Skip to main content

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

Submit Revision / Recommendation

Fixed Wing Risk Assessments

Helicopter Risk Assessments

Unmanned Aircraft Systems Risk Assessments

Other Risk Assessments

 

Personnel, Contractors

Single Engine Airtanker (SEAT)

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

SYSTEM:  SEAT, Personnel (Contractors)

Sub-System Hazards Pre-Mitigation Mitigation Post-Mitigation

Probability

Severity

Risk Level

Probability

Severity

Risk Level
Human Factors Ground support personnel fatigue and workload

Likely

Critical

Extremely High

 Ensure contractor compliance with rest and duty limitations (DOT and contract) for ground support personnel so as not to overextend (company and agencies are both responsible to monitor closely). Utilize additional crew members as necessary. Monitor number of aircraft being loaded and mitigate additional workload per loader.

Unlikely

Critical

Medium
Pilot fatigue

Almost Certain

Critical

Extremely High

 SEMGs work with vendor personnel to ensure adequate rest between shifts. Manage missions to be most effective for incident, with proper use of aircraft. Consider phase duty limitations as appropriate.

Unlikely

Moderate

Medium
Pilot - poor decision making: multi-tasking, mission focus, sense of urgency, peer pressure

Almost Certain

Critical

Extremely High

 Ensure that these items are addressed in the contract pre-work meeting and re-enforced in the daily air base briefings, post mission briefings or whenever the need is identified. All personnel involved in operations should recognize hazardous situations or behavior. Communicate issues or concerns.  Recognize fatigue, hunger, illness or other issues that may be causing poor decision making and mitigate as needed.

Unlikely

Critical

Medium
Acceptance of high-risk missions and activities as normal

Likely

Catastrophic

Extremely High

 Emphasize importance of situational awareness to recognizing risk. Consider providing risk management training for the pilot and crew. Re-address complacency and self-discipline in daily airbase briefings. Review risk management workbook and/or vendor SMS manual on a regular basis.

Possible

Critical

High
Poor CRM with crew rotations; crew rotation may affect aircraft/equipment knowledge in-brief

Likely

Critical

Extremely High

 Make effort to ensure that contractor relief personnel arrive at base prior to relief cycle with sufficient overlap time to receive good in-brief from primary personnel.

Possible

Critical

High
Single pilot workload may be considered to be excessive based on demands that he/she be able to operate several cockpit equipment items during mission performance (i.e., multi-tasking overload.)

Almost Certain

Critical

Extremely High

 Complete thorough pre-flight planning. Minimize radio traffic. Follow sterile cockpit rules. Utilize aerial supervision if available to reduce cockpit workload. Utilize AFF. Allow time to program frequencies prior to launch. Conduct AARs, sand table and on ground CRM Exercises, incorporating operations personnel.

Possible

Critical

High
Conflicting and/or difficult personalities

Likely

Critical

Extremely High

 If individuals cannot professionally resolve differences, managers and supervisors must take immediate action. Brief/debrief, employ CRM, provide and receive honest and objective feedback, maintain positive attitude. Maintain professionalism and mission focus at all times.

Possible

Critical

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

Likely

Catastrophic

Extremely High

 Vendors have instituted training programs such as CRM, risk management, and flight safety with the intent to standardize cockpit procedures. Develop training center for fire environment and make available for vendor use. Other training includes aircraft performance and limitations. Provide opportunities for new and experienced pilots to attend NAFA training.

Possible

Catastrophic

High
High number of target fixation and tactical maneuvering errors

Likely

Catastrophic

Extremely High

 Company training plans should address human factors including target fixation, situational awareness, task overload, and performance/tactical planning errors. Plan training simulations prior to and throughout fire season.

Possible

Critical

High
Lack of training in firefighting strategy, tactics, terminology, basic ICS, frequency management, etc.

Likely

Critical

Extremely High

 Establish training courses for pilots to meet basic level of firefighting knowledge for all contracts.  Encourage contractors to take online basic wildland firefighting courses. Provide opportunities for attendance at NAFA. When available have a Level I pilot mentor a level II pilot.

Possible

Critical

High
Inadequate flight experience

Possible

Catastrophic

Extremely High

 Adhere to existing contract requirements requiring contractors to validate pilots' experience and training. SEMG must be familiar with the level of the pilot and their restrictions. Continue to provide opportunities for SEAT pilots to attend NAFA and other fire-specific aviation training. Develop, implement, and support a pilot mentoring program.

Unlikely

Critical

Medium
Ground Support Training Not all mixers, loaders and fuelers are adequately trained and qualified

Possible

Critical

High

 Ensure that contractors provide adequate training to ground personnel on mixing of fire chemicals and fueling of aircraft prior to fire assignment. Provide training documentation to agency aviation managers during pre-work meetings.

Unlikely

Critical

Medium
New Technology Lack of familiarity with technology, inability to utilize and operate equipment

Possible

Critical

High

 Ensure all vendor personnel are trained in the function and operation of newer technology, equipment, and systems prior to implementation and utilization.

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:

Print PDF

NWCG Latest Announcements

2024 Wildland Fire Emergency Medical Service Awards

Date: May 22, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Emergency Medical Committee

The NWCG Emergency Medical Committee (EMC) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2024 Wildland Fire Emergency Medical Service Awards. Each year, EMC recognizes individuals and groups who have demonstrated exceptional actions or accomplishments that go above and beyond their normal mission or job duties.

Congratulations to all the awardees and nominees. Through leadership and initiative, they have made significant contributions to the safety and well-being of the wildland fire community. These honors are well deserved.

References:

2024 Wildland Fire EMS Awards

NWCG Emergency Medical Committee

NWCG Welcomes the Incident Management Teams Association as an Associate Member

Date: May 21, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
https://www.nwcg.gov/contact-us

The NWCG Executive Board is honored to announce that the Incident Management Teams Association (IMTA) has joined the National Wildfire Coordinating Group as an associate member.

IMTA is a dedicated group of incident management professionals committed to enhancing the profession by promoting standards and fostering collaboration across federal, state, local, Tribal, and private sector partners throughout all phases of incident management.

“Joining NWCG aligns with our mission to elevate incident management professionals nationwide,” said Dr. Randal Collins, President of IMTA. “This is a proud moment for all of us committed to advancing public safety.”

References:

Incident Management Teams Association

National Wildfire Coordinating Group

Updated NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431

Date: May 14, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Fire Use Subcommittee

The updated NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431 serves as a supplemental resource for wildland fire module operations, providing information frequently used in the field.

PMS 431 defines the organizational structure, staffing, and qualifications for Type 1 and Type 2 Wildland Fire Modules, outlining their roles in wildland fire suppression, prescribed fire, and resource management. The NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431, should be used in conjunction with the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Module Operations, PMS 430.

References:

NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Module Operations, PMS 430

Updated NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200 Now Includes Off-Highway Vehicle Typing Standards

Date: May 13, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Mobile Fire Equipment Subcommittee 

The NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200 has been updated to include newly developed Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) typing standards. These standards organize OHV information into logical categories and outline key safety requirements for occupants.

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200 establishes minimum typing standards for aircraft, crews, and equipment used in national mobilization to wildland fire incidents. Typing designations are assigned based on measurable capability and performance criteria.

References:

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200