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

 

Helicopter Risk Assessments

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)

Share on Social Media

Last Modified / Reviewed:

Print PDF

NWCG Latest Announcements

NEW! S-231, Engine Boss Course Available Now

Date:  March 6, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Incident Operations Subcommittee

NWCG is pleased to announce the new S-231, Engine Boss (Single Resource) course is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP). Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this training supports individuals working towards Engine Boss, Single Resource (ENGB) incident qualifications. 

This is a performance-based instructor-led training (ILT) that focuses on the application of ENGB responsibilities during wildland fire operations, emphasizing readiness, information gathering, risk management, engine tactics, and Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) operations. Trainees apply these skills through scenario-based group work and an optional field day that reinforces hands-on engine operation tasks. 

References:

S-231, Engine Boss (Single Resource) (Instructor-led)

NWCG Engine Boss, Single Resource (ENGB) Position Page

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

NWCG Celebrates 50 Years!

Date:  March 6, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: NWCG Executive Secretary

NWCG is proud to celebrate 50 years of service to the wildland fire community. Beginning in 1976 with an interagency agreement between the Department of Interior and Department of Agriculture, NWCG has grown to include additional member agencies and is recognized as the standard-setting leader in wildland fire operations.

To honor where we’ve been and highlight where we are going, the NWCG team has created a video showcasing our history and accomplishments. The video is now available on the NWCG website.

References:

NWCG 50 Year Anniversary Video

NEW! S-131, Firefighter Type 1 Course Available Now

Date:  March 6, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Incident Operations Subcommittee

NWCG is pleased to announce the new S-131, Firefighter Type 1 course is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP). Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this course is a performance-based instructor-led training (ILT) that focuses on the application of situational awareness and decision making, building on the knowledge and concepts introduced in previous required courses. Using a threaded fictitious fire, each unit focuses on a performance-based activity in which students practice applying their decision-making and problem-solving skills.

The S-131, Firefighter Type 1 course is required for individuals seeking qualifications to be a Firefighter Type 1 (Squad Boss) (FFT1) or an Incident Commander Type 5 (ICT5).

References:

S-131, Firefighter Type 1 (Instructor-led)

NWCG Firefighter Type 1 (Squad Boss) Position Page

NWCG Incident Commander Type 5 Position Page

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

2026 Professional Reading List

Date: March 4, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: WFLDP Curriculum Management

The Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program (WFLDP) is announcing the 2026 Professional Reading List.  The goal of the annual reading list is to promote the reading and discussion of the selected books throughout the year. 

The six books chosen for this year are: How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie; Leadership Strategy and Tactics by Jocko Willink; Meditations by Marcus Aurelious; Quiet by Susan Cain; The Little Book of Stoic Quotes by Phil Van Treuren; and The Confident Mind by Nate Zinsser.

References:

Professional Reading Program

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program