Classroom dress is casual, but respectful and uniforms are okay as well. Please bring a laptop computer to class with you each day. Student materials are on flash-drives
Course Description
This course covers aircraft types and capabilities, aviation management and safety for flying in and working with agency aircraft, tactical and logistical use of aircraft, and requirements for helicopter take-off and landing areas.
Retired Battalion Chief Jeff Brand will be your instructor. Chief Brand is a qualified type I (IC, Ops, Safety, Division/Group Supervisor, “Air Attack Officer”). He was the lead investigator of the Esperanza Fatality Fire. If you haven’t attended a class with Chief Brand you don’t know what you’re missing!
Chief Brand’s classes are NOT “pay the fee and get a C”! If you just want a certificate then this class is NOT for you. However, if you are really looking forward to learn what you need to know and say to an air-attack / helicopter coordinator during fix-wing and helicopter operations, then this class is for you.
You need to take this class from an instructor who is a QUALIFIED AIR ATTACK OFFICER, not from an instructor who’s department has one helicopter. Too many other inexperienced instructors do not have Chief Brand’s level of experience with wildfire aircraft (fix-wing, helicopters and helibase).