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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

Submit Revision / Recommendation

Fixed Wing Risk Assessments

Helicopter Risk Assessments

Unmanned Aircraft Systems Risk Assessments

Other Risk Assessments

 

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:

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NWCG Latest Announcements

WFSTAR 2025 Core Component Module Package and 2024 Fire Year in Review Now Available

Date: March 14, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Joe Schindel at mschindel@blm.gov
 

The 2025 Core Component Module Package for RT-130, Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher (WFSTAR) and the 2024 Fire Year in Review are now available on the NWCG website. The 2025 Core Component Module Package provides all content needed to deliver RT-130.

References:

2025 Core Component Module Package

2024 Fire Year in Review Module

NEW! NWCG Wildland Urban Interface Mitigation Field Guide, PMS 053

Date: March 12, 2025
Contact: Wildland Urban Interface Mitigation Committee

The NWCG Wildland Urban Interface Mitigation Field Guide, PMS 053 provides mitigation practitioners at all experience levels with recommendations on the most effective and efficient ways to accomplish mitigation work in communities at risk to wildfire damage or destruction. The content in this guide was written in coordination with the NWCG Standards for Mitigation in the Wildland Urban Interface, PMS 052.

References:

NWCG Wildland Urban Interface Mitigation Field Guide, PMS 053 

Updated, NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Module Operations, PMS 430

Date: March 11, 2025
Contact: Fire Use Subcommittee
Wildland Fire Module Unit

The NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Module Operations, PMS 430 standardizes procedures and expectations for Wildland Fire Modules (WFMs). These standards are to be used by staff, supervisors, specialists, and technicians for planning, administering, and conducting WFM operations. These standards will also be used as a measure of WFM qualifications, capabilities, and expected performance, for both Type 1 and Type 2 WFMs.

References:

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Module Operations, PMS 430

NEW! NWCG Standards for Airtanker Operations, PMS 514

Date: March 7, 2025
Contact: National Interagency Aviation Committee

The NWCG Standards for Airtanker Operations, PMS 514 establishes the standards for dispatching, utilizing, and coordinating airtankers on interagency wildland fires. These standards should be used in conjunction with the NWCG Standards for Aerial Supervision (SAS), PMS 505, NWCG Standards for Airtanker Base Operations (SABO), PMS 508, and any applicable agency plans.

References:

NWCG Standards for Airtanker Operations, PMS 514