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PMS 530-1

Personnel

Large Airtanker (LAT) Risk Assessments

Aircraft | Contracts | Operations | Personnel


SYSTEM:  Large Airtanker, Personnel

Sub-System Hazards Pre-Mitigation Mitigation Post-Mitigation

Probability

Severity

Risk Level

Probability

Severity

Risk Level

Pilot Training Lack of fire mission training and lack of proficiency flight time

Likely

Catastrophic

Extremely High

Ensure vendors utilize training programs such as CRM, risk management, and flight safety with the intent to standardize cockpit procedures. Provide NAFA training often to capture new pilots and allow for refresher training of all pilots. Provide adequate training opportunities with experienced pilots within the fire environment. Ensure adequate proficiency flight time is provided prior to starting on contract. During the contract period, vendors are responsible to ensure their pilots are proficient.

Possible

Critical

High

Human Factors The limited number of airtankers has resulted in more frequent travel and change of duty station, which increases stress and has a negative effect on crew quality of life

Almost Certain

Critical

Extremely High

Provide additional administrative support. Adhere to duty limits; implement Phase Duty Limitations as appropriate. Improve the management model for national deployment of the fleet. Add more airtankers.

Possible

Critical

High

Target fixation and tactical maneuvering errors

Likely

Catastrophic

High

Address airtanker pilot training and proficiency to reduce frequency of accidents. Ensure aircraft performance planning for successful outcome in a high rate of descent, level off, and climb out profile.  Provide adequate training time in fire environment.

Possible

Critical

High

Acceptance of high-risk missions as normal

Almost Certain

Catastrophic

Extremely High

Review existing policy/procedures and risk assessment during in brief and mission briefings. Utilize risk management tools, including Go/No-Go checklists. Educate personnel on the normalization of risk and complacency. Make mission decisions at the appropriate level. Ensure communication between operations and aviation personnel. Emphasize importance of situational awareness as a means for recognizing risk.

Unlikely

Catastrophic

High

Pilot/crew fatigue.

Likely

Critical

Extremely High

Adhere to work/rest guidelines. Utilize interim flight and duty limitations/additional days off as authorized. Request personnel swap or additional crew members during peak fire activity. Ensure adequate pilot rest areas are available.

Unlikely

Critical

Medium

Culture ATBMs, users, contractors don't have full understanding of agency policies and procedures at different bases

Likely

Critical

Extremely High

Ensure all users have access to Interagency policy and procedures. Follow SABO. Ensure communication between agencies. Attend the national ATBM workshop every three years.

Unlikely

Moderate

Medium

Can do philosophy has fostered aviation programs with high-risk operations

Likely

Critical

Extremely High

Provide program oversight to assure risk is at lowest practicable level. Improve crew risk management.

Unlikely

Moderate

Medium

Inspections Operator's lack of quality assurance and inspection program results in non-compliance with contract airworthiness standards

Likely

Critical

Extremely High

Enforce QA program for improved oversight of the contracted fleet.

Unlikely

Moderate

Medium

Technology HAT underutilized resulting in task saturation

Possible

Moderate

Medium

Develop new technologies for the mission such as glass cockpit, synthetic vision, electronic target identification, laser targeting, etc. Utilize updated electronic equipment if possible [e.g., Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) and Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast in (ADS-B in)]. 

Possible

Negligible

Low

 

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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