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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

 

Facilities

Helicopter Operations Risk Assessments

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

SYSTEM:  Helicopter Operations, Facilities (permanent and temporary)

Sub-System Hazards Pre-Mitigation Mitigation Post-Mitigation

Probability

Severity

Risk Level

Probability

Severity

Risk Level
Communication Lack of adequate base station VHF and FM radios-Not able to adequately communicate to helicopters out working missions/projects with handheld radios

Possible

Critical

High

 Provide all Ex Use crews with mounted FM and AM radios on chase trucks (NOT just handhelds). Utilize Ex Use crews more often on incidents because they have the support equipment. Helibase Commo trailers should be on a National Contract instead of Geographic Area in order to lower cost.

Unlikely

Critical

Medium
Lack of adequate computers-not able to access necessary flight planning, ABS, and weather documents prior to missions

Almost Certain

Critical

Extremely High

 Have Cache computers available for Incident/Unit personnel to check out that are Intranet accessible.  These computers should be able to access Internet as well for weather updates, TFR information, filing of flight plans, completing electronic payment forms, etc. Ensure all Ex Use bases have Internet as well as Intranet access in order to access critical WX, TFR and Flight Planning information.

Unlikely

Critical

Medium
Environment Haz Mat concerns/spills-Lack of adequate spill prevention/mitigation equipment on site and the knowledge to utilize it

Almost Certain

Moderate

High

 Provide permanent as well as temporary helibases with approved Haz Mat storage facilities/equipment.  Solicit for National Contracts to provide portable hazmat storage facilities for Incidents.

Unlikely

Moderate

Medium
Inspection / Evaluation Lack of Accountability/Follow Up on Annual/Triennial Helibase Reviews

Likely

Moderate

High

 Hold Management accountable to conduct follow up and remedy critical issues found in reviews and adhere to interagency and OSHA standards.

Unlikely

Negligible

Low
Utilization Span of Control/Collateral Duties. Personnel are often tasked with multiple duties especially during the emergence of an incident. Focused on Task at hand and not able to provide adequate oversight

Likely

Catastrophic

Extremely High

 Ensure existing staffing, supervision and management policies and procedures are met. Place aviation resource needs at higher priority level in the resource ordering process. Need to ensure situation is recognized and ensure additional resources/supervision is ordered. Limit collateral duties in key supervisory positions. If unable to fill key positions operations will be shut down or limit use of aircraft until span of control issues are resolved.

Unlikely

Catastrophic

High
Policy Operational and mission goals during all-hazard assignments may be unstated or unclear and may conflict with interagency standards and policy

Likely

Critical

Extremely High

 Adequate in-brief and dissemination of Commander's intent. Clarification of scope of authority and policy in place.  Adhere to interagency policy, procedures and guidelines (e.g., NSHO). If unable to perform duties utilizing interagency policy, perform a separate risk assessment with appropriate approval sign off. Ensure personnel are working within the scope of their employment. Implementation of Aviation Doctrine may further mitigate conflicts between direction and policy.

Possible

Critical

High
Training Unable to bring seasonals on early enough to provide all the required training prior to sending on incidents

Almost Certain

Critical

Extremely High

 Ensure line officers are committed to providing adequate time and funding to develop personnel as necessary.

Possible

Critical

High
Lack of CRM

Likely

Critical

Extremely High

 Provide adequate time for training and provide time for Modules to develop CRM prior to field season.  Provide training in CRM for Modules annually. Brief/debrief, maintain positive attitude.

Possible

Critical

High
Human Factors Fatigue/burnout due to incident duration as well as year-round All Risk incident support

Likely

Critical

Extremely High

 Adhere to work/rest guidelines.  Monitor fatigue levels of crews.  Rotate personnel and helicopter programs to manage fatigue and burnout.  Manage number and duration of assignments. Ensure adequate time off and provide quality R and R while on assignments.

Possible

Critical

High
Acceptance of high-risk missions as normal

Likely

Catastrophic

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. Mission decision made at appropriate level. Must have better communication and collaboration between Operations and Aviation.

Possible

Critical

High
High workload for Maintenance Inspectors may compromise their ability to perform thorough inspections. Standard inspections criteria not followed consistently among agencies or regions

Likely

Critical

Extremely High

 Increase amount of personnel available to perform the duties of Maintenance Inspector in proportion with span of control. Ensure inspection standards are developed and maintained by agencies.

Unlikely

Critical

Medium
Conflicting personalities resulting in hazardous attitudes

Possible

Critical

Extremely High

 If individuals cannot professionally resolve differences, managers and supervisors must intervene immediately. Brief/debrief, employ CRM, provide honest and objective feedback, maintain positive attitude. Maintain professionalism and mission focus at all times.

Unlikely

Critical

Medium

 

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:

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Date: May 22, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Emergency Medical Committee

The NWCG Emergency Medical Committee (EMC) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2024 Wildland Fire Emergency Medical Service Awards. Each year, EMC recognizes individuals and groups who have demonstrated exceptional actions or accomplishments that go above and beyond their normal mission or job duties.

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References:

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NWCG Welcomes the Incident Management Teams Association as an Associate Member

Date: May 21, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
https://www.nwcg.gov/contact-us

The NWCG Executive Board is honored to announce that the Incident Management Teams Association (IMTA) has joined the National Wildfire Coordinating Group as an associate member.

IMTA is a dedicated group of incident management professionals committed to enhancing the profession by promoting standards and fostering collaboration across federal, state, local, Tribal, and private sector partners throughout all phases of incident management.

“Joining NWCG aligns with our mission to elevate incident management professionals nationwide,” said Dr. Randal Collins, President of IMTA. “This is a proud moment for all of us committed to advancing public safety.”

References:

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Updated NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431

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Questions?  Please contact:
Fire Use Subcommittee

The updated NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431 serves as a supplemental resource for wildland fire module operations, providing information frequently used in the field.

PMS 431 defines the organizational structure, staffing, and qualifications for Type 1 and Type 2 Wildland Fire Modules, outlining their roles in wildland fire suppression, prescribed fire, and resource management. The NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431, should be used in conjunction with the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Module Operations, PMS 430.

References:

NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Module Operations, PMS 430

Updated NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200 Now Includes Off-Highway Vehicle Typing Standards

Date: May 13, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Mobile Fire Equipment Subcommittee 

The NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200 has been updated to include newly developed Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) typing standards. These standards organize OHV information into logical categories and outline key safety requirements for occupants.

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200 establishes minimum typing standards for aircraft, crews, and equipment used in national mobilization to wildland fire incidents. Typing designations are assigned based on measurable capability and performance criteria.

References:

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200