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PMS 530-1

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).

 

 

Last Modified / Reviewed:

NWCG Latest Announcements

Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Book Available for Firing Boss, Single Resource

Date: April 30, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Fuels Management Committee

NWCG is excited to announce that the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Firing Boss, Single Resource, PMS 350-105, and the NWCG Position Task Book for Firing Boss, Single Resource (FIRB), PMS 311-105, are now available. 

These resources, part of the Performance Support Package developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, support trainees, qualified personnel, and evaluators. 

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

 

References:

NWCG Firing Boss, Single Resource Position Page

NWCG Incident Position Standards for Firing Boss, Single Resource, PMS 350-105

NWCG Position Task Book for Firing Boss, Single Resource (FIRB), PMS 311-105

Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Book Available for Helicopter Crewmember

Date: April 28, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Interagency Helicopter Operations Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Helicopter Crewmember, PMS 350-22, and the NWCG Position Task Book for Helicopter Crewmember (HECM), PMS 311-22, are now available.

These resources, part of the Performance Support Package developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, support trainees, qualified personnel, and evaluators.

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

References:

NWCG Incident Position Standards for Helicopter Crewmember, PMS 350-22

NWCG Incident Position Standards for Helicopter Crewmember, PMS 350-22

NWCG Position Task Book for Helicopter Crewmember (HECM), PMS 311-22

Updated NWCG Standards for Fire Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations, PMS 515

Date: April 23, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Interagency Fire Unmanned Aircraft Systems Subcommittee

The NWCG Standards for Fire Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations, PMS 515 standardizes processes and procedures for the interagency use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), including pilot inspections and approvals. This updated publication provides the aviation community with standards to ensure UAS are used safely, effectively, and efficiently in support of fire management goals and objectives.

References:

NWCG Standards for Fire Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations, PMS 515

NWCG National Interagency Aviation Committee

ETC Bulletin 25-001: Retrofitted Hot/Cold Beverage Kits - 2025 Field Season

Date: April 16, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Equipment Technology Committee

Due to spout failures and the associated risk of burn injuries, manufacturers have retrofitted the Hot/Cold Beverage Kits using a heat-shrinking band to secure the black spout at the insertion site. The updated kits feature a fluorescent label on each full kit assembly for easy identification. Catering units are encouraged to confirm the clear heat-shrinking bands are intact around each spout before filling.

ETC Bulletin 24-001 regarding Hot/Cold Beverage Kits has been archived and replaced by ETC Bulletin 25-001 for the 2025 season.

References:

NWCG Alerts

ETC-EB-25-001 Retrofitted Hot/Cold Beverage Kits