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PMS 530-1

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:

NWCG Latest Announcements

Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Book Available for Firing Boss, Single Resource

Date: April 30, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Fuels Management Committee

NWCG is excited to announce that the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Firing Boss, Single Resource, PMS 350-105, and the NWCG Position Task Book for Firing Boss, Single Resource (FIRB), PMS 311-105, are now available. 

These resources, part of the Performance Support Package developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, support trainees, qualified personnel, and evaluators. 

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:

NWCG Firing Boss, Single Resource Position Page

NWCG Incident Position Standards for Firing Boss, Single Resource, PMS 350-105

NWCG Position Task Book for Firing Boss, Single Resource (FIRB), PMS 311-105

Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Book Available for Helicopter Crewmember

Date: April 28, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Interagency Helicopter Operations Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Helicopter Crewmember, PMS 350-22, and the NWCG Position Task Book for Helicopter Crewmember (HECM), PMS 311-22, are now available.

These resources, part of the Performance Support Package developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, support trainees, qualified personnel, and evaluators.

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:

NWCG Incident Position Standards for Helicopter Crewmember, PMS 350-22

NWCG Incident Position Standards for Helicopter Crewmember, PMS 350-22

NWCG Position Task Book for Helicopter Crewmember (HECM), PMS 311-22

Updated NWCG Standards for Fire Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations, PMS 515

Date: April 23, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Interagency Fire Unmanned Aircraft Systems Subcommittee

The NWCG Standards for Fire Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations, PMS 515 standardizes processes and procedures for the interagency use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), including pilot inspections and approvals. This updated publication provides the aviation community with standards to ensure UAS are used safely, effectively, and efficiently in support of fire management goals and objectives.

References:

NWCG Standards for Fire Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations, PMS 515

NWCG National Interagency Aviation Committee

ETC Bulletin 25-001: Retrofitted Hot/Cold Beverage Kits - 2025 Field Season

Date: April 16, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Equipment Technology Committee

Due to spout failures and the associated risk of burn injuries, manufacturers have retrofitted the Hot/Cold Beverage Kits using a heat-shrinking band to secure the black spout at the insertion site. The updated kits feature a fluorescent label on each full kit assembly for easy identification. Catering units are encouraged to confirm the clear heat-shrinking bands are intact around each spout before filling.

ETC Bulletin 24-001 regarding Hot/Cold Beverage Kits has been archived and replaced by ETC Bulletin 25-001 for the 2025 season.

References:

NWCG Alerts

ETC-EB-25-001 Retrofitted Hot/Cold Beverage Kits