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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

Submit Revision / Recommendation

Fixed Wing Risk Assessments

Helicopter Risk Assessments

Unmanned Aircraft Systems Risk Assessments

Other Risk Assessments

 

Personnel, Government

NWCG Committee Realignment Website Updates: Content will continue to be updated over the coming days as we work through final reviews and adjustments, and all publications and products are currently under revision.

Single Engine Airtanker (SEAT)

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

SYSTEM:  SEAT, Personnel (Government)

Sub-System Hazards Pre-Mitigation Mitigation Post-Mitigation

Probability

Severity

Risk Level

Probability

Severity

Risk Level
Utilization Span of control exceeded

Almost Certain

Critical

Extremely High

 Ensure that base operations plans address contingency to handle events where span of control may be exceeded. Home units need to mitigate this issue by pre-training and recruitment of supplemental personnel. Order additional personnel as necessary. Comply with NWCG Standards for Airtanker Base Operations' staffing minimums.

Possible

Critical

High
Management Ineffective use of SEATs on incidents

Likely

Moderate

Medium

 Ensure that base operations plans address contingency to handle events where span of control may be exceeded. Home units need to mitigate this issue by pre-training and recruitment of supplemental personnel. Order additional personnel as necessary. Comply with NWCG Standards for Airtanker Base Operations' staffing minimums.

Unlikely

Moderate

Medium
Training Lack of knowledge and experience in aviation contract administration and aviation program management for SEAT Manager trainees

Almost Certain

Moderate

Medium

 Recommend SEAT Managers attend aviation contract administration course.

Unlikely

Moderate

Medium
Lack of available and trained agency SEMGs, ramp personnel

Almost Certain

Critical

Extremely High

 Fire management should provide opportunities for training/qualification of agency employees.

Unlikely

Moderate

Medium
Human Factors Acceptance of high-risk missions as normal

Likely

Critical

Extremely High

 Review risk assessment and existing policy/procedures. Brief/debrief with all personnel and utilize risk management tools to include Go/No-Go checklists. Educate personnel on the hazards of normalization of risk and complacency. Emphasize situational awareness with all personnel. Mission decisions are made at the appropriate level.

Unlikely

Critical

Medium
Changes in standard operating procedures not being accepted

Likely

Moderate

High

 Clarify and confirm program changes. Provide training. Notify appropriate personnel, in a timely manner. Accept questions and seek out responses.

Unlikely

Moderate

Medium
Conflicting personalities resulting in hazardous attitudes

Possible

Critical

High

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

Unlikely

Critical

Medium
Experience SEAT Manager - Agency vs AD

Almost Certain

Moderate

High

 Provide program oversight (Local, State or National) to ensure that SEMG meets currency experience requirements and have completed triennial refresher as per NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications. Provide FWPT/RAMP training. Encourage more Agency personnel train for SEMG qualification.

Unlikely

Moderate

Medium
Aerial supervision - lack of SEAT-specific knowledge and experience

Likely

Critical

Extremely High

 Provide thorough pre-mission briefings and conduct post-mission AARs, including SEAT pilots and ATGS. Include specific SEAT section for ATGS training.

Unlikely

Critical

Medium
Policy/ Procedure Policy deviation

Possible

Critical

High

 Re-enforce and emphasize to SEMGs to communicate with local UAO, SECOs, COs, SAMs, etc. when questions and/or issues arise.

Unlikely

Moderate

Medium
Multiple agencies - differing standards (state vs federal)

Almost Certain

Critical

Extremely High

 Recommend continued development and implementation of interagency standardized SEAT program management and policy.

Possible

Critical

High

 

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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NWCG Latest Announcements

NWCG Committees Observe Suicide Prevention Awareness Week: September 7-13, 2026

Date:  September 8, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Health and Wellness Subcommittee

The NWCG Health and Wellness Subcommittee (HWSC) and Safety/Risk Management Committee (SRC) recognize the unique challenges and demands faced by the wildland fire community. The HWSC and SRC know that we are all stronger together and believe in fostering a culture of support, understanding, and resilience.

Suicide Prevention Awareness encourages us to actively connect with and support each other. For more information that could make a difference for yourself or someone else please review the materials and resources provided for the 2026 Suicide Prevention Awareness Week.

References:

2026 Letter from Leadership

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Health and Wellness Subcommittee

Safety and Risk Management Committee

2025 Paul Gleason Award Winners Announced

Date:  August 13, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Leadership Development Subcommittee

The NWCG Qualifications Management Committee (QMC) and Leadership Development Subcommittee (LDSC) are proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 Paul Gleason "Lead By Example" awards. Award categories include Initiative and Innovation, Mentoring and Teamwork, and Motivation and Vision.

Congratulations to the awardees:

  • Hunter Bell, U.S. Forest Service — Initiative and Innovation
  • Shannon Deane, U.S. Wildland Fire Service— Initiative and Innovation
  • Chris Delaney, U.S. Wildland Fire Service — Motivation and Vision
  • Sean Peterson, U.S. Forest Service — Mentoring and Teamwork

References:

Paul Gleason Lead By Example Award

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program (WFLDP)

Leadership Development Subcommittee

LMC Equipment Bulletin 26-001: Aquatic Invasive Species – Seasonal Reminder for Mussels

Date:  July 30, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Equipment and Technology Subcommittee

The Logistics and Equipment Management Committee (LMC) issued Equipment Bulletin 26-001: Aquatic Invasive Species - Seasonal Reminder for Mussels, reminding the wildland fire community that aquatic mussels continue to be a problem. Mussels rapidly colonize hard and soft surfaces, including aquatic plants and fire equipment, clogging pipes, fouling motors, disrupting water systems, and impacting native species.

To help prevent their spread, fire personnel must follow the decontamination procedures outlined in the NWCG Guide to Preventing Aquatic Invasive Species Transport by Wildland Fire Operations, PMS 444. Additionally, report any sightings immediately to your Lead Resource Advisor and include clear, close-up photos (with a pen or your hand for size reference) and location details.”

Read the complete LMC Equipment Bulletin 26-001, to learn more. 

References:

NWCG Alerts

LMC Equipment Bulletin 26-001: Aquatic Invasive Species - Seasonal Reminder for Mussels

NWCG Guide to Preventing Aquatic Invasive Species Transport by Wildland Fire Operations, PMS 444

Intermediate Faller (FAL2) Position Task Book Update

Date:  July 24, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Tree Felling Subcommittee

NWCG Operations Management Committee (OMC) has issued an update to the NWCG Position Task Book for Intermediate Faller (FAL2), PMS 311-91. To ensure clarity for both trainees and evaluators, the updated FAL2 Position Task Book (PTB) explicitly states who is authorized to sign off on your tasks:

“Evaluators must be qualified as a FAL2, or an Advanced Faller (FAL1).”

If you are currently working out of a previously published version of the FAL2 PTB, you do not need to restart. However, OMC highly encourages you to take the following step to prevent any confusion in the field:

  • Print and replace the updated evaluator information page (page 2) in your current physical PTB.

References:

Intermediate Faller (FAL2) Position Page

RMC Memo 26-01: Transition Plan for Implementing Updates to Intermediate Faller (FAL2) Position Qualifications

NWCG Position Task Book for Intermediate Faller (FAL2), PMS 311-91