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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, Government

Helicopter Operations Risk Assessments

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

SYSTEM:  Helicopter Operations, Personnel (Government)

Sub-System Hazards Pre-Mitigation Mitigation Post-Mitigation

Probability

Severity

Risk Level

Probability

Severity

Risk Level
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 Crew Resource Management (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.

Unlikely

Catastrophic

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

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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Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books Now Available for PROC and TIME

Date: July 17, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Incident Business Committee

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books are now available for Procurement Unit Leader (PROC) and Time Unit Leader (TIME).

The Performance Support Packages for these positions were developed as part of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort. These resources support trainees, qualified personnel, and evaluators in their respective roles.

Any changes to qualification pathways will take effect with the next update of the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1 update, scheduled for January 2026.

References:

NWCG Procurement Unit Leader Position Page

NWCG Time Unit Leader Position Page

National Wildland Firefighter Day

Date: July 2, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
National Interagency Fire Center

The National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) recognizes July 2, 2025, as National Wildland Firefighter Day (NWFFD). Established in 2022, NWFFD honors the dedication of wildland firefighters and support personnel. This day falls within the 2025 Week of Remembrance (June 30 - July 6), providing an opportunity to renew our commitment to wildland firefighter safety while remembering those who have fallen in the line of duty.

NWCG provides leadership to enable interoperable wildland fire operations among federal, state, local, Tribal, and territorial partners. NWCG standards and training establish common practices to contribute to safe, effective, and coordinated interagency wildland fire operations nationwide.

References:

Week of Remembrance

National Wildland Firefighter Day

2025 Week of Remembrance

Date: June 27, 2025
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6 Minutes for Safety Subcommittee

As we approach the 2025 Week of Remembrance (WOR), June 30–July 6, we dedicate this time to reflect on the past incidents from 2015 and honor the fallen through learning. Since its inception in 2014, WOR has honored wildland firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice while encouraging critical discussions that reinforce lessons learned.

Throughout the week, we encourage thoughtful and generative conversations—whether in briefing rooms or at tailgates—that promote a culture of continuous learning and safety.

References:

2025 Week of Remembrance: Letter to Leadership

Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center

ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-003 Flame-Resistant Shirt Survey

Date: June 12, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Equipment Technology Committee

The U.S. Forest Service National Technology and Development Program (NTDP) is seeking input on the Forest Service-designed flame-resistant (FR) shirt, currently available through the National Interagency Support Cache system and FedMall.

NTDP is conducting a product review to improve future FR shirt designs. As part of this effort, a short survey is now open for federal employees who have worn any of three recent FR shirt models. Feedback will guide design improvements to better meet the needs of wildland firefighters.

To comply with the Paperwork Reduction Act, responses are limited to federal employees. The survey is open through September 12, 2025. 

References:

NWCG Alerts

ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-003