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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

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).

 

 

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NWCG Latest Announcements

Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books Now Available for PROC and TIME

Date: July 17, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Incident Business Committee

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books are now available for Procurement Unit Leader (PROC) and Time Unit Leader (TIME).

The Performance Support Packages for these positions were developed as part of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort. These resources support trainees, qualified personnel, and evaluators in their respective roles.

Any changes to qualification pathways will take effect with the next update of the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1 update, scheduled for January 2026.

References:

NWCG Procurement Unit Leader Position Page

NWCG Time Unit Leader Position Page

National Wildland Firefighter Day

Date: July 2, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
National Interagency Fire Center

The National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) recognizes July 2, 2025, as National Wildland Firefighter Day (NWFFD). Established in 2022, NWFFD honors the dedication of wildland firefighters and support personnel. This day falls within the 2025 Week of Remembrance (June 30 - July 6), providing an opportunity to renew our commitment to wildland firefighter safety while remembering those who have fallen in the line of duty.

NWCG provides leadership to enable interoperable wildland fire operations among federal, state, local, Tribal, and territorial partners. NWCG standards and training establish common practices to contribute to safe, effective, and coordinated interagency wildland fire operations nationwide.

References:

Week of Remembrance

National Wildland Firefighter Day

2025 Week of Remembrance

Date: June 27, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
6 Minutes for Safety Subcommittee

As we approach the 2025 Week of Remembrance (WOR), June 30–July 6, we dedicate this time to reflect on the past incidents from 2015 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—whether in briefing rooms or at tailgates—that promote a culture of continuous learning and safety.

References:

2025 Week of Remembrance: Letter to Leadership

Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center

ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-003 Flame-Resistant Shirt Survey

Date: June 12, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Equipment Technology Committee

The U.S. Forest Service National Technology and Development Program (NTDP) is seeking input on the Forest Service-designed flame-resistant (FR) shirt, currently available through the National Interagency Support Cache system and FedMall.

NTDP is conducting a product review to improve future FR shirt designs. As part of this effort, a short survey is now open for federal employees who have worn any of three recent FR shirt models. Feedback will guide design improvements to better meet the needs of wildland firefighters.

To comply with the Paperwork Reduction Act, responses are limited to federal employees. The survey is open through September 12, 2025. 

References:

NWCG Alerts

ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-003