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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

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Fixed Wing Risk Assessments

Helicopter Risk Assessments

Unmanned Aircraft Systems Risk Assessments

Other Risk Assessments

 

Aircraft

Helicopter Operations Risk Assessments

Aircraft | Facilities | Operations | Personnel Contractors | Personnel Government | Technology

SYSTEM:  Helicopter Operations, Aircraft

Sub-System Hazards Pre-Mitigation Mitigation Post-Mitigation

Probability

Severity

Risk Level

Probability

Severity

Risk Level
Capabilities High DA will over gross the aircraft

Possible

Catastrophic

Extremely High

 Use appropriate aircraft for mission.  Conduct thorough pre-mission planning, load calculations, etc.  Reinforce HHH Training.

Unlikely

Catastrophic

High
Aircraft not appropriate for mission.  ICS Typing

Possible

Critical

High

 Ensure appropriate aircraft is ordered and utilized.  Conduct thorough pre-mission planning, load calculations, etc.

Unlikely

Critical

Medium
Mechanical failure - flight component

Unlikely

Catastrophic

High

 Follow NSHO, Ch 14, Scheduled Maintenance, Pre and Post Flight, etc.

Unlikely

Catastrophic

High
Equipment not well maintained and operational

Possible

Critical

High

 Follow NSHO, Ch 9.  Ensure personnel receive adequate basic training.

Possible

Moderate

Medium
Visibility Lack of Hi Vis Aircraft Markings

Possible

Catastrophic

Extremely High

 Identify paint schemes that are NOT highly visible and add that to the contract as NOT approved.

Rare

Catastrophic

Medium
Inspection Lack of standardization of government inspectors

Almost Certain

Critical

Extremely High

 Recommend development and implement of interagency standardized inspection process. If one agency does not approve an aircraft or contractor for operation other agencies should follow and accept that decision.

Unlikely

Critical

Medium
Level of Training for HMGBs on inspection process is inadequate

Almost Certain

Moderate

High

 Develop training for HMGB on MEL, maintenance buzz words (Watch Outs). Act on opportunity for HMGB to attend inspections.

Possible

Moderate

Medium
Equipment Personnel not proficient with equipment

Almost Certain

Moderate

High

 Inspectors ensure Contractors (Pilots) are adequately trained and skilled with equipment provided. Ensure contract language requires equipment to be commensurate with current technology.

Possible

Moderate

Medium
Maintenance Maintenance in the field

Almost Certain

Critical

Extremely High

 Fly aircraft to shop/hanger for maintenance whenever possible. Allow adequate time for mechanics to work in field.  Provide light/power/water if possible.

Unlikely

Critical

Medium
Lack of thorough documentation

Possible

Critical

High

 Develop training for HMGB on MEL, Maintenance buzz words (Watch Outs). Enhance awareness through training for HMGB on when to call MI for assistance with Contractor and maintaining equipment.

Unlikely

Critical

Medium
Poor Communications between all parties (Contractor, GACC, CO, ACO, COR, PI, MI, HMGB)

Almost Certain

Critical

Extremely High

 Enhance and integrate tracking of maintenance records AND Contract Evaluations of the aircraft over the duration of the contract period in order to recognize issues-CWN and Ex Use. Hire additional Maintenance Inspectors to keep up with this increased workload.

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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Call for Nominations: Paul Gleason Lead by Example Award

Date: December 11, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
 Leadership Committee 

Do you know someone working in wildland fire who strives to make positive change and is undeterred by obstacles or setbacks? Now is your chance to give that person the acknowledgment they deserve by nominating them for a Paul Gleason Lead by Example Award.

This award, is presented by the NWCG Leadership Committee to remember Paul Gleason's contributions to the wildland fire community and to recognize individuals or groups that exhibit the same spirit and dedication to leadership – those who lead by example.

Nominations can be submitted via email with an attached Lead by Example Form to BLM_FA_Leadership_Feedback@blm.gov or through the online form. 

Tips for successful nominations and more information can be found on the Lead by Example webpage. All nominations must be submitted by December 31, 2025.

References:

Paul Gleason Lead By Example Award 

Paul Gleason Lead by Example Award Nomination Form 2025 

Leadership Committee 

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Date: December 9, 2025
Questions about RT-130? 
Please contact: NWCG Audiovisual Specialist

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Later this month, NWCG will release a compelling video that brings the Ransom Road Fire to life through firsthand accounts, official reports, and animated maps. Rob Lee, second on site during the deployment, shares his powerful recollections of that day. 

This video will be going live later this month in NWCG's RT-130, Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher (WFSTAR) Catalogue.

References:

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Date: October 15, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
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NWCG is excited to announce the release of the Leadership Committee’s 2025–2026 Leadership Campaign, themed “Leadership Levels.” 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.

The campaign is structured into four quarters and may be completed at any time between October 1, 2025 -December 31, 2026. Leadership levels will be released quarterly.

Quarter One materials are now available on the Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program website and focus on Leadership Level 1, Follower (Self-Leadership).

References:

2025/2026 NWCG Leadership Campaign - Leadership Levels

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program

Leadership Committee

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Date: October 3, 2024
Questions? Please contact:
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This instructor-led course is a primer on leadership and the second formal course in the Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program. It helps emerging leaders build the confidence, skills, and mindset needed to lead effectively in high-risk environments. 

For more information about leadership development and available courses, visit the Leadership Committee Web Portal.

References:

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