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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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Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books Now Available for PROC and TIME

Date: July 17, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Incident Business Committee

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books are now available for Procurement Unit Leader (PROC) and Time Unit Leader (TIME).

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 update, scheduled for January 2026.

References:

NWCG Procurement Unit Leader Position Page

NWCG Time Unit Leader Position Page

National Wildland Firefighter Day

Date: July 2, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
National Interagency Fire Center

The National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) recognizes July 2, 2025, as National Wildland Firefighter Day (NWFFD). Established in 2022, NWFFD honors the dedication of wildland firefighters and support personnel. This day falls within the 2025 Week of Remembrance (June 30 - July 6), providing an opportunity to renew our commitment to wildland firefighter safety while remembering those who have fallen in the line of duty.

NWCG provides leadership to enable interoperable wildland fire operations among federal, state, local, Tribal, and territorial partners. NWCG standards and training establish common practices to contribute to safe, effective, and coordinated interagency wildland fire operations nationwide.

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Week of Remembrance

National Wildland Firefighter Day

2025 Week of Remembrance

Date: June 27, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
6 Minutes for Safety Subcommittee

As we approach the 2025 Week of Remembrance (WOR), June 30–July 6, we dedicate this time to reflect on the past incidents from 2015 and honor the fallen through learning. Since its inception in 2014, WOR has honored wildland firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice while encouraging critical discussions that reinforce lessons learned.

Throughout the week, we encourage thoughtful and generative conversations—whether in briefing rooms or at tailgates—that promote a culture of continuous learning and safety.

References:

2025 Week of Remembrance: Letter to Leadership

Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center

ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-003 Flame-Resistant Shirt Survey

Date: June 12, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Equipment Technology Committee

The U.S. Forest Service National Technology and Development Program (NTDP) is seeking input on the Forest Service-designed flame-resistant (FR) shirt, currently available through the National Interagency Support Cache system and FedMall.

NTDP is conducting a product review to improve future FR shirt designs. As part of this effort, a short survey is now open for federal employees who have worn any of three recent FR shirt models. Feedback will guide design improvements to better meet the needs of wildland firefighters.

To comply with the Paperwork Reduction Act, responses are limited to federal employees. The survey is open through September 12, 2025. 

References:

NWCG Alerts

ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-003