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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, Government

Helicopter Operations Risk Assessments

Aircraft | Facilities | Operations | Personnel Contractors | Personnel Government | Technology

SYSTEM:  Helicopter Operations, Personnel (Government)

Sub-System Hazards Pre-Mitigation Mitigation Post-Mitigation

Probability

Severity

Risk Level

Probability

Severity

Risk Level
Policy Operational and mission goals during all-hazard assignments may be unstated or unclear and may conflict with interagency standards and policy

Likely

Critical

Extremely High

 Adequate in-brief and dissemination of Commander's intent. Clarification of scope of authority and policy in place.  Adhere to interagency policy, procedures and guidelines (e.g., NSHO). If unable to perform duties utilizing interagency policy, perform a separate risk assessment with appropriate approval sign off. Ensure personnel are working within the scope of their employment. Implementation of Aviation Doctrine may further mitigate conflicts between direction and policy.

Possible

Critical

High
Training Unable to bring seasonals on early enough to provide all the required training prior to sending on incidents

Almost Certain

Critical

Extremely High

 Ensure line officers are committed to providing adequate time and funding to develop personnel as necessary.

Possible

Critical

High
Lack of Crew Resource Management (CRM)

Likely

Critical

Extremely High

 Provide adequate time for training and provide time for Modules to develop CRM prior to field season.  Provide training in CRM for Modules annually. Brief/debrief, maintain positive attitude.

Possible

Critical

High
Human Factors Fatigue/burnout due to incident duration as well as year-round All Risk incident support

Likely

Critical

Extremely High

 Adhere to work/rest guidelines. Monitor fatigue levels of crews. Rotate personnel and helicopter programs to manage fatigue and burnout. Manage number and duration of assignments. Ensure adequate time off and provide quality R and R while on assignments.

Possible

Critical

High
Acceptance of high-risk missions as normal

Likely

Catastrophic

Extremely High

 Review risk assessment and existing policy/procedures, brief/debrief with all personnel and utilize risk management tools to include Go-No-Go Checklists. Educate personnel on the hazards of normalization of risk and complacency. Mission decision made at appropriate level. Must have better communication and collaboration between Operations and Aviation.

Unlikely

Catastrophic

High
High workload for Maintenance Inspectors may compromise their ability to perform thorough inspections.  Standard inspections criteria not followed consistently among agencies or regions

Likely

Critical

Extremely High

 Increase amount of personnel available to perform the duties of Maintenance Inspector in proportion with span of control. Ensure inspection standards are developed and maintained by agencies.

Unlikely

Critical

Medium
Conflicting personalities resulting in hazardous attitudes

Possible

Critical

High

 If individuals cannot professionally resolve differences, managers and supervisors must intervene immediately. Brief/debrief, employ CRM, provide honest and objective feedback, maintain positive attitude. Maintain professionalism and mission focus at all times.

Unlikely

Critical

Medium

 

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