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

Helicopter Operations Risk Assessments

Aircraft | Facilities | Operations | Personnel Contractors | Personnel Government | Technology

SYSTEM:  Helicopter Operations, Aircraft

Sub-System Hazards Pre-Mitigation Mitigation Post-Mitigation

Probability

Severity

Risk Level

Probability

Severity

Risk Level
Capabilities High DA will over gross the aircraft

Possible

Catastrophic

Extremely High

 Use appropriate aircraft for mission.  Conduct thorough pre-mission planning, load calculations, etc.  Reinforce HHH Training.

Unlikely

Catastrophic

High
Aircraft not appropriate for mission.  ICS Typing

Possible

Critical

High

 Ensure appropriate aircraft is ordered and utilized.  Conduct thorough pre-mission planning, load calculations, etc.

Unlikely

Critical

Medium
Mechanical failure - flight component

Unlikely

Catastrophic

High

 Follow NSHO, Ch 14, Scheduled Maintenance, Pre and Post Flight, etc.

Unlikely

Catastrophic

High
Equipment not well maintained and operational

Possible

Critical

High

 Follow NSHO, Ch 9.  Ensure personnel receive adequate basic training.

Possible

Moderate

Medium
Visibility Lack of Hi Vis Aircraft Markings

Possible

Catastrophic

Extremely High

 Identify paint schemes that are NOT highly visible and add that to the contract as NOT approved.

Rare

Catastrophic

Medium
Inspection Lack of standardization of government inspectors

Almost Certain

Critical

Extremely High

 Recommend development and implement of interagency standardized inspection process. If one agency does not approve an aircraft or contractor for operation other agencies should follow and accept that decision.

Unlikely

Critical

Medium
Level of Training for HMGBs on inspection process is inadequate

Almost Certain

Moderate

High

 Develop training for HMGB on MEL, maintenance buzz words (Watch Outs). Act on opportunity for HMGB to attend inspections.

Possible

Moderate

Medium
Equipment Personnel not proficient with equipment

Almost Certain

Moderate

High

 Inspectors ensure Contractors (Pilots) are adequately trained and skilled with equipment provided. Ensure contract language requires equipment to be commensurate with current technology.

Possible

Moderate

Medium
Maintenance Maintenance in the field

Almost Certain

Critical

Extremely High

 Fly aircraft to shop/hanger for maintenance whenever possible. Allow adequate time for mechanics to work in field.  Provide light/power/water if possible.

Unlikely

Critical

Medium
Lack of thorough documentation

Possible

Critical

High

 Develop training for HMGB on MEL, Maintenance buzz words (Watch Outs). Enhance awareness through training for HMGB on when to call MI for assistance with Contractor and maintaining equipment.

Unlikely

Critical

Medium
Poor Communications between all parties (Contractor, GACC, CO, ACO, COR, PI, MI, HMGB)

Almost Certain

Critical

Extremely High

 Enhance and integrate tracking of maintenance records AND Contract Evaluations of the aircraft over the duration of the contract period in order to recognize issues-CWN and Ex Use. Hire additional Maintenance Inspectors to keep up with this increased workload.

Possible

Critical

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:

Print PDF

NWCG Latest Announcements

Updated NWCG Standards for Fire Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations, PMS 515

Date: April 23, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Interagency Fire Unmanned Aircraft Systems Subcommittee

The NWCG Standards for Fire Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations, PMS 515 standardizes processes and procedures for the interagency use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), including pilot inspections and approvals. This updated publication provides the aviation community with standards to ensure UAS are used safely, effectively, and efficiently in support of fire management goals and objectives.

References:

NWCG Standards for Fire Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations, PMS 515

NWCG National Interagency Aviation Committee

ETC Bulletin 25-001: Retrofitted Hot/Cold Beverage Kits - 2025 Field Season

Date: April 16, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Equipment Technology Committee

Due to spout failures and the associated risk of burn injuries, manufacturers have retrofitted the Hot/Cold Beverage Kits using a heat-shrinking band to secure the black spout at the insertion site. The updated kits feature a fluorescent label on each full kit assembly for easy identification. Catering units are encouraged to confirm the clear heat-shrinking bands are intact around each spout before filling.

ETC Bulletin 24-001 regarding Hot/Cold Beverage Kits has been archived and replaced by ETC Bulletin 25-001 for the 2025 season.

References:

NWCG Alerts

ETC-EB-25-001 Retrofitted Hot/Cold Beverage Kits

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Chainsaw Operations, PMS 212, and Next Generation Position Task Book for Basic Faller Are Now Available

Date: April 14, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Hazard Tree and Tree Felling Subcommittee

The updated NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Chainsaw Operations, PMS 212, and NWCG Position Task Book for Basic Faller (FAL3), PMS 311-19 are now available.

The NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Chainsaw Operations, PMS 212 includes position standards designed to be used in conjunction with the Next Generation Position Task Book (Next Gen PTB). The Next Gen PTB for Basic Faller (FAL3) includes an evaluation guide with suggested rating elements to consider when assessing trainees.

References:

NWCG Standards For Wildland Fire Chainsaw Operations, PMS 212

NWCG Position Task Book for Basic Faller (FAL3), PMS 311-119

NWCG Basic Faller (FAL3)

RMC Memo 25-01: Summary of Updates to Safety Officer Positions

Date: April 9, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
RMC Member Eric Fransted

The Risk Management Committee (RMC) serves as the position steward for all Safety Officer incident positions and continues to improve position standards, training, and naming conventions. The implementation of Complex Incident Management (CIM) required changes to position titles. RMC collaborated with the NWCG Incident Position Standards Committee (IPSC) to propose and implement these updates. 

References:

RMC Memo 25-01: Summary of Updates to Safety Officer Positions 

NWCG Position Catalog