Aircraft

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Single Engine Airtanker (SEAT)

SYSTEM: SEAT, Aircraft

Sub-System	Hazards	Pre-Mitigation			Mitigation	Post-Mitigation
Sub-System	Hazards	Probability	Severity	Risk Level	Mitigation	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
Capabilities	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
Maintenance	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).

Last Modified / Reviewed: April 25, 2024

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NWCG Latest Announcements

Equipment Advisory 26-001: Potential Front Driveline Joint Failure on 2018 and Earlier Ram Pickups

Date: July 10, 2026
Questions?
Please contact: Equipment and Technology Subcommittee

The Logistics/Equipment Management Committee (LMC) has released Equipment Advisory 26-001: Potential Front Driveline Joint Failure on 2018 and Earlier Ram Pickups. This advisory highlights multiple U.S. Forest Service regions reporting front driveline joint failure incidents.

This advisory recommends firefighters and fire managers to:

Follow all Ram-issued inspection, maintenance, and service guidance for front driveline joints.
Consider installing a driveline loop.
Coordinate with fleet managers and service providers to determine the most appropriate driveline loop kit for each pickup.

For further details, please refer to the complete advisory.

References:

Equipment Advisory 26-001: Potential Front Driveline Joint Failure on 2018 and Earlier Ram Pickups

Technical Service Bulletin: 03-002-21

NEW! NWCG Standard Operating Procedures, PMS 900

Date: July 9, 2026
Questions?
Please contact: NWCG Staff

NWCG is excited to announce the publication of the NWCG Standard Operating Procedures, PMS 900.

The new publication establishes general, consistent, and uniform standards for conducting business with the National Wildfire Coordinating Group.

References:

NWCG Standard Operating Procedures, PMS 900

Quarter Four Materials for the 2025-2026 Wildland Fire Leadership Campaign Now Available

Date: July 8, 2026
Questions?
Please contact: Leadership Development Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that Fourth Quarter materials for the 2025/2026 Wildland Fire Leadership Campaign are now available. This annual initiative offers all students of leadership and wildland fire management an opportunity to engage with essential leadership skills and knowledge needed to lead effectively in dynamic environments.

Quarter Four materials focus on Leadership Level 4: Leader of Leaders (Provide Direction). Leadership Level 4 is where you are setting the conditions for others to do things well, even when you are not present. This quarter focuses on equipping experienced leaders with skills to provide direction, build trust across teams, and foster strong decision making.

References:

2025/2026 NWCG Leadership Campaign - Leadership Levels

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program

Leadership Development Subcommittee

2026 Week of Remembrance

Date: June 30, 2026
Questions?
Please contact: 6 Minutes for Safety Subcommittee

As we approach the 2026 Week of Remembrance (WOR), June 30–July 6, we dedicate this time to reflect on past incidents from 2016 and honor the fallen through learning. Since its inception in 2014, WOR has honored wildland firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice while encouraging critical discussions that reinforce lessons learned.

Throughout the week, we encourage thoughtful and generative conversations that promote a culture of continuous learning and safety.

References:

2026 Week of Remembrance: Letter to Leadership

Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center

PMS 530-1

PMS 530-1

Aircraft

Single Engine Airtanker (SEAT)

SYSTEM: SEAT, Aircraft

NWCG Latest Announcements

References:

References:

References:

References:

NWCG

National Wildfire Coordinating Group

PMS 530-1

PMS 530-1

Aircraft

Single Engine Airtanker (SEAT)

SYSTEM: SEAT, Aircraft

NWCG Latest Announcements

References:

References:

References:

References:

NWCG National Wildfire Coordinating Group

NWCG

National Wildfire Coordinating Group