/supervisor and/or other appropriate personnel.
  • Maintain tools, vehicles, and other equipment used for airtanker base and ramp operations.
  • Stock water and other supplies to maintain efficiency of ramp operations.
  • Visually check the aircraft and notify pilot immediately of any anomalies with the aircraft, such as signs of leaking, smoking, etc.
  • Direct and oversee wildland fire chemical loading.
  • Provide input to a SAFECOM and/or document actions/issues, as directed.
  • Monitor hot loading operation for safety, efficiency, and proper procedures as stated in the hot loading plan and the NWCG Standards for Airtanker Base Operations (SABO), PMS 508.
  • Monitor simultaneous fueling and loading operations for safety, efficiency, and proper procedures as stated in the SABO and GSE simultaneous fueling and loading plan.

Communicate and Coordinate

  • Obtain briefing from assigned supervisor.
  • Follow established processes and chain of command for collecting, producing, and distributing information.
  • Communicate changing conditions to supervisor.
  • Ensure basic understanding of multichannel radio operation.
  • Participate in briefings and After Action Reviews (AAR).

Manage Risk

  • Work within your skill level and limitations.
  • Apply the Risk Management Process as stated in the NWCG Incident Response Pocket Guide (IRPG), PMS 461.
  • Ensure compliance with all safety practices and procedures for self and those around you.
  • Utilize chock blocks, fire extinguishers, and required Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) specific to the base.
  • Utilize the base operations plan to guide decisions and actions.
  • Implement emergency response plan as needed.
  • Notify ATBM of any spills, issues, hazards, or emergencies.

Document

Demobilize

  • Follow demobilization instructions from supervisor.
  • Ensure incident and agency demobilization procedures and work/rest standards are followed.
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NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Chainsaw Operations, PMS 212, and Next Generation Position Task Book for Basic Faller Are Now Available

Date: April 14, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Hazard Tree and Tree Felling Subcommittee

The updated NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Chainsaw Operations, PMS 212, and NWCG Position Task Book for Basic Faller (FAL3), PMS 311-19 are now available.

The NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Chainsaw Operations, PMS 212 includes position standards designed to be used in conjunction with the Next Generation Position Task Book (Next Gen PTB). The Next Gen PTB for Basic Faller (FAL3) includes an evaluation guide with suggested rating elements to consider when assessing trainees.

References:

NWCG Standards For Wildland Fire Chainsaw Operations, PMS 212

NWCG Position Task Book for Basic Faller (FAL3), PMS 311-119

NWCG Basic Faller (FAL3)

RMC Memo 25-01: Summary of Updates to Safety Officer Positions

Date: April 9, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
RMC Member Eric Fransted

The Risk Management Committee (RMC) serves as the position steward for all Safety Officer incident positions and continues to improve position standards, training, and naming conventions. The implementation of Complex Incident Management (CIM) required changes to position titles. RMC collaborated with the NWCG Incident Position Standards Committee (IPSC) to propose and implement these updates. 

References:

RMC Memo 25-01: Summary of Updates to Safety Officer Positions 

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Updated, NWCG Guide to Wildland Fire Origin and Cause Determination, PMS 412

Date: April 8, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Wildland Fire Investigation Subcommittee

PMS 412 provides guidance for wildland fire investigations. This guide outlines recommended procedures, practices, techniques, and methods to promote a systematic approach. The last update to this publication was in 2016.

References:

NWCG Guide to Wildland Fire Origin and Cause Determination PMS 412

Updated NWCG Standards for Airtanker Base Operations, PMS 508

Date: March 31, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Airtanker Base Operations Unit

The updated NWCG Standards for Airtanker Base Operations (SABO), PMS 508 standardizes operations and procedures at interagency airtanker bases to ensure safe, efficient, and effective operations in support of interagency goals and objectives.

References:

NWCG Standards for Airtanker Base Operations, PMS 508