View Position Qualification

2-509-1423

Name

Air Operations Branch Director (NQS)

Status

Published

Version

2.0

Updated

6/14/2021 11:01:12 AM

Original Release

11/07/2019

Last Major Release

06/14/2021

NQS Position

Resource Category

Incident Management

Primary Core Capability

Operational Coordination

Secondary Core Capability

Resource Kind

Personnel

Overall Function

The Air Operations Branch Director helps ensure the safe and efficient use of aviation resources.

Single resource

In conjunction with a NIMS typed team

NIMS Typed Team

Incident Management Team

In conjunction with a NIMS typed unit

NIMS Typed Unit

Description Notes

Not Specified

Supporting Core Capabilities
None

Types
Type 1	The Air Operations Branch Director: 1. Establishes or transitions into a branch under the Operations Section in the Incident Command System (ICS) 2. Supervises and configures the branch with groups as necessary 3. Maintains full operational control over incident-related air and support assets or coordinates the deployment of and support for Air Operations resources 4. Assesses both manned and unmanned air resource needs and ensures the appropriate use of both under Air Operations 5. Maintains accountability for all incident air assets 6. Oversees mobilization and demobilization of air resources 7. Ensures airspace safety and deconfliction by coordinating temporary flight restrictions (TFR) and flight routes 8. Monitors all significant air resource problems and emergencies, and reports them to appropriate personnel 9. Coordinates air resource needs and use with state and federal agency representatives 10. Supports the Operations Section Chief or Incident Commander (IC) based on their requirements related to the Incident Action Plan (IAP)

Type 1

The Air Operations Branch Director: 1. Establishes or transitions into a branch under the Operations Section in the Incident Command System (ICS) 2. Supervises and configures the branch with groups as necessary 3. Maintains full operational control over incident-related air and support assets or coordinates the deployment of and support for Air Operations resources 4. Assesses both manned and unmanned air resource needs and ensures the appropriate use of both under Air Operations 5. Maintains accountability for all incident air assets 6. Oversees mobilization and demobilization of air resources 7. Ensures airspace safety and deconfliction by coordinating temporary flight restrictions (TFR) and flight routes 8. Monitors all significant air resource problems and emergencies, and reports them to appropriate personnel 9. Coordinates air resource needs and use with state and federal agency representatives 10. Supports the Operations Section Chief or Incident Commander (IC) based on their requirements related to the Incident Action Plan (IAP)

Education

Not Specified

Component Types
Type	Criteria
Type 1	Not Specified

Training

The NIMS Training Program defines a national baseline to guide and promote NIMS training. It provides recommendations to assist AHJs in developing their own training plans, tailored to their specific needs.

Type 1

Completion of the following: 1. IS-100: Introduction to the Incident Command System, ICS-100 2. IS-200: Basic Incident Command System for Initial Response, ICS-200 3. ICS-300: Intermediate Incident Command System for Expanding Incidents 4. ICS-400: Advanced Incident Command System for Command and General Staff – Complex Incidents 5. IS-700: National Incident Management System, An Introduction 6. IS-800: National Response Framework, An Introduction 7. E/G/L 0191: Emergency Operations Center/Incident Command System Interface 8. Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)-approved Air Support Group Supervisor course 9. AHJ-approved Introduction to Air Operations course

Experience

Military rating (current or former) as a pilot or navigator may fulfill air tactical or air support experience requirement.

Component Types
Type	Criteria
Type 1	Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 1. Knowledge of air tactical operations Experience: 1. Successful completion of the National Qualification System (NQS) Position Task Book (PTB) for the NIMS Air Operations Branch Director, or equivalent AHJ documentation 2. Experience in an air operations support position

Physical/Medical Fitness

The NIMS Guideline for the NQS defines Physical/Medical Fitness levels for NQS positions.

Component Types
Type	Criteria
Type 1	Light

Currency

1. Military experience may fulfill this currency requirement. 2. A higher position is one for which this position is a prerequisite within the Operations Section.

Component Types
Type	Criteria
Type 1	Functions in this position or a higher position during a qualifying incident, planned event, exercise, drill or simulation at least once every three years

Professional and Technical Licenses and Certifications

Not Specified

Component Types
Type	Criteria
Type 1	Not Specified

Composition and Ordering Specifications
Specification
Discuss logistics for deploying this position, such as working conditions, length of deployment, security, lodging, transportation and meals, prior to deployment.
Requestor specifies any additional qualifications necessary, based on incident complexity and needs.

14251425

Notes

References
Reference
FEMA, NIMS 508: Incident Management Team
FEMA, NIMS 509: Air Support Group Supervisor
FEMA, NIMS 509: Incident Commander
FEMA, NIMS 509: Operations Section Chief
FEMA, National Qualification System (NQS) Position Task Book for Air Operations Branch Director, latest edition adopted
FEMA, National Incident Management System (NIMS), October 2017
FEMA, NIMS Guideline for the NQS, November 2017
FEMA, NIMS Training Program, May 2020
FEMA, National Response Framework, October 2019
National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG), Position Catalog, latest edition published