The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Branch of Aviation Management is responsible for the safety and oversight of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s fleet of planes and pilots.

What We Do

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Our Services

We implement U.S. Department of Interior and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) aviation policy and lead the USFWS ability to manage the nation’s trust resources from the sky. Our responsibility includes the safety and training oversight of the USFWS fleet of aircraft and pilots, as well as our fleet of unmanned aircraft systems and remote pilots. From wildlife surveys and habitat monitoring to law enforcement surveillance and fire management, we have been expanding to cover a broad spectrum of conservation work across the continent through the Migratory Birds Program, National Wildlife Refuges, Office of Law Enforcement and other agencies.

Our Laws and Regulations

The USFWS Aviation Program is regulated by a layer of laws and policies that start with Title 14 (Aeronautics and Space) of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). These are the policies developed and administered by the Federal Aviation Administration and apply to all aviation in the U.S. The Department of Interior has its own aviation policies, administered by the Office of Aviation Services, that apply to any aviation assets utilized in the furtherance of the Interior’s mission. These include Departmental Manuals, Operational Procedures Memoranda, Memorandums of Understanding, handbooks, guides, standards, and booklets. Finally, USFWS has its own polices, administered by the Branch of Aviation Management, that applies specifically to USFWS and are outlined in the Service Manual and the National Aviation Management Plan.

14 CFR - Federal Aviation Regulations

DOI Office of Aviation Services Document Library

USFWS Service Manual – Part 330 (Aviation Management Program)

National Aviation Management Plan

Latest Stories and Topics

Stories
Kara Hilwig standing next to a single engine bush plane on a dirt airstrip.
Our People
My Life, Wildlife: Kara Hilwig
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Pilot/Biologist Kara Hilwig tells us about her time flying for National Wildlife Refuges in Alaska and the great experiences she gets to live through in her day-to-day job.
2 people strapped into pvc/harness cage; both wear helmets
The Dunker: Critical Aviation Lifesaving Training
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service flies in small planes over land and often over water for work. Recently, Director Martha Williams took the Water Ditching and Survival (aka “dunker”) training at Chinquapin Park Recreation Center and Aquatics Facility in Alexandria, Virginia, with Noah Matson,...
Migratory Bird Program Daher Kodiak survey plane in front of the International Federal Pavilion at EAA AirVenture convention
Our People
USFWS at EAA AirVenture
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Branch of Aviation Management showcased the captivating field of aviation and conservation at the world's largest aviation celebration. The Service’s booth stood out in the International Federal Pavilion by educating and inspiring the public about the essential...
aerial view of wetlands and snow on the landscape
Migratory Species
2023 WBPHS Field Report - Alaska and Yukon Territory
Counting birds from an airplane requires a strong stomach, steady inner ear, the ability to spend hours inside a metal tube with a droning engine – and most important of all, a love for what you do. It is equal parts exhausting and exhilarating!
Aerial view of wetlands
Migratory Species
2023 WBPHS Field Report – The Dakotas
I have never seen the pothole region look better or more impressive than what we observed this year. I believe the stage is set for some very good duck production out of the Dakotas in 2023.
four people standing in front of a truck
Migratory Species
2023 WBPHS Field Report - Eastern Dakotas
Five eggs nestled in a shallow depression, softened by a bed of grass and down feathers, reflected sunlight up at the four of us. We, by chance, had just flushed a hen Northern pintail a mere foot from the truck.
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