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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

 

Aircraft

Aerial Supervision Risk Assessments

Aircraft | Operations | Maintenance | Personnel

SYSTEM:  Aerial Supervision, Aircraft

Sub-System Hazards Pre-Mitigation Mitigation Post-Mitigation

Probability

Severity

Risk Level

Probability

Severity

Risk Level
Avionics Avionics failure: Primary communication radio, avionics master or Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) fail

Possible

Moderate

Medium

A) Minimum equipment list (MEL) establishes minimum requirement.

B) Mission requirements as determined by the flight crew.

C) Integrate into preflight checklist.

Unlikely

Negligible

Low
ASM/ATGS avionics package insufficient for mission complexity

Likely

Critical

Extremely High

A) Contract specifications that recognize mission requirements.

B) Ensure necessary type, configuration, and number of radios to complete mission safely.

C) Reduce span of control.

D) Limit operations.

Unlikely

Moderate

Medium
ATGS or ATGS contract pilot unfamiliar with avionics (can't run radios or GPS, etc.)

Possible

Moderate

Medium

A) Release and replace the pilot, enforce contract specifications.

B) Release and replace the ATGS.

C) Continue currency training for the ATGS to include: FM radio programming and GPS operations.

Unlikely

Negligible

Low
Aircraft Type Reduced field of view for pilot and/or flight crew

Almost Certain

Critical

Extremely High

A) Ensure aircraft is appropriate for the mission.

B) Flight profile altered to maximize visibility.

C) Use of TCAS.

D) Clear communication with other aircraft.

E) Alter interior configuration (headrest, seat, windows).

Possible

Moderate

Medium
Performance Standards Poor Engine performance (single/twin, turbine/recip) for the ATGS mission

Possible

Catastrophic

Extremely High

A) Plan for high density altitudes.

B) Download cargo/fuel load.

C) Relocate to favorable location.

D) Alter the mission.

E) Upgrade the aircraft.

F) Ensure aircraft is appropriate for the mission.

G) Perform preflight planning.

Unlikely

Catastrophic

High
Contracting Contract ATGS, pilot skill/fire experience leading to sub-standard performance (i.e., working avionics, flight skills) during flight operations

Unlikely

Critical

Medium

A) Conduct thorough briefings.

B) Ride along with veteran fire pilot.

C) Document performance via contract evaluation process.

D) CWN/ARA Contractors need to receive better training, possibly in the form of computer-based training.

E) Require Air Attack pilots to take a check ride every three years.

Rare

Critical

Medium
Fuel Capacity and Procedure, ground fueling errors

Almost Certain

Catastrophic

Extremely High

A) Verify adequate volume of fuel for mission.

B) Pilot needs to be present during fueling to ensure proper procedures, correct fuel type and verify quantity.

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).

 

Last Modified / Reviewed:

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NWCG Latest Announcements

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

Date: Aug 15, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Fuels Management Committee

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

ETC/RMC Safety Bulletin: 25-001 New Guidance on Laundering Wildland Fire Clothing to Reduce Contamination

Date: Aug 8, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Equipment Technology Committee
 Risk Management Committee

The Equipment Technology Committee (ETC) and the Risk Management Committee (RMC) have issued Safety Bulletin 25-001: Laundering to Decontaminate Wildland Fire Clothing. Recent research revealed that wildland fire flame-resistant pants and shirts can be contaminated with chemicals from combustion byproducts, including carcinogens, and that common laundering practices can effectively remove these harmful contaminants from wildland firefighter clothing more effectively than previously understood. It is recommended to decontaminate wildland fire clothing as frequently as possible. 

Frequently Asked Questions about this new information and how to implement recommendations can be found on the NWCG Alerts page. Read the complete ETC/RMC Safety Bulletin: 25-001 to learn more. 

References:

NWCG Alerts

ETC Safety Bulletin: 25-001

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on Laundering to Decontaminate Wildland Fire Clothing

Equipment Technology Committee

Risk Management Committee