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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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Date:  March 17, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Fire Behavior Subcommittee

NWCG is pleased to announce that the new S-490, Advanced Fire Behavior Calculations (Blended), 2026 course is now available.

This training includes performance-based activities that allow students to apply the knowledge and concepts required for the Fire Behavior Analyst (FBAN), Long Term Fire Analyst (LTAN), and Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 1 (RXB1) positions. It supports individuals working towards these incident qualifications.

This blended course begins with a self-paced online training (OLT) in the Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP), followed by an in-person instructor-led training (ILT).

References:

S-490, Advanced Fire Calculations (Blended)

NWCG Fire Behavior Analyst (FBAN) Position Page

NWCG Long Term Fire Analyst (LTAN) Position Page

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Date:  March 13, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Leadership Committee

The NWCG Leadership Committee is proud to announce the recipients of the 2024 Paul Gleason "Lead By Example" awards. Award categories include Initiative and Innovation, Mentoring and Teamwork, Motivation and Vision, as well as a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Congratulations to the awardees:

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References:

Paul Gleason Lead By Example Award

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Leadership Committee

NEW! S-231, Engine Boss Course Available Now

Date:  March 6, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Incident Operations Subcommittee

NWCG is pleased to announce the new S-231, Engine Boss (Single Resource) course is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP). Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this training supports individuals working towards Engine Boss, Single Resource (ENGB) incident qualifications. 

This is a performance-based instructor-led training (ILT) that focuses on the application of ENGB responsibilities during wildland fire operations, emphasizing readiness, information gathering, risk management, engine tactics, and Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) operations. Trainees apply these skills through scenario-based group work and an optional field day that reinforces hands-on engine operation tasks. 

References:

S-231, Engine Boss (Single Resource) (Instructor-led)

NWCG Engine Boss, Single Resource (ENGB) Position Page

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NWCG Celebrates 50 Years!

Date:  March 6, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: NWCG Executive Secretary

NWCG is proud to celebrate 50 years of service to the wildland fire community. Beginning in 1976 with an interagency agreement between the Department of Interior and Department of Agriculture, NWCG has grown to include additional member agencies and is recognized as the standard-setting leader in wildland fire operations.

To honor where we’ve been and highlight where we are going, the NWCG team has created a video showcasing our history and accomplishments. The video is now available on the NWCG website.

References:

NWCG 50 Year Anniversary Video