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

 

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:

Print PDF

NWCG Latest Announcements

2024 Wildland Fire Emergency Medical Service Awards

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.

Congratulations to all the awardees and nominees. Through leadership and initiative, they have made significant contributions to the safety and well-being of the wildland fire community. These honors are well deserved.

References:

2024 Wildland Fire EMS Awards

NWCG Emergency Medical Committee

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:

Incident Management Teams Association

National Wildfire Coordinating Group

Updated NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431

Date: May 14, 2025
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