Operations

Helicopter Operations Risk Assessments

SYSTEM: Helicopter Operations, Operations

Sub-System	Hazards	Pre-Mitigation			Mitigation	Post-Mitigation
Sub-System	Hazards	Probability	Severity	Risk Level	Mitigation	Probability	Severity	Risk Level
Missions	Multitasking-Pilot, Helicopter Manager, Helibase Manager, Helitack Crew personnel, fueler	Almost Certain	Critical	Extremely High	Ensure existing staffing, supervision and management policies and procedures are met. Order resources early when the need is anticipated. Dispatchers need to recognize aviation staffing is a critical safety priority. Limit collateral duties in key supervisory positions. If unable to fill key positions, operations will be shut down or use of aircraft will be limited until span of control issues are resolved.	Possible	Critical	High
	Complexity beyond capabilities/experience of available resources	Likely	Critical	Extremely High	Disengage, reassess, and realign objectives until appropriate level of supervision is present. Conduct risk analysis. Ensure situation is recognized and ensure appropriate supervision/resources are ordered. Provide OJT and conduct frequent simulations of highly complex situations.	Possible	Critical	High
	Poor Aviation Strategy (poor risk vs. reward; heli-mopping overuse; alternatives)	Almost Certain	Catastrophic	Extremely High	Utilize safe and effective strategy and tactics. Involve pilot in mission planning. Conduct thorough risk assessment prior to mission. Brief/debrief. Seek appropriate level of approval for high-risk missions, i.e. Helicopter Manager, IC, District Manager, Forest Supervisor, etc. Involve Aviation overhead with operational planning of strategies and tactics for the Appropriate Management Response. Avoid risk/exposure transference.	Unlikely	Catastrophic	High
	Jurisdiction/Borders – Mid-Air collision avoidance	Almost Certain	Catastrophic	Extremely High	Boundary Airspace Plan developed/utilized. Follow FTA procedures. Utilize airspace coordinator. COMMUNICATE. Establish TFRs as needed. See and Avoid. Utilization of TCAS. Make AFF a requirement on all aircraft contracts.	Unlikely	Catastrophic	High
	Low level flight profile-below 500', Special Use (recons, aerial survey, game count, mapping, etc.)	Possible	Catastrophic	Extremely High	Conduct thorough risk assessment training. Thorough risk assessment/mission plan/performance planning is completed and signed at the appropriate level. Minimize exposure time. Utilize Part 27 certificated T3 helicopters. Ensure that the appropriate PPE/ALSE is used and that the flight is limited to essential flight crew members. Ensure aircraft and pilot are carded for the mission. Conduct high level recon prior to working below 500' AGL.	Unlikely	Catastrophic	High
	PASP/Go-No-Go Checklist absent or not complete (Policy Deviation)	Possible	Critical	High	Ensure PASP and risk assessment are completed and approved at appropriate level. Ensure Unit Aviation Managers and Forest Aviation Officers are involved in mission planning when necessary. PASP should be used as a briefing tool. Stress that on the Go/No-Go checklist a NO-GO halts the operation. Ensure that if there are multiple briefings that all information is given at the primary briefing.	Unlikely	Critical	Medium
Management Decisions	Incident Management Team strategies shift risk from ground operations to aviation operations	Almost Certain	Catastrophic	Extremely High	Utilize safe and effective strategy and tactics. Involve Pilot in mission planning. Conduct thorough risk assessment prior to mission. Brief/debrief. Acquire appropriate level approval signatures for high-risk complex missions, i.e. Helicopter Manager, IC, District Manager, Forest Supervisor, etc. Involve Aviation overhead with operational planning of strategy and tactics for the Appropriate Management Response. Avoid risk/exposure transference.	Unlikely	Catastrophic	High
Utilization	Inefficient or improper use of Aircraft for the assigned mission (wrong aircraft selected for a mission, flying without tactical/logistical objectives, etc.)	Almost Certain	Critical	Extremely High	Use only an appropriate aircraft for the mission. Conduct thorough pre-mission planning and load calculations. Ensure that tactical/logistical missions have clear, obtainable goals (i.e., Appropriate Aviation Management Response is used). Aircraft assigned should be based on performance and capabilities.	Possible	Critical	High
Environment	Weather: Poor Visibility/Thunderstorms/Hot-High DA/Turbulence	Almost Certain	Catastrophic	Extremely High	Obtain most current/accurate weather reports available. Conduct risk assessment and determine need to conduct mission. Wait until conditions improve. Follow policy on visibility, wind speed, updating load calcs, etc. Utilize part 27 certificated T3 helicopters or better. Establish trigger points to stop operations.	Unlikely	Catastrophic	High
	Mountainous Terrain	Almost Certain	Catastrophic	Extremely High	Ensure Pilot is trained, experienced and qualified/carded. Non-local flight crews obtain thorough briefing on local conditions before starting operations. Aircraft appropriate for the mission. Performance planning is completed for environmental conditions. Consider dual pilot operations or utilize a mentor pilot for low experience pilots.	Unlikely	Catastrophic	High
	Urban Interface: Wires, General Aviation Traffic, Major Airport Traffic, Communications, Congestion, High Complexity	Likely	Catastrophic	Extremely High	Conduct thorough briefings. Review/establish Interagency agreements. Provide preseason briefing for Media aircrews. Preplan dip sites, staging area, helispots, etc. Update aerial hazard maps. Establish TFRs and issue NOTAMs as appropriate. Require dip site management. Order/utilize aerial supervision (HLCO). Perform Airspace deconfliction and coordination. Provide frequency and airspace management training. Complexity is managed at appropriate level.	Unlikely	Catastrophic	High
Communication	Lack of Compatibility (Banding/Frequencies)	Likely	Critical	Extremely High	Utilize Unified Command. Review/establish Interagency agreements to reduce/eliminate compatibility issues. Continue education/training.	Unlikely	Critical	Medium
	Frequency management - lack of timely response for Incident Support to obtain additional frequencies	Likely	Critical	Extremely High	Evaluate prior reviews and conduct additional national Interagency reviews of frequency management. Release frequencies back to NICC as soon as they are no longer needed. Encourage Dispatch offices to order additional frequencies early in emerging incidents.	Possible	Critical	High
	Cockpit overload	Almost Certain	Critical	Extremely High	Encourage pilots to speak up when starting to get overloaded. Discuss safety options with the pilot. Practice division of workload and CRM on incidents and in simulations.	Unlikely	Critical	High
	Inadequate briefing	Possible	Critical	High	Stress to Managers and Pilots the need to slow down and ensure adequate briefings. Follow policy and guidelines, use existing checklists (NSHO, IRPG, etc.) as a minimum. Solicitate feedback, reiterate information given, use of maps, IAPS, and frequency lists. Ensure AARs are being conducted and documented.	Unlikely	Critical	Medium
Training	Lack of training for specialized missions i.e. rehab (Bale dropping, waddle placement), guzzler placement, etc.	Possible	Critical	High	Consider and encourage using End-Product Contracts. When end-product is not feasible, develop standardized description of how to sling unusual items. Develop a source list for approved equipment. Utilize PASPs. Utilize subject matter experts. Use Tech Tips to share information/procedures.	Unlikely	Critical	Medium
Training	Lack of standardized training with non-Federal cooperators (non-standard terminology, target description, resource capability and limitations)	Likely	Critical	Extremely High	Promote joint training with non-Federal cooperators. Ensure thorough briefings are conducted prior to starting operations. Check Incident Qualification cards.	Unlikely	Critical	Medium
Human Factors	Lack of Crew Resource Management (CRM)	Likely	Critical	Extremely High	Training, Brief/debrief, maintain positive attitude. Promote and attend formalized CRM training for contractors as well as agency employees. Include CRM training/topics at Helicopter Manager Workshops (RT-372). Include CRM as part of the training curriculum for S-372.	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).

Modified / Reviewed: April 29, 2024

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NWCG Latest Announcements

NWCG Equipment Technology Committee Releases New Equipment Bulletins

Date: September 27, 2024
Contact: Equipment Technology Committee

The Equipment Technology Committee (ETC) has released three new Equipment Bulletins:

ETC-EB-24-003 Diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) in fuel containers.
ETC-EB-24-004 Two-compartment fuel and oil container (Dolmar) unavailable in the United States (US) and reminders for upkeeping current inventories.
ETC-EB-24-005 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Inspection, Care, and Maintenance.

These bulletins remind field going personnel of important issues related to equipment for wildland firefighting efforts.

References:

NWCG Alerts

ETC-EB-24-003 Diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) in fuel containers

ETC-EB-24-004 Two-compartment fuel and oil container (Dolmar) unavailable in the United States (US) and reminders for upkeeping current inventories

ETC-EB-24-005 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Inspection, Care, and Maintenance

The Experiential Learning Subcommittee is looking for your feedback on Staff Rides

Date: September 20, 2024
Contact: Ashleigh D'Antonio and George Risko, Leadership Committee

The Experiential Learning Subcommittee needs to hear from the field about where the greatest need lies regarding staff rides and their accessibility.

Do you have an event you would like to turn into a learning experience?
Do you have a staff ride built, but are struggling to implement the delivery?
Do you need help building capacity?
What other ideas do you have to support experiential leadership training?

Fill out this short survey below to help us help you.

References:

Staff Rides: Feedback

Staff Rides

Updated NWCG Single Resource Casual Hire Information, PMS 934

Date: September 19, 2024
Contact: Incident Business Committee

The Incident Business Committee has updated the NWCG Single Resource Casual Hire Information, PMS 934. This update expands the provisions for hiring emergency personnel.

References:

NWCG Single Resource Casual Hire Information, PMS 934

IBC Memorandum 24-03

NWCG 2024 Spring/Summer Highlights

Date: September 13, 2024

Welcome to our latest highlights from the National Wildfire Coordinating Group, where we explore the latest updates, insights, and efforts that develop interoperable wildland fire operations among federal, state, local, Tribal, and territorial partners.

The Performance Support Package, which for ABRO 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.

NASA JOINS NWCG!

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is officially an associate member of NWCG. As such, NASA is beginning to collaborate with wildland fire management agencies with the goal of increasing collaboration across agencies and leveraging NASA data, technology, and innovation for nation-wide efforts in wildland fire management. NASA has a rich history of research, development, and technology transfer in the areas of Earth science, space technologies, and aeronautics that support the NWCG mission.

WWW.NWCG.GOV HAS A NEW LOOK AND DESIGN

The NWCG web team dedicated the past two years to making a significant upgrade to the www.nwcg.gov site. This upgrade involved a comprehensive redesign of over 7,700 web pages.

The modernization of NWCG’s website involved migrating to Drupal 10, a cutting—edge content management system, and leveraging Amazon Web Service GovCloud for secure and efficient hosting. These upgrades help ensure that the NWCG website remains current in content management practices, offering enhanced customization, improved performance, and an overall superior user experience.

NWCG Leadership Committee

The Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program announced the Professional Reading Program’s 2024 list!

The years books include:

Young Men and Fire by Norman Maclean
The Wisdom of the Bullfrog by William H. McRaven
The Art of Clear Thinking by Hasard Lee
Emotional Agility by Susan David
Writing to Persuade by Trish Hall

Learn more at the NWCG Leadership Committee

INCIDENT PERFORMANCE AND TRAINING MODERNIZATION

In 2023, NWCG kicked off the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort. A training system overhaul focused on developing a performance-based training system designed to shift training to on-the-job when appropriate.

Over the next five years, NWCG intends to analyze all positions within the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1. To date we are currently working on 30 incident positions, and planning for 20+ in calendar year 2025.

Subject Matter Experts from a variety of geographical areas and agencies recently completed the position analysis for 16 positions. From this analysis, Incident Positions Standards and a Next Generation Position Task Book will be developed for each position.

Incident Performance and Training Modernization

NEXT GENERATION POSITION TASK BOOK

In April 2024, NWCG launched the new Next Generation Position Task Book (Next Gen PTB) which is a key component of the IPTM effort. This revised evaluation tool is designed to work in conjunction with the newly developed Incident Position Standards.

Major Next Gen PTB changes:

Structured to improve constructive conversations between evaluators and trainees.
Reference new Incident Position Standards.
Include only tasks required to be evaluated for successful performance.
Trainees will be rated on their performance vs. initialing whether a task was completed.
Must include written feedback when trainee does not meet the standard.
Will be position specific (no combined PTBs).

Screen shot of the Next Gen Position Task Book

Banner image of the Wildland Fire Learning Portal website

NWCG’s training course catalog is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP).

To access the training course catalog, visit WFLP and either set up an account or login as a guest.

National Wildfire Coordinating Group

PMS 530-1

PMS 530-1

Operations

Helicopter Operations Risk Assessments

SYSTEM: Helicopter Operations, Operations

NWCG Latest Announcements

References:

References:

References:

NASA JOINS NWCG!

WWW.NWCG.GOV HAS A NEW LOOK AND DESIGN

NWCG Leadership Committee

INCIDENT PERFORMANCE AND TRAINING MODERNIZATION

NEXT GENERATION POSITION TASK BOOK

NWCG

National Wildfire Coordinating Group

PMS 530-1

PMS 530-1

Operations

Helicopter Operations Risk Assessments

SYSTEM: Helicopter Operations, Operations

NWCG Latest Announcements

References:

References:

References:

NASA JOINS NWCG!

WWW.NWCG.GOV HAS A NEW LOOK AND DESIGN

NWCG Leadership Committee

INCIDENT PERFORMANCE AND TRAINING MODERNIZATION

NEXT GENERATION POSITION TASK BOOK

NWCG National Wildfire Coordinating Group

NWCG

National Wildfire Coordinating Group