The purpose of this course is to provide the aviation user with a foundation of knowledge, skills, and abilities, to safely utilize aircraft to accomplish agency missions. Topics include Mission Preparation and Planning, Pilot and Aircraft Briefings, Operational Safety, Post-Flight Duties, and UAS. 

Note: A-100 now Incorporates A-116 General Awareness Security Training, which is no longer a separate course.

The purpose of this course is to provide the aviation user with a foundation of knowledge, skills, and abilities, to safely utilize aircraft to accomplish agency missions. Topics include Mission Preparation and Planning, Pilot and Aircraft Briefings, Operational Safety, Post-Flight Duties, and UAS. 

Note: A-100 now Incorporates A-116 General Awareness Security Training, which is no longer a separate course.

This course was specifically designed for US Department of Agriculture's Forest Service (USDA-FS) employees that utilize aircraft in the Alaska Region (Region 10) of the USDA-FS.

This course will give students an understanding of the National Airspace System (NAS), FAA Notices to Airmen (NOTAM) System, and Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) that contribute to the flow of all air traffic safely to prevent mid-air collisions.

This course provides a basic understanding on the operation of aircraft radios, including:

• VHF-AM
• Multi-channel Radios
• Agency required Radios

Also covers:

• Communications Requirements
• Radio Tones and their use
• Communications Systems within aircraft

And includes:

• Use of Air Guard
• Frequency Management
• Radio Discipline

The Aviation Transportation of Hazardous Materials course purpose is to ensure flight safety when transporting hazardous materials (HAZMAT). This includes HAZMAT aboard, attached to, or suspended from government aircraft, under the exclusive direction and operational control of the Department of the Interior (DOI), the US Department of Agriculture's Forest Service (USDA-FS), or other Grantees with a written Grantee Status.

This training complies with the US Department of Transportation (DOT) Regulations General Requirements, whereby agency employees who transport hazardous materials by air must receive training on the requirements and conditions under the terms of the DOT Special Permit-9198.

Topics may include:

• Handling Procedures
• Policy Requirements
• Mishap Notification
• Packaging
• Identifying Hazardous Materials
• Safety Requirements

This course covers the basic duties and responsibilities required when ordering and coordinating flights.

Topics include:

• How to Plan for a Flight
• Information Required to Order a Flight
• Flight Manager Responsibilities
• Flight Following Requirements
• Pilot Flight and Duty Limitations
• Pilot and Aircraft Approval

This course provides an annual overview of the National Transportation Safety Board releasable information from the DOI and USDA-FS aviation mishaps and lessons learned. Instructors authorized to teach this course are required to coordinate with the appropriate agency DOI OAS Chief, Aviation Safety, Training, Program Evaluations & Quality Management, or USDA-FS Regional Aviation Safety Manager (RASM).

For additional USDA-FS information, contact the USDA-FS National Aviation Training Program Manager.

Interagency Aviation Trainer (IAT) qualification. This 32-hour course is designed to provide training to select employees with aviation and training backgrounds to qualify them as Interagency Aviation Trainers (IATs). Course emphasis is on increasing program knowledge and enhancing presentation skills.

This is the fundamental small UAS course for individuals wanting to become qualified to operate small UAS for the Department of the Interior (DOI)/US Department of Agriculture's Forest Service (USDA-FS). A-450 will utilize small UAS aircraft (less than 55lbs) to provide the basic academic and flight training necessary to conduct missions as Remote Pilot-in-Command (RPIC) for DOI/FS.

Candidates must be nominated by National UAS Program Managers or designee.

Students should meet the prerequisite requirements prior to attending A-450. Some required IAT courses may not be available prior to A-450 training selection, but UAS pilots must complete all IAT training requirements within 6 months of A-450 selection.

Note: For further information, contact your DOI National Aviation Manager or USFS Regional UAS Specialist for guidance regarding how to begin a UAS program.

Completion of this self certification course enrolls you in the Aircrew Member certificate program. The certificate program contains all the courses necessary to become qualified as an Aircrew Member and tracks currency. Enrollment is used for IAT qualifications. 

All External Course Equivalency submissions will be validated by an Agency UATA and/or IAT Administrative Staff prior to being included in a student's transcript. Do not proceed unless you have a PDF file ready to be uploaded for review as evidence of your external course completion.