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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

 

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:

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NWCG Latest Announcements

Updated NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431

Date: May 14, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Fire Use Subcommittee

The updated NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431 serves as a supplemental resource for wildland fire module operations, providing information frequently used in the field.

PMS 431 defines the organizational structure, staffing, and qualifications for Type 1 and Type 2 Wildland Fire Modules, outlining their roles in wildland fire suppression, prescribed fire, and resource management. The NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431, should be used in conjunction with the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Module Operations, PMS 430.

References:

NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Module Operations, PMS 430

Updated NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200 Now Includes Off-Highway Vehicle Typing Standards

Date: May 13, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Mobile Fire Equipment Subcommittee 

The NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200 has been updated to include newly developed Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) typing standards. These standards organize OHV information into logical categories and outline key safety requirements for occupants.

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200 establishes minimum typing standards for aircraft, crews, and equipment used in national mobilization to wildland fire incidents. Typing designations are assigned based on measurable capability and performance criteria.

References:

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200

NEW! S-204, Interpersonal and Critical Thinking Skills for Safety Officers Now Available

Date: May 12, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Risk Management Committee

The S-204, Interpersonal and Critical Thinking Skills for Safety Officers self-directed online course is now available! Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this training supports individuals working towards Safety Officer, Field (SOFF) incident qualifications.

S-204, Interpersonal and Critical Thinking Skills for Safety Officers focuses on facilitating hazard mitigation conversations and building trust to influence safety-related decisions. Individuals can self-enroll through the Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP).

Any changes to qualification pathways will take effect with the next update of the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1.

References:

S-204, Interpersonal and Critical Thinking Skills for Safety Officers 

NWCG Safety Officer, Field (SOFF) Position Page

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

Great Basin Cache Upgrading to New Inventory System

Date: May 7, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Great Basin Cache
Phone: (208) 387-5104
Fax: (208) 387-5573

The Great Basin Cache (GBK) is transitioning to a new inventory system to better serve the wildland fire community. During this upgrade, GBK will be unable to process standard orders from Part 1: Fire Supplies and Equipment and Part 2: Publications between May 8-20, 2025, with exceptions made for emergency fire orders. Orders will be accepted through close of business May 7.

To browse the latest available items, please refer to the National Fire Equipment System (NFES) catalogs. 

References:

NWCG NFES Catalog-Part 1: Fire Supplies and Equipment, PMS 449-1

NWCG NFES Catalog-Part 2: Publications, PMS 449-2