Skip to main content

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

Aerial Supervision Risk Assessments

Aircraft | Operations | Maintenance | Personnel

SYSTEM:  Aerial Supervision, Personnel

Sub-System Hazards Pre-Mitigation Mitigation Post-Mitigation

Probability

Severity

Risk Level

Probability

Severity

Risk Level
Human Factors Loss of situational awareness (SA) due to pilot/aircrew fatigue/burnout

Likely

Critical

Extremely High

A) Adhere to flight and duty limitations policy.

B) Activate phase limitations.

Possible

Critical

High
Hazardous air operations developing with ASM/ATGS through ineffective Crew Resource Management (CRM)

Unlikely

Critical

Medium

A) Re-evaluate task allocation.

B) Brief and debrief.

Rare

Critical

Medium
Leadplane pilot experiencing task saturation specific to single pilot operation

Almost Certain

Critical

Extremely High

A) Employ CRM using span-of-control guidelines for multiple aircraft.

B) Adjust tactics as needed.

Unlikely

Critical

Medium
Acceptance of high risk as normal (Complacency)

Likely

Catastrophic

Extremely High

A) Re-evaluate risk vs benefit.

B) Solicit feedback from other flight crews.

C) Utilize CRM to validate mission parameters.

D) Validate mission, or remove the high risk taking individual from the mission.

Unlikely

Catastrophic

High
Hazardous air operations developing due to external pressures

Possible

Critical

High

A) Do not allow external pressure to influence the operation.

B) Utilize CRM to ensure an effective operation with acceptable level of risk.

Unlikely

Critical

Medium
Dehydration

Almost Certain

Moderate

High

 Drink more water, stay hydrated, and maintain SA of your health.

Rare

Negligible

Low
Hazardous attitude: Anti authority, macho, invulnerability, impulsiveness, and resignation

Almost Certain

Critical

Extremely High

A) Remove the individual from the mission.

B) Properly supervise employees.

C) Adhere to work-rest guidelines, flight and duty limitations policy, etc.

D) Validate and stick to incident strategy and tactics.

Possible

Critical 

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:

Print PDF

NWCG Latest Announcements

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.

References:

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