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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

Submit Revision / Recommendation

Fixed Wing Risk Assessments

Helicopter Risk Assessments

Unmanned Aircraft Systems Risk Assessments

Other Risk Assessments

 

Personnel

Large Airtanker (LAT) Risk Assessments

Aircraft | Contracts | Operations | Personnel

SYSTEM:  Large Airtanker, Personnel

Sub-System Hazards Pre-Mitigation Mitigation Post-Mitigation

Probability

Severity

Risk Level

Probability

Severity

Risk Level
Pilot Training Lack of fire mission training and lack of proficiency flight time

Likely

Catastrophic

Extremely High

 Ensure vendors utilize training programs such as CRM, risk management, and flight safety with the intent to standardize cockpit procedures. Provide NAFA training often to capture new pilots and allow for refresher training of all pilots. Provide adequate training opportunities with experienced pilots within the fire environment. Ensure adequate proficiency flight time is provided prior to starting on contract. During the contract period, vendors are responsible to ensure their pilots are proficient.

Possible

Critical

High
Human Factors The limited number of airtankers has resulted in more frequent travel and change of duty station, which increases stress and has a negative effect on crew quality of life

Almost Certain

Critical

Extremely High

 Provide additional administrative support. Adhere to duty limits; implement Phase Duty Limitations as appropriate. Improve the management model for national deployment of the fleet. Add more airtankers.

Possible

Critical

High
Target fixation and tactical maneuvering errors

Likely

Catastrophic

High

 Address airtanker pilot training and proficiency to reduce frequency of accidents. Ensure aircraft performance planning for successful outcome in a high rate of descent, level off, and climb out profile.  Provide adequate training time in fire environment.

Possible

Critical

High
Acceptance of high-risk missions as normal

Almost Certain

Catastrophic

Extremely High

 Review existing policy/procedures and risk assessment during in brief and mission briefings. Utilize risk management tools, including Go/No-Go checklists. Educate personnel on the normalization of risk and complacency. Make mission decisions at the appropriate level. Ensure communication between operations and aviation personnel. Emphasize importance of situational awareness as a means for recognizing risk.

Unlikely

Catastrophic

High

Pilot/crew fatigue.

Likely

Critical

Extremely High

 Adhere to work/rest guidelines. Utilize interim flight and duty limitations/additional days off as authorized. Request personnel swap or additional crew members during peak fire activity. Ensure adequate pilot rest areas are available.

Unlikely

Critical

Medium
Culture ATBMs, users, contractors don't have full understanding of agency policies and procedures at different bases

Likely

Critical

Extremely High

 Ensure all users have access to Interagency policy and procedures. Follow SABO. Ensure communication between agencies. Attend the national ATBM workshop every three years.

Unlikely

Moderate

Medium
Can do philosophy has fostered aviation programs with high-risk operations

Likely

Critical

Extremely High

 Provide program oversight to assure risk is at lowest practicable level. Improve crew risk management.

Unlikely

Moderate

Medium
Inspections Operator's lack of quality assurance and inspection program results in non-compliance with contract airworthiness standards

Likely

Critical

Extremely High

 Enforce QA program for improved oversight of the contracted fleet.

Unlikely

Moderate

Medium
Technology HAT underutilized resulting in task saturation

Possible

Moderate

Medium

 Develop new technologies for the mission such as glass cockpit, synthetic vision, electronic target identification, laser targeting, etc. Utilize updated electronic equipment if possible [e.g., Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) and Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast in (ADS-B in)]. 

Possible

Negligible

Low

 

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

 

 

Modified / Reviewed:

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NWCG Latest Announcements

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

New Job Aids Available: Packing Lists for Wildland Fire Fireline Personnel and Support Staff, J-101 and J-102

Date: December 3, 2024
Contact: NWCG TRAINING

Two new job aids are now available: Packing List for Wildland Fire Fireline Personnel, J-101 and Packing List for Wildland Fire Support Personnel, J-102, should serve as a baseline for items needed on a wildland fire assignment. These lists will help personnel prepare for a 14 to 21-day assignment on the fireline or in a support role.

References:

Job Aid Catalog

NWCG Packing List for Wildland Fire Fireline Personnel, J-101

NWCG Packing List for Wildland Fire Support Staff, J-102

NWCG Equipment Technology Committee Releases Safety Warning: 24-001 Stihl Chainsaw Toolless Fuel Cap Spill Prevention

Date: November 14, 2024
Contact: Equipment Technology Committee

The Equipment Technology Committee (ETC) has released Safety Warning: 24-001 Stihl Chainsaw Toolless Fuel Cap Spill Prevention. Misaligned toolless fuel caps on Stihl chainsaws have led to recurring fuel spillage, fuel ignition, and burn injuries during wildland fire management operations.

This Safety Warning is intended to highlight the details and recommended procedures for the installation of a Stihl chainsaw toolless fuel cap, as well as how to identify and correct a misaligned, damaged, or broken fuel cap to help prevent fuel spillage.

References:

NWCG Safety Warning: 24-001 Stihl Chainsaw Toolless Fuel Cap Spill Prevention

Advertencia de equipos 24-001: Prevención de derrames de la tapa de combustible sin herramientas de la motosierra Stihl

NWCG Alerts