Skip to main content

PMS 530-1

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).

 

 

Modified / Reviewed:

NWCG Latest Announcements

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

The Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Book are now available for Equipment Time Recorder (EQTR)

Date: November 13, 2024
Contact: Incident Business Committee

NWCG is excited to announce that the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Equipment Time Recorder, PMS 350-51 and NWCG Position Task Book for Equipment Time Recorder (EQTR), PMS 311-51 are now available.

The Performance Support Package, which for EQTR, includes the Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Book were developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort. The Performance Support Package will support trainees, those qualified in the position, and evaluators.

References:

NWCG Equipment Time Recorder Position Page

NWCG Incident Position Standards for Equipment Time Recorder, PMS 350-51

NWCG Position Task Book for Equipment Time Recorder (EQTR), PMS 311-51

The Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Book are now available for Personnel Time Recorder (PTRC)

Date: November 13, 2024
Contact: Incident Business Committee

NWCG is excited to announce that the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Personnel Time Recorder, PMS 350-53 and NWCG Position Task Book for Personnel Time Recorder (PTRC), PMS 311-53 are now available.

The Performance Support Package, which for PTRC, includes the Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Book were developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort. The Performance Support Package will support trainees, those qualified in the position, and evaluators.

References:

NWCG Personnel Time Recorder Position Page

NWCG Incident Position Standards for Personnel Time Recorder, PMS 350-53

NWCG Position Task Book for Personnel Time Recorder (PTRC), PMS 311-53

NWCG Risk Management Committee Releases Safety Bulletin: 24-001 Use of Respirators on Wildland Fires

Date: November 7, 2024
Contact: Risk Management Committee

The Risk Management Committee (RMC) has released Safety Bulletin: 24-001 Use of Respirators on Wildland Fires. As wildland fire respirators are available through several established vendors, wildland fire personnel need to understand regulations and limitations of respirator use in the workplace.

Safety Bulletin 24-001 outlines the following topics regarding respirator use for wildland fires:

  • Requirements for Respirator Use
  • Voluntary Respirator Use
  • Current Respirator Options
  • Unknown Risks of Respirator Use

This bulletin also provides mitigation recommendations to help reduce smoke exposure for wildland firefighting efforts.

References:

NWCG Safety Bulletin: 24-001 Use of Respirators on Wildland Fires

NWCG Smoke Management Guide for Prescribed Fire, PMS 420-3

VIDEO: Protecting Wildfire Personnel from Smoke - How Incident Management Teams Address Smokes Risks

VIDEO: Smoke, Knowing the Risks