Skip to main content

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

Submit Revision / Recommendation

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).

 

Page Last Modified / Reviewed:

Print PDF

NWCG Latest Announcements

Updated NWCG Standards for Course Delivery, PMS 901-1 and NWCG Training Course Completion Certificate, PMS 921-1

Date: July 17, 2024
Contact: Training Delivery Committee 

The Training Delivery Committee (TDC) has updated the NWCG Standards for Course Delivery, PMS 901-1 to reflect changes in the standards for course management and delivery. These changes have been reviewed and approved by the members of TDC over the past year. Significant updates include additional delivery methods, updated definitions, and instructions for the use of digital signatures on training certificates. The NWCG Training Course Completion Certificate, PMS 921-1 has been updated to lock after an electronic signature has been applied.

References:

NWCG Standards for Course Delivery, PMS 901-1

NWCG Training Course Completion Certificate, PMS 921-1

IBC Memo 24-01: OF 297 Signature Order and 2024 Fire Season Use IBC Memo 24-02: Summary of Changes for SIIBM, PMS 902

Date: July 15, 2024
Contact: Incident Business Committee 

The NWCG Incident Business Committee (IBC) has recently released two memorandums. The first provides direction on the use of the Emergency Equipment Shift Ticket, OF 297 for the 2024 fire season. Due to delays in hard copy printing, both the 2024 revision and the older version of the Emergency Equipment Shift Ticket, OF 297 are acceptable for use during the 2024 fire season.

The second memorandum documents the updates of the newly revised NWCG Standards for Interagency Incident Business Management (SIIBM), PMS 902. The summary of changes attached to the memo covers the major updates and process changes from the 2022 version.

References:

IBC Memorandum 24-01: OF 297 Signature Order and 2024 Fire Season Use

IBC Memorandum 24-02: Summary of Changes for the NWCG Standards of Interagency Incident Business Management, PMS 902

IBC Memorandum 24-02 Attachment: Summary of Changes

NWCG Standards for Rapid Extraction Module Support, PMS 552

Date: July 10, 2024
Contact: Incident Medical Unit Subcommittee 

A new publication from the Incident Medical Unit Subcommittee is now available. The NWCG Standards for Rapid Extraction Module Support, PMS 552 will be used as a guide and as an opportunity to begin to build out Rapid Extraction Module Support (REMS) modules for the remainder of Fire Year 2024. These standards will be fully implemented as the minimum standard starting in January 2025.

NWCG Standards for Rapid Extraction Module Support outlines the roles, duties, qualifications, and equipment pertinent to REMS. A REMS team, strategically stationed at wildland fires, plays a pivotal role in prioritizing swift access and medical treatment to injured or ill firefighters for safe and efficient egress off the fireline. This ensures their rapid transport to definitive medical care in cases of emergency during firefighting operations, highlighting the invaluable contribution of the REMS team to firefighter safety and well-being.

References:

NWCG Standards for Rapid Extraction Module Support, PMS 552

National Wildland Firefighter Day

Date: July 2, 2024
Contact: National Interagency Fire Center 

The National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) would like to recognize July 2, 2024, as National Wildland Firefighter Day (NWFFD). Established in 2022, NWFFD honors the dedication of wildland firefighters and support personnel. This day falls within the 2024 Week of Remembrance (June 30 - July 6), providing an opportunity to renew our commitment to wildland firefighter safety while remembering those who have fallen in the line of duty.

NWCG continues to provide leadership to enable interoperable wildland fire operations among federal, state, local, Tribal, and territorial partners. NWCG standards and training establish common practices to contribute to safe, effective, and coordinated national interagency wildland fire operations.

References:

NWCG.gov

Week of Remembrance

National Wildland Firefighter Day