Skip to main content

PMS 448

Helmet – Flight, SPH-5C, X-Large, w/Bag

NFES #
002315
Category
Aviation
Updated
Storage and Shelf Life Checks
None

Initial Inspection/Disposal Criteria

  1. If helmet carton is unopened inspect carton for signs of crushing, drops or water damage. If carton is damaged, open and inspect helmet following remaining inspection processes.
  2. Visual inspection indicating use or missing parts (screws, visors, worn cords, etc.)
  3. Structural damage (cracked shell, visor housing, booms, etc.)
  4. Structural damage preventing repair and refurbishment (cracked helmet shell, salvage useable part and dispose of helmet shell)
  5. Visual inspection for SPH-4 helmets as flight helmets must meet requirements in Instruction Memo No. 96-2006 which states: SPH-4 Helmet should be converted to SPH-5 Helmets or disposed of.
  6. Return to inventory if helmet has been unused and carton does not show signs of damage.
  7. Send for refurbishment if any item found during inspection such as use or missing parts appear to be repairable
  8. Dispose of helmet if structural integrity is compromised. Salvage usable parts.

A. Cleaning

  • Use general purpose cleaner. (Do not use bleach, paint remover, thinner, or acetone on flight helmet shell. It may cause damage)

B. Repair

All refurbishment will be conducted by certified personnel (trained by NIFC ramp services).

  1. Earphones
  2. Microphone
  3. Cord assembly
  4. Microphone cable assembly
  5. Replace missing or damaged parts
  6. Replace thermoplastic liner (TPL) in SPH-5 TPL
    • Size Regular NFES #003063
    • Size XL- NFES #003064
    • Size Small NFES #003065. Contact address below for further information.

Refurbishment and repair may be performed by the following:

National Interagency Fire Center Ramp Services
3833 S. Development Avenue Boise, ID 83705
Phone: 208–387–5529 Fax: 208–387–5785

C. Testing for Performance

  • Re-test avionics if anything has been repaired or replaced

D. Repackaging

  1. Place flight helmet inside helmet bag
  2. Package 1 each in carton NSN 8115-00-079-8680, (12” x 12” x 12”).

 

NWCG Latest Announcements

NWCG Equipment Technology Committee Releases Safety Warning: 25-001 Non-specification fire shelters

Date: January 15, 2025
Contact: Equipment Technology Committee

The Equipment Technology Committee (ETC) has released Safety Warning: 25-001 Non-specification fire shelters. Non-specification fire shelters claiming to meet Forest Service (FS) fire shelter specification 5100-606 were first found in February of 2023. As of September 2024, non-specification shelters are again being advertised and sold on the open market.

This Safety Warning outlines details and recommended procedures to purchase FS specification shelters made with materials and components that meet performance criteria and toxicity testing requirements outlined in FS Specification 5100-606. 

For additional information on identifying non-specification shelters, please view ETC Safety Warning 23-01.

References:

ETC Safety Warning 25-001: Non-specification fire shelters

NWCG Equipment Technology Committee

ETC Safety Warning 23-01

Paul Gleason Lead by Example Awards

Date: January 14, 2025
Contact: Leadership Committee

The NWCG Leadership Committee has awarded the 2023 Paul Gleason “Lead By Example” awards to individuals in the categories of Initiative and Innovation, Mentoring and Teamwork, and Motivation and Vision, as well as a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Congratulations to the awardees:

  • Sam Bowen, Superintendent of the Mark Twain Veteran Crew with the U.S. Forest Service.
  • Greg Titus, Zone Fire Management Officer for the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
  • Renae Crippen, Manager of the Blue Mountain Interagency Dispatch Center with the U.S. Forest Service.
  • Eric Carlson, Instructor with OMNA International.

References:

Paul Gleason Lead by Example Award

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program

Interview with Paul Gleason

Updated NWCG Standards for Water Scooping Operations, PMS 518

Date: December 19, 2024
Contact: Water Scooper Operations Unit

The NWCG Standards for Water Scooping Operations, PMS 518 establishes the standards for dispatching, utilizing, and coordinating water scooping aircraft on interagency wildland fires. These standards should be used in conjunction with the NWCG Standards for Aerial Supervision (SAS), PMS 505, and any local, state, or geographic/regional water scooping plans.

References:

NWCG Standards for Water Scooping Operations, PMS 518

Updated NWCG Standards for Aerial Supervision, PMS 505

Date: December 19, 2024
Contact: Interagency Aerial Supervision Subcommittee

The Interagency Aerial Supervision Subcommittee has updated the NWCG Standards for Aerial Supervision, PMS 505. PMS 505 establishes standards for aerial supervision operations for national interagency wildland fire operations. 

References:

NWCG Standards for Aerial Supervision, PMS 505