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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

 

Aircraft

Single Engine Airtanker (SEAT)

Aircraft | Contracts | Facilities | Maintenance | Operations | Personnel Contractors | Personnel Government

SYSTEM:  SEAT, Aircraft

Sub-System Hazards Pre-Mitigation Mitigation Post-Mitigation

Probability

Severity

Risk Level

Probability

Severity

Risk Level
Capabilities High density altitude affects the aircraft performance

Almost Certain

Critical

Extremely High

 Assign appropriate SEAT aircraft for mission and typical DA. Conduct pre-mission performance planning. Reinforce high/hot/heavy training. Complete load calculation before flight.

Unlikely

Critical

Medium
Inappropriate aircraft for mission

Possible

Critical

High

 Ensure SEAT is appropriate for temperatures, altitude, terrain, fuel type and mission. Receive feedback from pilots and aerial supervisor. If not effective, order different/additional aircraft.

Unlikely

Critical

Medium
Maintenance Mechanical failure

Possible

Catastrophic

Extremely High

 Pilot and SEMG monitor maintenance schedule. Vendor follows maintenance/overhaul schedule. Pilot reviews and understands emergency procedures.

Unlikely

Critical

Medium
Aircraft improperly maintained

Possible

Catastrophic

Extremely High

 Follow contract/FAA requirements and aircraft maintenance manual. Aircraft inspectors check that FAA maintenance requirements are met. Pilot performs/ensures that daily pre- and post-flight inspections are complete and that all life and time limit maintenance items are completed per maintenance manual.

Unlikely

Critical

Medium
Collision Avoidance Visibility

Almost Certain

Catastrophic

Extremely High

 Keep windscreen clean. Aircraft will have high-visibility paint scheme. Pilot and ground resources must maintain situational awareness. Only fly during VFR conditions.

Unlikely

Critical

Medium
Un-used or inoperable high-visibility aircraft lighting systems

Possible

Critical

High

 Landing and strobe lights need to be maintained and utilized as required by contract and aerial supervision guide. If lighting is inoperable, aircraft will return to base until repaired.

Unlikely

Critical

Medium
Congested airspace, military airspace, uncontrolled airports

Almost Certain

Catastrophic

Extremely High

 Aircraft will have operable collision avoidance system (TCAS), rate-of-climb indicator, gyro, and aeronautical charts for area of operations. Pilot will review known aerial hazards prior to flight. Practice see and avoid.

Unlikely

Catastrophic

High
Aircraft Carding and Pilot Inspection Process Lack of standardization

Possible

Moderate

Medium

 Ensure implementation of standardized SEAT aircraft and pilot inspection process. Train inspectors on new standards. Ensure SEMGs are knowledgeable on pre-use inspection process.

Unlikely

Moderate

Medium
Equipment Aviation maintenance inspectors unfamiliar with SEAT aircraft

Possible

Critical

High

 Train and utilize more Interagency aviation maintenance inspectors (include all agencies) with past SEAT program experience and knowledge.

Unlikely

Critical

Medium
Locations of cockpit controls and switches not consistent/standardized

Possible

Moderate

Medium

 Establish standard configuration in SEATs. Allow relief pilots time for orientation in each aircraft prior to mission operations.

Rare

Negligible

Low
Inadequate pre-flight/post-flight inspections

Possible

Critical

High

 Agency reps and vendor personnel should ensure adequate revenue time for pre- and post-flight inspections. Document pre- and post-flight inspections daily.

Unlikely

Moderate

Medium
Communications Changing technology and lack of training

Likely

Critical

Extremely High

 During the inspection and carding process ensure contractors (pilots) are skilled with equipment provided–GPS, VHF and UHF radios, AFF, etc.

Unlikely

Critical

Medium
Communication with non-federal fire departments - lack of radio equipment compatibility (narrow banding and frequencies)

Possible

Critical

High

 Continue to work with state, city and county fire departments to meet future federal standards and compatibility issues. Work with national agency/interagency radio program leaders to ensure the policies they develop are compatible with aviation requirements.

Unlikely

Critical

Medium
Inadequate frequency management

Almost Certain

Catastrophic

Extremely High

 Conduct effective air base in-briefings, including relief pilots. Ensure pilot has adequate time for orientation/programming before mission flights. Conduct frequent AARs and/or specialized training simulation exercises. Perform periodic reviews of frequency lists and avionics equipment operations. Check radio systems following days off. Ensure that positive communications are established.

Unlikely

Critical

Medium
No communications between SEAT pilot and ground/air ops

Possible

Catastrophic

Extremely High

 Follow appropriate checklists and procedures. Do not drop on fire line unless sure area is clear of ground personnel. If no contact can be established on incident return to base.

Unlikely

Critical

Medium
Radio frequency congestion

Almost Certain

Critical

Extremely High

 Make alternative frequencies readily available and known. Order additional frequencies as needed. Utilize AFF when possible to reduce congestion. Maintain effective working relationships with frequency coordinators. During high-fire activity consider ordering standalone frequency coordinator.

Unlikely

Critical

Medium
Lack of flight following frequencies

Likely

Critical

Extremely High

 Request local flight following frequencies whenever possible. Utilize standardized AFF procedures. Utilize national flight following if necessary. Utilize Air Guard as a last resort for initial contact for flight following.

Unlikely

Critical

Medium

 

Download the Word version (docx) of this information and the Risk Assessment Matrix (pdf) to use with the Risk Assessment Worksheet (docx).

 

 

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Questions? 
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