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PMS 530-1

PMS 530-1

PMS 530-1

NWCG Standards for Aviation Risk Management, PMS 530

NWCG Aviation Risk Management Workbook, PMS 530-1

How to Use Workbook

IMPORTANT: How To Use Workbook

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Fixed Wing Risk Assessments

Helicopter Risk Assessments

Unmanned Aircraft Systems Risk Assessments

Other Risk Assessments

 

Aircraft

NWCG Committee Realignment Website Updates: Content will continue to be updated over the coming days as we work through final reviews and adjustments, and all publications and products are currently under revision.

Aerial Supervision Risk Assessments

Aircraft | Operations | Maintenance | Personnel

SYSTEM:  Aerial Supervision, Aircraft

Sub-System Hazards Pre-Mitigation Mitigation Post-Mitigation

Probability

Severity

Risk Level

Probability

Severity

Risk Level
Avionics Avionics failure: Primary communication radio, avionics master or Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) fail

Possible

Moderate

Medium

A) Minimum equipment list (MEL) establishes minimum requirement.

B) Mission requirements as determined by the flight crew.

C) Integrate into preflight checklist.

Unlikely

Negligible

Low
ASM/ATGS avionics package insufficient for mission complexity

Likely

Critical

Extremely High

A) Contract specifications that recognize mission requirements.

B) Ensure necessary type, configuration, and number of radios to complete mission safely.

C) Reduce span of control.

D) Limit operations.

Unlikely

Moderate

Medium
ATGS or ATGS contract pilot unfamiliar with avionics (can't run radios or GPS, etc.)

Possible

Moderate

Medium

A) Release and replace the pilot, enforce contract specifications.

B) Release and replace the ATGS.

C) Continue currency training for the ATGS to include: FM radio programming and GPS operations.

Unlikely

Negligible

Low
Aircraft Type Reduced field of view for pilot and/or flight crew

Almost Certain

Critical

Extremely High

A) Ensure aircraft is appropriate for the mission.

B) Flight profile altered to maximize visibility.

C) Use of TCAS.

D) Clear communication with other aircraft.

E) Alter interior configuration (headrest, seat, windows).

Possible

Moderate

Medium
Performance Standards Poor Engine performance (single/twin, turbine/recip) for the ATGS mission

Possible

Catastrophic

Extremely High

A) Plan for high density altitudes.

B) Download cargo/fuel load.

C) Relocate to favorable location.

D) Alter the mission.

E) Upgrade the aircraft.

F) Ensure aircraft is appropriate for the mission.

G) Perform preflight planning.

Unlikely

Catastrophic

High
Contracting Contract ATGS, pilot skill/fire experience leading to sub-standard performance (i.e., working avionics, flight skills) during flight operations

Unlikely

Critical

Medium

A) Conduct thorough briefings.

B) Ride along with veteran fire pilot.

C) Document performance via contract evaluation process.

D) CWN/ARA Contractors need to receive better training, possibly in the form of computer-based training.

E) Require Air Attack pilots to take a check ride every three years.

Rare

Critical

Medium
Fuel Capacity and Procedure, ground fueling errors

Almost Certain

Catastrophic

Extremely High

A) Verify adequate volume of fuel for mission.

B) Pilot needs to be present during fueling to ensure proper procedures, correct fuel type and verify quantity.

Unlikely

Catastrophic

High

 

Download the Word version (docx) of this information and the Risk Assessment Matrix (pdf) to use with the Risk Assessment Worksheet (docx).

 

Last Modified / Reviewed:

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NWCG Latest Announcements

Intermediate Faller (FAL2) Position Task Book Update

Date:  July 24, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Tree Felling Subcommittee

NWCG Operations Management Committee (OMC) has issued an update to the NWCG Position Task Book for Intermediate Faller (FAL2), PMS 311-91. To ensure clarity for both trainees and evaluators, the updated FAL2 Position Task Book (PTB) explicitly states who is authorized to sign off on your tasks:

“Evaluators must be qualified as a FAL2, or an Advanced Faller (FAL1).”

If you are currently working out of a previously published version of the FAL2 PTB, you do not need to restart. However, OMC highly encourages you to take the following step to prevent any confusion in the field:

  • Print and replace the updated evaluator information page (page 2) in your current physical PTB.

References:

Intermediate Faller (FAL2) Position Page

RMC Memo 26-01: Transition Plan for Implementing Updates to Intermediate Faller (FAL2) Position Qualifications

NWCG Position Task Book for Intermediate Faller (FAL2), PMS 311-91

Equipment Advisory 26-001: Potential Front Driveline Joint Failure on 2018 and Earlier Ram Pickups

Date:  July 10, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Equipment and Technology Subcommittee

The Logistics/Equipment Management Committee (LMC) has released Equipment Advisory 26-001: Potential Front Driveline Joint Failure on 2018 and Earlier Ram Pickups. This advisory highlights multiple U.S. Forest Service regions reporting front driveline joint failure incidents.

This advisory recommends firefighters and fire managers to: 

  • Follow all Ram-issued inspection, maintenance, and service guidance for front driveline joints. 
  • Consider installing a driveline loop. 
  • Coordinate with fleet managers and service providers to determine the most appropriate driveline loop kit for each pickup.

For further details, please refer to the complete advisory.

References:

Equipment Advisory 26-001: Potential Front Driveline Joint Failure on 2018 and Earlier Ram Pickups

Technical Service Bulletin: 03-002-21

NEW! NWCG Standard Operating Procedures, PMS 900

Date:  July 9, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: NWCG Staff

NWCG is excited to announce the publication of the NWCG Standard Operating Procedures, PMS 900.

The new publication establishes general, consistent, and uniform standards for conducting business with the National Wildfire Coordinating Group.

References:

NWCG Standard Operating Procedures, PMS 900

Quarter Four Materials for the 2025-2026 Wildland Fire Leadership Campaign Now Available

Date:  July 8, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Leadership Development Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that Fourth Quarter materials for the 2025/2026 Wildland Fire Leadership Campaign are now available. This annual initiative offers all students of leadership and wildland fire management an opportunity to engage with essential leadership skills and knowledge needed to lead effectively in dynamic environments.

Quarter Four materials focus on Leadership Level 4: Leader of Leaders (Provide Direction). Leadership Level 4 is where you are setting the conditions for others to do things well, even when you are not present. This quarter focuses on equipping experienced leaders with skills to provide direction, build trust across teams, and foster strong decision making. 

References:

2025/2026 NWCG Leadership Campaign - Leadership Levels

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program

Leadership Development Subcommittee