Basic Air Operations FT 113B
Spring Semester 2008
Great Basin College
Clint Mothershead and Alec Goicoechea
Elko BLM Fire and Aviation
775-748-4052
775-934-1127(Clint cell)
775-340-0719(Alec cell)
Email: clint_mothershead@nv.blm.gov
alec_goicoechea@nv.blm.gov
Office Hours: by Appointment
Any students needing accommodations should inform the instructor.
GBC supports providing equal access for students with disabilities. An advisor is
available to discuss appropriate accommodations with students. Please contact the
ADA Officer (Julie Byrnes) in Elko at 775.753.2271 at your earliest convenience to
request timely and appropriate accommodations.
GBC Web Site: http://www.gbcnv.edu/
Weekly Topics & Assignments
Date
2/13
2/18
2/20
2/25
2/27
3/3
3/5
Topics & Assignments
Introductions, Syllabus, Course and Student Expectations
No Class-Holiday
Unit 1 Aircraft types and Capabilities
Field Exercise
Unit 2 Aviation Management and Safety
Unit 3 Aircraft Missions
Unit 4 Helicopter Take-Off and Landing Areas and Final Exam
1
Course Description:
Air Base Operations is designed to meet training requirements in the
command, operations and planning sections of the Incident Command system (ICS).
The student is introduced to a survey of aircrafts and theirs uses in wildland fire
suppression activities with an emphasis in hazard recognition while working around
aircraft. Meets or exceeds (NWCG S-270). [New course, not yet approved by NSHE]
Student Outcomes:
Upon completion the successful student will be able to describe safety
procedures to be followed while flying in or working with agency aircraft, safety
procedures for ground personnel during water/retardant drops and safety
requirements for locating/constructing helispots. The successful student will also be
able to describe the ICS (incident command system) criteria for typing of aircraft,
procedures for pilot/aircraft certification, reporting of aviation mishaps, flight
planning, flight following, loading cargo, transporting passengers, and emergency
landings. The successful student will be able to describe how density altitude,
ground effect and translational lift affect aircraft performance during tactical/logistical
missions.
Text & Materials:
Basic Air Operations S-270 (NFES 2034)
Grading:
Categories
Class participation, class
exercises and quizzes
Final Examination
Percentage
50%
50%
Quizzes & Test:
Quizzes may be unannounced, but tests will be announced at least one
class period before they are given.
Class Participation:
Class participation is greatly encouraged. The student will be graded on
class participation throughout the semester.
Attendance Policy:
You are expected to attend all class meetings. Exceptions may be
discussed with the instructor with suitable make-up activities agreed upon. The
instructor assumes no responsibility for making sure you receive any course material
for which you were absent.
2
Keeping up with the Class:
Students who are having difficulty should notify the instructor as soon as
possible.
The Instructors:
Alec Goicoechea
Elko Helitack Squad Leader
Education:
I graduated High school in 1999 from Elko High. Then I attended Truckee
Meadows C.C. where I graduated in 2005 with a Associates Degree in Fire
Science Wildland Emphasis.
Fire Experience:
My first summer of fire was 1999, I worked for the Bureau Of Indian Affairs
Type 2 Handcrew and I also worked for Ruby Mountain Fire Service which was a
contract engine crew. In the summer of 2000, I accepted a seasonal job to work
on a Bureau of Land Management(BLM) Engine crew located in Elko,NV. In
2001, I accepted a seasonal job to work on the BLM Ruby Mountain Hotshot crew
located also in Elko. In 2002, I then accepted a seasonal job on the Elko BLM
Helitack crew. In 2003 and 2004 I continued to work as a seasonal on the Elko
Helitack crew. In 2005, I applied for and accepted a Career Seasonal position as
a Senior Firefighter for Elko Helitack. In 2006, I applied for and accepted a Career
Seasonal position as a Squad Leader for Elko Helitack. At this present time I am
still a Squad Leader at Elko Helitack where I am enjoying all aspects of the fire
aviation world.
Clint Mothershead
BLM Aviation Dispatcher
Education:
Graduated with honors from Elko High School in 1995. Attended Shasta
Junior College in Redding, CA for 1 year. Attended GBC for 1 semester in 1996.
Have taken numerous wildland fire courses over my 10 year career.
Fire Experience:
My first season as an wildland firefighter was in 1998. I was stationed in
Carlin, NV for the BLM and served as an engine crewmember. In 1999, still in
Carlin I acted as an Engine Operator on a Type 4 heavy engine. During the
summer of 2000, I worked for Elko Helitack as an Helicopter Crewmember. In
2001 I accepted a career seasonal Engine Boss position, back in Carlin. I filled
that role until early 2006 when I began working in Elko Interagency Dispatch
Center. I worked the Initial attack desk in 2006 and in 2007 I was the aviation
dispatcher. I also was an instructor @ the Nevada wildland fire rookie school in
2002, 2003, and 2004.
3