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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

 

Aircraft

Rappel Risk Assessments

Aircraft | Equipment | Operations

SYSTEM:  Rappel, Aircraft

Sub-System Hazards Pre-Mitigation Mitigation Post-Mitigation

Probability

Severity

Risk Level

Probability

Severity

Risk Level
Adequate Screening/ Evaluation Lack of Standardization

Almost Certain

Critical

Extremely High

 Develop National Rappel Standards/Evaluation Board. 

Unlikely

Critical

Medium
Aircraft perform near limits of capabilities due to mission, payload, and environment

Possible

Catastrophic

Extremely High

 Create national rappel specifications template for Schedule B. Utilize SMEs - Helicopter managers/HOSs/rappel specialists when developing aircraft contract specifications/ modifications.

Unlikely

Catastrophic

High
Performance Capabilities and Limitations Operating close to performance limitations of aircraft (weight/balance, DA, height/velocity curve, CG)

Almost Certain

Catastrophic

Extremely High

 Strict compliance with flight manual and increased awareness training of aircraft performance for helicopter managers and proper mission planning. Continue using high performance Type 2 Helicopters and Part 27 Type 3 Helicopters.

Unlikely

Critical

Medium
Pilot visibility/vertical and horizontal reference

Possible

Critical

High

 Develop National screening/evaluation process, identify minimum standards for visibility in rappel aircraft.

Unlikely

Critical

Medium
Pilot moving from right to left seat to fit mission in Bell medium helicopters

Possible

Critical

High

 Ensure that Schedule B contract language is standardized Nationally for Type 2 Helicopters.

Unlikely

Critical

Medium
Equipment Rappel anchor failure

Unlikely

Catastrophic

High

Ensure anchor is approved with proper and valid STCs, tested annually, installed correctly, and inspected at manufacturer's recommendations. 

Rare

Catastrophic

Medium
Spotter anchor failure

Possible

Catastrophic

Extremely High

 Ensure anchor is approved with proper and valid STCs, tested annually, installed correctly, and inspected at manufacturer's recommendations. 

Rare

Catastrophic

Medium
Aircraft modifications improperly installed/false documentation

Unlikely

Catastrophic

High

 Thorough maintenance inspections, verification of STC documentation and compliance, increased training for helicopter managers.

Rare

Catastrophic

Medium
ICS communications not available to all rappelers

Possible

Critical

High

 National rappel template for Schedule B.

Rare

Critical

Medium
Communication Spotter cannot independently manipulate FM radios from back seat (pilot task saturation)

Possible

Critical

High

 Audio panel conveniently available for pilot and spotter to individually manipulate.

Unlikely

Critical

Medium
Configuration Doors off flight; crash survivability

Unlikely

Catastrophic

High

 Minimize doors off operation to essential missions only. Create doors off checklist for NSHO.

Rare

Catastrophic

Medium
Doors off flight; non secured items

Unlikely

Catastrophic

High

 Training on proper storage of equipment when flying with doors off. Create doors off checklist for NSHO.

Rare

Catastrophic

Medium
External basket security

Unlikely

Catastrophic

High

 Assure security of external loads prior to mission.

Rare

Catastrophic

Medium
Maintenance Lack of compliance with ADs, manufacture's inspections

Unlikely

Catastrophic

High

 Strict compliance with flight manual, increased awareness training of maintenance requirements and ADs for helicopter managers, spot inspections of aircraft. Recommend all rappel contract helicopters require a mechanic.

Rare

Catastrophic

Medium
Aircraft Health Undetected corrosion, stress crack, structural. Limited, and/or unknown amount of aircraft health testing and monitoring being performed on current aircraft (fatigue, corrosion, airframe, etc.)

Unlikely

Catastrophic

High

 Ensure Maintenance Inspectors are conducting thorough reviews of aircraft maintenance logs.

Rare

Catastrophic

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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NWCG Latest Announcements

2025 Wildland Fire EMS Awards

Date:  June 12, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Emergency Medical Committee

The NWCG Emergency Medical Committee (EMC) announces the recipients of the 2025 Wildland Fire Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Awards. EMC annually recognizes individuals and groups who have demonstrated outstanding actions or accomplishments that are above and beyond the expectation of one’s normal mission or job duties.

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

References:

2025 Wildland Fire EMS Awards

Emergency Medical Committee

Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Book Now Available for RAMP

Date:  June 12, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Airtanker Base Operations Unit

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Book are now available for Ramp Manager (RAMP).

The Performance Support Package for this position was developed as part of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization 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, scheduled for release in January 2027.

References:

NWCG Ramp Manager Position Page

National Interagency Aviation Committee

Make an Impact: Serve the Wildland Fire Community as an IPTM SME!

Date:  June 11, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: NWCG SME Specialist

Note: Positions with an * will last approximately 6 months.
Positions with ** will last 12 - 18 months.

NWCG is seeking experienced wildland firefighters and support personnel to serve as Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) for the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) initiative. IPTM aims to transition NWCG’s training and qualification system to a performance-based model by updating position descriptions, Incident Position Standards, Next Generation Position Task Books (Next Gen PTBs), and training where needed.

NWCG is currently recruiting SMEs for the Fall 2026 positions listed below:

  • Equipment Manager (EQPM)*
  • Fixed Wing Parking Tender (FWPT)**
  • Mixmaster (MXMS)*
  • Public Information Officer Complex (PIOC)*
  • Retardant Crewmember (RTCM)*
  • Strike Team Leader Crew (STCR)*
  • Strike Team Leader Engine (STEN)*
  • Strike Team Leader Heavy Equipment (STEQ)*
  • Task Force Leader (TFLD)**
  • Wildland Fire Investigator (INVF)** 

Projects begin October 2026. Sign up by July 10, 2026, at the link below and review the attached document for additional details. 

References:

NWCG SME Interest Sign-up

IPTM Subject Matter Expert Duties and Expectations Document

Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM)

RMC Safety Bulletin 26-001: Rhabdomyolysis in Wildland Firefighters

Date:  May 28, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Risk Management Committee

The Risk Management Committee (RMC) has issued Safety Bulletin 26-001: Rhabdomyolysis in Wildland Firefighters. Research from 2016 to 2025 shows that 88 cases of rhabdomyolysis (rhabdo) were reported. Analysis of reports from eSafety, the Safety Management Information System (SMIS), and the Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center (LLC) indicates that rhabdo is common during this time of year due to Work Capacity Tests and contributing factors such as weather, hydration, nutrition, and medication or supplement use.

RMC issued this safety bulletin to raise awareness in the Wildland Fire Community, and to provide research findings and educational resources that support reducing future cases of rhabdo.

References:

NWCG Alerts

RMC Safety Bulletin 26-001: Rhabdomyolysis in Wildland Firefighters