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Properly Refusing Risk – Turning Down an Aviation Assignment

Turn Downs

A turn down is a situation where an individual has determined he or she cannot safely complete an assignment as given and is unable to negotiate an alternative solution. Every individual has the right and obligation to report circumstances, conditions, or actions that could jeopardize firefighter or public safety. When an individual feels an assignment is unsafe, they also have the option to identify safe alternatives for completing that assignment. Turning down an assignment is one possible outcome of managing risk. 

There are many conditions in which an Airtanker Pilot or Air Tactical Group Supervisor (ATGS) may turn down an assignment. A turn down must be based on a thoughtful and thorough risk assessment. 

Individuals may turn down an assignment when: 

  • There is a violation of established safe aviation practices.
    • e.g., aircraft mechanical malfunctions, mixed aircraft are over fire and aerial supervision requirements are not met, time of day in relation to pumpkin time, active military training airspace with no deconfliction
  • Environmental conditions make the work unsafe.
    • e.g., heavy winds, thunderstorms, untenable terrain, time of day, unsafe runway conditions, airport operations incidents
  • Personnel lack the necessary qualifications or experience.
    • e.g., An unaccompanied, non-IA carded pilot has been requested for an assignment.

Once a turn down occurs, the Airtanker Base Manager (ATBM) or Single Engine Airtanker Manager (SEMG) is responsible for:

  • Notifying the Air Operations Branch Director (AOBD) or unit aviation leadership immediately.
  • In the case that other resources are requested to perform the assignment, the ATBM or dispatch must inform any new resources that the assignment has been turned down, and the reason why.
  • The safety hazard should be documented by the submission of a SAFENET or SAFECOM.
  • Agency Reporting Systems must be used by all firefighters according to their agency specific accident and incident reporting direction. SAFENET augments these systems, it does not replace them.  

Discussion Questions:

  • When an Airtanker Pilot turns down an assignment, should other bases be notified?
  • If a pilot decides he or she wants to delay accepting the mission to monitor the weather for more favorable conditions, when should the turn down be documented?
  • If conditions do not feel safe on the ramp, can ramp personnel turn down an assignment?
  • In what instances may ramp personnel be involved with a pilot turning down an assignment?
     

References:

Category
Airtankers

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NEW! Incident Performance and Training Modernization Story Map Now Available

Date: Aug 26, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
National Wildfire Coordinating Group

NWCG is excited to announce the launch of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) Story Map, a new interactive resource that showcases how NWCG is transforming wildland fire training and qualifications through a performance-based system.

Since its launch in 2023, IPTM has made major strides in updating how we manage incident positions:

  • 36 incident positions now have new Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Books available for field use
  • 6 more incident positions are nearing completion
  • 111 total incident positions are being analyzed through the IPTM initiative

The Story Map guides you through the IPTM process, highlights key accomplishments, and outlines what’s ahead. Whether you are a trainer or a trainee, this tool offers valuable insight into the modernization effort shaping the future of wildland fire training and qualifications.

This effort would not be possible without the contributions of NWCG staff, NWCG committees, and hundreds of subject matter experts across the wildland fire community.

References:

IPTM Story Map

Incident Performance and Training Modernization Webpage

NEW! S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended) Available Now

Date: Aug 15, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Fire Behavior Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that the S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended) training is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal. S-290 (Blended) training combines online training and instructor-led training components that support individuals working towards any Single Resource Boss or Fire Effects Monitor incident qualifications.

This second course in the series collectively serves to develop fire behavior prediction knowledge and skills, and provides more detailed information on fuels, weather, and topography that affect wildland fire behavior for safety purposes.

Students are required to finish the prerequisite S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior, before enrolling in S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended).

References:

S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended)

S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

NEW! S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended) Now Available

Date: Aug 14, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Interagency Helicopter Operations Subcommittee

The S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended) is now available. Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this training supports individuals working towards Helicopter Crewmember (HECM) incident qualifications. 

S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended) training combines online training and instructor-led training components. This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the duties of the HECM position, as described in the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Helicopter Crewmember, PMS 350-22.

Any changes to qualification pathways will take effect with the next update of the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1, scheduled for January 2026.

References:

S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended)

NWCG Helicopter Crewmember (HECM) Position Page

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Books Now Available for FBAN and LTAN

Date: Aug 13, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Fire Behavior Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Books are now available for Fire Behavior Analyst (FBAN) and Long Term Fire Analyst (LTAN).

The Performance Support Packages for these positions were developed as part of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort. These resources support trainees, qualified personnel, and evaluators in their respective roles.

Any changes to qualification pathways will take effect with the next update of the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1, scheduled for January 2026.

References:

NWCG Fire Behavior Analyst Position Page

NWCG Long Term Fire Analyst Page