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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, Contractors

Helicopter Operations Risk Assessments

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

SYSTEM:  Helicopter Operations, Personnel (Contractors)

Sub-System Hazards Pre-Mitigation Mitigation Post-Mitigation

Probability

Severity

Risk Level

Probability

Severity

Risk Level
Training/ Experience Inadequate/falsification of documentation

Possible

Catastrophic

Extremely High

 Adhere to existing contract requirements requiring Contractors to validate pilots' experience and training. Ensure HIPs review pilots' experience records.

Unlikely

Catastrophic

High
Lack of training in firefighting strategy, tactics, terminology, basic ICS, frequency mgmt., etc.

Likely

Critical

Extremely High

 Establish requirements for documentation of online training to meet basic, minimum level of knowledge for all contracts.  Consider pilot academy.

Possible

Critical

High
Pilots unfamiliar and not proficient using and programming contract required radio and navigation equipment

Almost Certain

Moderate

High

 Inspectors ensure Contractors (Pilots) are adequately trained and skilled in use and programming of avionics equipment.  Ensure contract language requires equipment to be commensurate with current technology.

Possible

Moderate

Medium
Pilot Experience and Capabilities Low flight time/experienced pilots

Likely

Critical

Extremely High

 Develop, implement and support a pilot mentoring program in appropriate contracts.  Consider pilot academy.

Possible

Critical

High
Human Factors Fatigue

Likely

Critical

Extremely High

 Managers work with company personnel to ensure adequate rest.  Manage missions to be most effective with proper use of pilots and aircraft. Implement Phase Duty Limitations as appropriate.

Unlikely

Critical

Medium
Acceptance of high-risk missions as normal

Likely

Catastrophic

Extremely High

 Conduct thorough risk assessments and brief/debrief. Pilot and Helicopter Manager train in CRM and work together on mission planning.  Mission approval made at appropriate level.

Possible

Catastrophic

Extremely High
Low CRM with crew rotations (multiple relief pilots)

Almost Certain

Critical

Extremely High

 Ensure there incoming crews are thoroughly briefed.  Practice CRM, conduct effective AARs, etc.  Enforce contract language regarding relief pilot/personnel changes.

Possible

Critical

High
Conflicting personalities

Possible

Critical

High

 Brief/debrief, CRM, honest feedback, maintain positive attitude and professionalism.  Immediately take action.  Notify Contracting Officer/Inspector Pilot.  Don't let problem persist.

Unlikely

Critical

Medium
Sense of urgency/pressure/mission driven

Likely

Critical

Extremely High

 Ensure Managers are not placing undue pressure on pilot.  Thorough risk assessment and brief/debrief. Pilot training in CRM with the Helicopter Manager.  Pilot participate in Mission development.  Mission decision made at appropriate level.

Possible

Critical

High
Pre-flight/Post-flight inspections not thorough

Possible

Catastrophic

Extremely High

 Managers ensure adequate Revenue Time for Inspections.  Ensure Managers are briefed/trained on the contract and realize that Contractors do get paid for this time. Encourage Pilot/Mechanic to utilize time to complete Inspections.

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

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