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PMS 448

Helmet – Flight, SPH-5C, X-Large, w/Bag

NFES #
002315
Category
Aviation
Updated
Storage and Shelf Life Checks
None

Initial Inspection/Disposal Criteria

  1. If helmet carton is unopened inspect carton for signs of crushing, drops or water damage. If carton is damaged, open and inspect helmet following remaining inspection processes.
  2. Visual inspection indicating use or missing parts (screws, visors, worn cords, etc.)
  3. Structural damage (cracked shell, visor housing, booms, etc.)
  4. Structural damage preventing repair and refurbishment (cracked helmet shell, salvage useable part and dispose of helmet shell)
  5. Visual inspection for SPH-4 helmets as flight helmets must meet requirements in Instruction Memo No. 96-2006 which states: SPH-4 Helmet should be converted to SPH-5 Helmets or disposed of.
  6. Return to inventory if helmet has been unused and carton does not show signs of damage.
  7. Send for refurbishment if any item found during inspection such as use or missing parts appear to be repairable
  8. Dispose of helmet if structural integrity is compromised. Salvage usable parts.

A. Cleaning

  • Use general purpose cleaner. (Do not use bleach, paint remover, thinner, or acetone on flight helmet shell. It may cause damage)

B. Repair

All refurbishment will be conducted by certified personnel (trained by NIFC ramp services).

  1. Earphones
  2. Microphone
  3. Cord assembly
  4. Microphone cable assembly
  5. Replace missing or damaged parts
  6. Replace thermoplastic liner (TPL) in SPH-5 TPL
    • Size Regular NFES #003063
    • Size XL- NFES #003064
    • Size Small NFES #003065. Contact address below for further information.

Refurbishment and repair may be performed by the following:

National Interagency Fire Center Ramp Services
3833 S. Development Avenue Boise, ID 83705
Phone: 208–387–5529 Fax: 208–387–5785

C. Testing for Performance

  • Re-test avionics if anything has been repaired or replaced

D. Repackaging

  1. Place flight helmet inside helmet bag
  2. Package 1 each in carton NSN 8115-00-079-8680, (12” x 12” x 12”).

 

NWCG Latest Announcements

ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-003 Flame-Resistant Shirt Survey

Date: June 12, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Equipment Technology Committee

The U.S. Forest Service National Technology and Development Program (NTDP) is seeking input on the Forest Service-designed flame-resistant (FR) shirt, currently available through the National Interagency Support Cache system and FedMall.

NTDP is conducting a product review to improve future FR shirt designs. As part of this effort, a short survey is now open for federal employees who have worn any of three recent FR shirt models. Feedback will guide design improvements to better meet the needs of wildland firefighters.

To comply with the Paperwork Reduction Act, responses are limited to federal employees. The survey is open through September 12, 2025. 

References:

NWCG Alerts

ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-003

NEW! S-130, Firefighter Training (Blended) Now Available

Date: June 10, 2025
If you have questions, please visit our FAQ page. 
If your question is not answered there, you can 
submit your question using our Contact Us form. 
 

The S-130, Firefighter Training (Blended), equips new wildland firefighters with essential skills through a mix of online learning and hands-on training. The course features a required online component and an instructor-led exercise, reinforcing online concepts with practical performance-based training.

The course builds competencies in wildland fire operations, safety, and equipment use, applicable across various operational environments. Both the online component and instructor-led field exercise must be completed to receive a certificate of completion. Students are required to finish the prerequisite S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior, before enrolling in S-130, Firefighter Training (Blended).

References:

S-130, Firefighter Training (Blended)

S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

EMC Memo 25-001: Interim Rapid Extraction Module (REMS) Training and Qualification Requirements

Date: June 3, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Emergency Medical Committee

The Emergency Medical Committee has issued interim guidance for Rapid Extraction Module Support (REMS) teams. Until further notice, Type I and II REMS teams must designate a team leader qualified at Firefighter Type 1 Squad Boss (FFT1) or higher. This temporary change replaces the Single Resource Boss (SRB) requirement, which is currently not feasible due to administrative barriers.

This memorandum does not include any other changes to the NWCG Standards for Rapid Extraction Module Support, PMS 552. This interim change takes effect immediately and will remain in place until further notice.

References:

EMC Memo 25-001: Interim Rapid Extraction Module (REMS) Training and Qualification Requirements

NWCG Standards for Rapid Extraction Module Support, PMS 552

Equipment Bulletin 25-002: Chaps, Chain Saw, M-2020, Nonconformities Affecting Use, Appearance, and Serviceability

Date: June 2, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Equipment Technology Committee

The Equipment Technology Committee issued Equipment Bulletin: 25-002 to address a manufacturing nonconformity affecting Forest Service specification, 6170-4K Chain Saw Chaps. The issue applies to chaps manufactured in 2024 and 2025 and distributed through FedMall. These chaps may have incorrectly bound edges that expose inner protective layers.

Independent purchasers should inspect all chain saw chaps received from FedMall beginning in 2024, prior to use. Review the full Equipment Bulletin: 25-002 for inspection criteria and recommended actions.

References:

NWCG Alerts

ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-002