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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

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).

 

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NWCG Latest Announcements

2026 Updates to the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1

Date: January 23, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Incident and Position Standards Committee

The Incident and Position Standards Committee has updated the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1.

These updates address changes to incident position names and requirements for qualification, training, and experience. Updates related to the implementation of Complex Incident Management (CIM) and Incident Performance Training Modernization (IPTM) are also included.

The NWCG Wildland Fire Position Qualification Flowchart, PMS 308 has also been updated to reflect the recent changes.

References:

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1

NWCG Wildland Fire Position Qualification Flowchart, PMS 308

IPSC Memo 26-01: January 2026 Updates to the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Positions Qualifications, PMS 310-1

Incident Business Committee Memo 26-01: Updated Emergency Equipment Shift Ticket, OF 297

Date: January 22, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Incident Business Committee

The Incident Business Committee (IBC) has released Memorandum 26-01: OF 297 and 2026 Fire Use. This memo informs the wildland fire community that the updated Emergency Equipment Shift Ticket, OF 297 is available for download and can be ordered through the Great Basin Cache.

Beginning January 15, 2026 the previous version of the OF 297 form has been discontinued.

For further details, please contact your IBC representative.

References:

Incident Business Committee Memorandum 26-01

Great Basin Cache

NEW! S-390, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior Calculations (Blended) Available Now

Date: December 22, 2025
Questions about RT-130? 
Please contact: Fire Behavior Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that the new S-390, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior Calculations (Blended) training is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal.

This third course in the series combines online and instructor-led training components aimed at individuals who are involved in planning, managing, and executing wildland fire and prescribed burn operations; who require a thorough understanding of fire behavior calculations to enhance effectiveness and safety. This includes students who require the knowledge and skill necessary to perform the duties of a Type 3 Incident Commander (ICT3), Division/Group Supervisor (DIVS), or Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 2 (RXB2).

Students are required to be qualified as any Single Resource Boss position and complete the prerequisite S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire behavior (Blended) course, before enrolling in S-390.

References:

S-390, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior Calculations (Blended)

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

NEW! S-320, Introduction to Incident Management Teams (Blended) Available Now

Date: December 18, 2025
Questions about RT-130? 
Please contact: Incident and Position Standards Committee

NWCG is excited to announce that S-320, Introduction to Incident Management Teams (Blended) is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal!

This blended course combines online learning with instructor-led training, designed for individuals seeking to build leadership skills and gain experience in incident management.

Students are required to complete the prerequisite trainings ICS-100, Introduction to Incident Command System (ICS), ICS-200, Basic ICS for Initial Response, and ICS-700, An Introduction to the National Incident Management System (NIMS) prior to attending S-320.

References:

S-320, Introduction to Incident Management Teams (Blended)

Wildland Fire Learning Portal