For Immediate Release: NEWS RELEASE July 2, 2001

Region 5’s Aviation FAST TRACK Takes Off!
U.S. Forest Service has early success with accelerated development program

MATHER, CA – Dennis Hulbert, U.S. Forest Service Regional Aviation Officer for Region 5 realized the shortage, not only in his Region but nationwide, of qualified Air Operations Branch Directors, Air Support Group Supervisors, and Helicopter Managers. This shortage has been caused by the many recent retirements of those qualified in the positions and the inability of the current training & qualifications system to keep up. So late last Fall Dennis began planning a program to help alleviate this dire situation. This program is called "R-5 Aviation FAST TRACK"

(photo) FAST TRACK Team on the Jones Incident - 5/01 

The FAST TRACK Program provides the required training courses for each position in a reduced span of time. For example, a trainee who previously may have attended only one course per year now receives 4-5 courses in the same year. The follow-up Trainee assignments necessary for qualification in each position are also accelerated. The FAST TRACK trainees, in pre-organized Teams of 5-6, will be dispatched to any Type II or larger incident in the Region. Thus offering them more opportunity to complete Task Book items and reach qualification sooner. While the timeframes are accelerated the standards of the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) Wildland Qualifications Guide 310-1 and the Forest Service Fire & Aviation Management Qualifications Handbook FSH 5109.17 will not be compromised.

(photo) FAST TRACK training at Vandenberg Center 

The FAST TRACK Program got underway in April of this year. Twenty-six trainees were chosen from a formal application process after a Region-wide outreach. They all entered the program at different levels based on their current training and qualifications. Four weeks of intense training took place at the Vandenberg Interagency Training Center. Five courses were taught, Helicopter Crewmember, Helicopter Manager, Helibase Manager, Air Support Group Supervisor, and Fixed Wing Base Manager. Next year’s training will be Aviation Conference & Education (ACE), Air Tactical Group Supervisor, and the final target position of Air Operations Branch Director (AOBD).

The Region has designated five FAST TRACK Training Coordinators (FTTC) for the purpose of maintaining the quality, integrity, and consistency of the program as well as providing Regional oversight, guidance, and direction. The FTTC’s are responsible for the mobilization and management of the FAST TRACK Teams. Accompanying Teams to the Incident they maintain liaison with the Area Coordination Center, Forest Aviation Officer, Incident Commander (IC), AOBD, and Incident Training Specialist. FTTC’s "mentor" the training process of each individual Team member, and insure proper documentation of training & qualifications achieved.

(photo) FTTC works with Team member & Training Specialist

FAST TRACK Teams have been mobilized to three Incidents as of this date. Twenty-two team members have received training assignments ranging from Helicopter Crewmember to Air Support Group Supervisor. Over ninety line items were signed off in Task Books. Five team members were qualified to their next level. The FAST TRACK Team also assisted all three Incidents by providing qualified members to fill critical positions that the Incidents were unable to fill.

(photo) FAST TRACK Team on the Jones Incident - 5/01

The FAST TRACK Program provides the required training courses for each position in a reduced span of time. For example, a trainee who previously may have attended only one course per year now receives 4-5 courses in the same year. The follow-up Trainee assignments necessary for qualification in each position are also accelerated. The FAST TRACK trainees, in pre-organized Teams of 5-6, will be dispatched to any Type II or larger incident in the Region. Thus offering them more opportunity to complete Task Book items and reach qualification sooner. While the timeframes are accelerated the standards of the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) Wildland Qualifications Guide 310-1 and the Forest Service Fire & Aviation Management Qualifications Handbook FSH 5109.17 will not be compromised.

(photo) FAST TRACK training at Vandenberg Center 

(photo) FTTC works with Team member & Training Specialist

FAST TRACK Teams have been mobilized to three Incidents as of this date. Twenty-two team members have received training assignments ranging from Helicopter Crewmember to Air Support Group Supervisor. Over ninety line items were signed off in Task Books. Five team members were qualified to their next level. The FAST TRACK Team also assisted all three Incidents by providing qualified members to fill critical positions that the Incidents were unable to fill.

Overall the feedback from Coordinators, Dispatchers, Forest Aviation Officers, Incident Commanders, Training Specialists, and Air Operations personnel at all levels has been very positive toward the FAST TRACK Team members and the program itself. Dennis Hulbert and the Regional Fire Staff truly believe that the FAST TRACK Program will begin putting fully qualified Air Operations Branch Directors into the National System by the end of next fire season.

For additional information on the Region 5 Aviation FAST TRACK Program contact Dennis Hulbert Regional Aviation Officer at 916-364-2833 or e-mail at dhulbert@fs.fed.us