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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

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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).

 

 

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

Date: June 12, 2025
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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.

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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.

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Date: June 3, 2025
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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.

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NWCG Standards for Rapid Extraction Module Support, PMS 552

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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.

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