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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

 

Operations

Large Airtanker (LAT) Risk Assessments

Aircraft | Contracts | Operations | Personnel

SYSTEM:  Large Airtanker, Operations

Sub-System Hazards Pre-Mitigation Mitigation Post-Mitigation

Probability

Severity

Risk Level

Probability

Severity

Risk Level
Management Inefficient use of airtankers may result in unnecessary risk exposure to aircrew and ground personnel (risk vs. gain)

Likely

Critical

Extremely High

 Pilots, fire management, dispatchers, aerial supervisors, and line personnel need proper training on effective use of aircraft. Conduct pre- and post-flight briefings; use AARs as mitigation to prevent accidents. Review incident objectives and adjust tactics as necessary. In extreme weather, set aircraft down until conditions improve.

Possible

Moderate

Medium
A sense of urgency may be placed on crew at various points during the mission

Likely

Critical

Extremely High

 Address safety vs. urgency at crew in-briefing with contractor and agency employees. Review How to Refuse Risk with crew. Reinforce this throughout operational periods. Ensure adequate flight planning occurs prior to take off.

Unlikely

Critical

Medium
Environment CFIT due to low-level operations

Almost Certain

Catastrophic

Extremely High

 Perform high-level recon prior to descending to drop height/low-level environment. Utilize aerial supervision and/or lead plane when available. Manage radio communication (sterile cockpit during drop). Reduce time in low-level environment. Ensure aircraft do not go below minimum drop height.

Unlikely

Critical

Medium
Mountainous terrain

Almost Certain

Catastrophic

Extremely High

 Ensure pilots are trained, experienced, and carded/qualified for the mission. Flight crews obtain thorough briefings on local conditions before starting operations.

Possible

Critical

High
Weather: poor visibility, thunderstorms, hot/high DA, turbulence

Almost Certain

Catastrophic

Extremely High

 Obtain most current/accurate weather forecast for airport and fire area. Conduct pre-mission risk assessment to determine mission hazards, restrictions, and mitigations. Delay mission until conditions improve. Follow policy on visibility, wind speed updating load calcs, etc. Establish trigger points to stop operations.

Unlikely

Critical

Medium
Airspace Flying in special use areas (MTRs, TFRs, restricted airspace)

Likely

Catastrophic

Extremely High

 Ensure dispatchers have contacted the military for clearance into restricted areas and have completed airspace deconfliction. Transmit appropriate squawk codes. Practice see and avoid. Be aware of private aircraft in TFR area. Utilize aerial supervision when available. Refer to local base plan for specific SUA procedures.

Possible

Moderate

Medium
Congested areas and urban interface

Likely

Catastrophic

Extremely High

 Comply with congested area policies in NWCG Standards for Aerial Supervision, PMS 505, and ensure that aerial supervision is in place or has been ordered.

Unlikely

Critical

Medium
Retardant Loading Fatigue of aircrew during hot loading and simultaneous fueling and loading operations (less time out of the cockpit)

Almost Certain

Critical

Extremely High

 One crewmember should stand up or leave cockpit when possible. Rotate crewmembers when they need food/fuel/water.  Open door (on opposite side of running engines while hot loading) for fresh air. Consider alternating simultaneous fueling/loading operation with normal fueling/loading operation to provide a longer break outside of aircraft for all crewmembers.

Possible

Critical

High
Overfilling and mixing errors

Possible

Critical

High

 Ensure all airtankers are loaded using a mass flow meter. Vendor and government personnel review and follow mixing and loading procedures.

Unlikely

Moderate

Medium

 

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-219, Firing Operations (Blended) Now Available

Date: Sept 11, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Fuels Management Committee 

The S-219, Firing Operations (Blended) course is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal. Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this training supports individuals working towards Firing Boss, Single Resource (FIRB) incident qualifications.

This blended course combines online and instructor-led training to provide students with the knowledge and skills required to perform the duties of the FIRB, as described in the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Firing Boss, Single Resource, PMS 350-105.

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-219, Firing Operations (Blended)

NWCG Firing Boss, Single Resource Position Page

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

NWCG Committees Observe Suicide Prevention Awareness Week: September 7-13, 2025

Date: Sep 5, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Mental Health Subcommittee

The NWCG Mental Health Subcommittee (MHSC) and Risk Management Committee (RMC) recognize the unique challenges and demands faced by the wildland fire community. The MHSC and RMC know that we are all stronger together and believe in fostering a culture of support, understanding, and resilience.

Suicide Prevention Awareness encourages us to actively connect with and support each other. For more information that could make a difference for yourself or someone else please review the materials and resources provided for the 2025 Suicide Prevention Awareness Week.

References:

2025 Suicide Prevention Awareness Week Materials and Resources

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