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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).

 

Last Modified / Reviewed:

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NWCG Latest Announcements

RMC Memorandum 26-02: SAFENET Modernization and SafeNetX Launch

Date:  June 25, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Risk Management Committee

The Risk Management Committee (RMC) is pleased to announce the launch of SafeNetX, the modernized safety reporting system now available to the wildland fire community. Effective June 15, 2026, SafeNetX enables reporting of unsafe, unhealthy, near-miss, and high-risk operations across wildland fire, all-hazard incidents, training, and related work environments.

SafeNetX is the result of a multi-agency modernization effort led by RMC, which began evaluating improvements to the legacy SAFENET system in 2021. To learn more, read the full RMC memorandum in the links provided.

References:

SafeNetX

RMC Safety Memorandum 26-02: SAFENET Modernization and SafeNet X Launch

2025 Wildland Fire EMS Awards

Date:  June 12, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Emergency Medical Committee

The NWCG Emergency Medical Committee (EMC) announces the recipients of the 2025 Wildland Fire Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Awards. EMC annually recognizes individuals and groups who have demonstrated outstanding actions or accomplishments that are above and beyond the expectation of one’s normal mission or job duties.

Congratulations to all the awardees and nominees. Through leadership and initiative, they have made significant contributions to the safety of the wildland fire community. These awards are well deserved.

References:

2025 Wildland Fire EMS Awards

Emergency Medical Committee

Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Book Now Available for RAMP

Date:  June 12, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Airtanker Base Operations Unit

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Book are now available for Ramp Manager (RAMP).

The Performance Support Package for this position was developed as part of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization effort. These resources support trainees, qualified personnel, and evaluators in their respective roles.

Any changes to qualification pathways will take effect with the next update of the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1, scheduled for release in January 2027.

References:

NWCG Ramp Manager Position Page

National Interagency Aviation Committee

Make an Impact: Serve the Wildland Fire Community as an IPTM SME!

Date:  June 11, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: NWCG SME Specialist

Note: Positions with an * will last approximately 6 months.
Positions with ** will last 12 - 18 months.

NWCG is seeking experienced wildland firefighters and support personnel to serve as Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) for the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) initiative. IPTM aims to transition NWCG’s training and qualification system to a performance-based model by updating position descriptions, Incident Position Standards, Next Generation Position Task Books (Next Gen PTBs), and training where needed.

NWCG is currently recruiting SMEs for the Fall 2026 positions listed below:

  • Equipment Manager (EQPM)*
  • Fixed Wing Parking Tender (FWPT)**
  • Mixmaster (MXMS)*
  • Public Information Officer Complex (PIOC)*
  • Retardant Crewmember (RTCM)*
  • Strike Team Leader Crew (STCR)*
  • Strike Team Leader Engine (STEN)*
  • Strike Team Leader Heavy Equipment (STEQ)*
  • Task Force Leader (TFLD)**
  • Wildland Fire Investigator (INVF)** 

Projects begin October 2026. Sign up by July 10, 2026, at the link below and review the attached document for additional details. 

References:

NWCG SME Interest Sign-up

IPTM Subject Matter Expert Duties and Expectations Document

Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM)