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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

 

Helicopter Risk Assessments

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.

Helicopter operations have an inherent risk.  That risk is the product of hazards associated with conducting operations in the flight environment and the potential for those identified hazards to affect the outcome of the mission/flight.  Risk Assessments (RA) help to identify potential hazards, the effect they could have on mission outcome, and mitigations that might help to lessen those outcomes. Good mission planning is the product of many things to include doing a RA.

The links provided will direct you to RAs categorized by System and Sub-System. For your specific mission you may need information provided on multiple pages.  Please take the time to review all System and Sub-System pages that relate to your specific mission/aircraft. The RAs provided have been submitted and/or reviewed by the interagency committees and subcommittees with mission expertise related to the specific RAs.  The Aviation Risk Management Subcommittee (ARMS) has approved these RAs for inclusion in the NWCG Aviation Risk Management Workbook, PMS 530-1.  You will find the Page Last Modified / Reviewed date at the bottom of each RA to help identify the most recent version/content. If you identify additional hazards and mitigations which need to be added or if you recognize revisions that need to be made to existing RAs, please Submit Revision/Recommendation.  You will find additional directions on how to submit information on that page.  If you need direction regarding how to use this workbook, please reference How to Use Workbook where you will find specific guidance on how best to utilize this information.

Available Options

Note:  Some risk assessments are not yet available.

Aerial Capture, Eradication, Tagging of Animals (ACETA)

Aerial Ignition

Aerial Seeding

External Load

Helicopter Operations

Rappel

Rope Assisted Deployments (RADS)

Short-Haul

Single Skid, Toe in, Exit Hover Procedures (STEP)

Last Modified / Reviewed:

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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