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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

 

Personnel, Contractors

Helicopter Operations Risk Assessments

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

SYSTEM:  Helicopter Operations, Personnel (Contractors)

Sub-System Hazards Pre-Mitigation Mitigation Post-Mitigation

Probability

Severity

Risk Level

Probability

Severity

Risk Level
Training/ Experience Inadequate/falsification of documentation

Possible

Catastrophic

Extremely High

 Adhere to existing contract requirements requiring Contractors to validate pilots' experience and training. Ensure HIPs review pilots' experience records.

Unlikely

Catastrophic

High
Lack of training in firefighting strategy, tactics, terminology, basic ICS, frequency mgmt., etc.

Likely

Critical

Extremely High

 Establish requirements for documentation of online training to meet basic, minimum level of knowledge for all contracts.  Consider pilot academy.

Possible

Critical

High
Pilots unfamiliar and not proficient using and programming contract required radio and navigation equipment

Almost Certain

Moderate

High

 Inspectors ensure Contractors (Pilots) are adequately trained and skilled in use and programming of avionics equipment.  Ensure contract language requires equipment to be commensurate with current technology.

Possible

Moderate

Medium
Pilot Experience and Capabilities Low flight time/experienced pilots

Likely

Critical

Extremely High

 Develop, implement and support a pilot mentoring program in appropriate contracts.  Consider pilot academy.

Possible

Critical

High
Human Factors Fatigue

Likely

Critical

Extremely High

 Managers work with company personnel to ensure adequate rest.  Manage missions to be most effective with proper use of pilots and aircraft. Implement Phase Duty Limitations as appropriate.

Unlikely

Critical

Medium
Acceptance of high-risk missions as normal

Likely

Catastrophic

Extremely High

 Conduct thorough risk assessments and brief/debrief. Pilot and Helicopter Manager train in CRM and work together on mission planning.  Mission approval made at appropriate level.

Possible

Catastrophic

Extremely High
Low CRM with crew rotations (multiple relief pilots)

Almost Certain

Critical

Extremely High

 Ensure there incoming crews are thoroughly briefed.  Practice CRM, conduct effective AARs, etc.  Enforce contract language regarding relief pilot/personnel changes.

Possible

Critical

High
Conflicting personalities

Possible

Critical

High

 Brief/debrief, CRM, honest feedback, maintain positive attitude and professionalism.  Immediately take action.  Notify Contracting Officer/Inspector Pilot.  Don't let problem persist.

Unlikely

Critical

Medium
Sense of urgency/pressure/mission driven

Likely

Critical

Extremely High

 Ensure Managers are not placing undue pressure on pilot.  Thorough risk assessment and brief/debrief. Pilot training in CRM with the Helicopter Manager.  Pilot participate in Mission development.  Mission decision made at appropriate level.

Possible

Critical

High
Pre-flight/Post-flight inspections not thorough

Possible

Catastrophic

Extremely High

 Managers ensure adequate Revenue Time for Inspections.  Ensure Managers are briefed/trained on the contract and realize that Contractors do get paid for this time. Encourage Pilot/Mechanic to utilize time to complete Inspections.

Unlikely

Catastrophic

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:

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NWCG Latest Announcements

New Aircraft Flight Schedule Form, PMS 249

Date:  April 17, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: National Coordination System Committee

A new publication from the National Coordination System Committee (NCSC) is now available. The NWCG Aircraft Flight Schedule Form, PMS 249, will be used for aviation crews and dispatch to share flight information that is needed for resource tracking, and if needed, for emergency procedures.

For further details, please contact your NCSC representative. 

References:

NCSC Memo 26-01: Implementation of NWCG Aircraft Flight Schedule Form, PMS 249

NWCG Aircraft Flight Schedule Form, PMS 249

New Glossary Term for Review

Date:  April 15, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Data Standards and Terminology Board (DSTB)

The Data Standards and Terminology Board is requesting feedback on a new glossary term: Resource Protection Measure (RPM).

The proposed definition is: Practical guidance provided for incident personnel in a manner in which incident objectives can be achieved while reducing impacts to identified resources across the landscape. RPMs are informed by, but not restricted to, Minimum Impact Strategies and Tactics (MIST).

Please review, share with your subgroups, and provide feedback as appropriate through the following form: Request Feedback The comment period will close May 10, 2026.

Thank you for your engagement in the NWCG glossary process – your participation is key to our success.

References:

Glossary Request Feedback

Quarter Three Materials for the 2025-2026 Wildland Fire Leadership Campaign Now Available

Date:  April 1, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Leadership Committee

NWCG is excited to announce that Quarter Three 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 Three materials focus on Leadership Level 3: Leader of People (Develop Intent). Leadership Level 3 is where your values, your team, and your influence come together. Leaders of People put their teams first, build trust, and lead with authenticity. They mentor future leaders and shape decisions up and down the chain.

References:

2025/2026 NWCG Leadership Campaign - Leadership Levels

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program

Leadership Committee

WFSTAR 2026 Core Components Module Package and 2025 Fire Year in Review Now Available

Date:  March 23, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Joe Schindel

The 2026 Core Components Module Package for RT-130, Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher (WFSTAR) and the 2025 Fire Year in Review are now available on the NWCG website. The 2026 Core Components Module Package provides all content needed to deliver RT-130.

References:

2026 Core Components Module Package

2025 Fire Year in Review Module