Skip to main content

PMS 530-1

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:

NWCG Latest Announcements

Updated! L-280, Followership to Leadership (Instructor-led) Course

Date: October 3, 2024
Questions? Please contact:
Leadership Committee

NWCG is pleased to announce the updated L-280, Followership to Leadership (Instructor-led) course is now available. L-280 is intended for operational personnel at the Firefighter Type 1 level, and for individuals pursuing Leadership Level 2, New Leader. 

This instructor-led course is a primer on leadership and the second formal course in the Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program. It helps emerging leaders build the confidence, skills, and mindset needed to lead effectively in high-risk environments. 

For more information about leadership development and available courses, visit the Leadership Committee Web Portal.

References:

L-280, Followership to Leadership (Instructor-led)

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

Equipment Advisory 25-01: Pre-2006 Fire Shelter Degradation and Discontinuation of Use

Date: Sept 26, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Equipment Technology Committee 

The Equipment Technology Committee (ETC) has released Equipment Advisory 25-01: Pre-2006 Fire Shelter Degradation and Discontinuation of Use. This advisory recommends all pre-2006 fire shelters should be removed from service by January 1, 2026.

This advisory recommends firefighters and fire managers to:

  • Inspect fire shelters immediately
  • Replace and destroy any pre-2006 shelters (identified by white or pink insert label)
  • Order replacements as needed

For further details, please refer to the complete advisory. 

References:

Equipment Advisory 25-01: Pre-2006 Fire Shelter Degradation and Discontinuation of Use

NWCG Fire Inspection Flowchart, PMS 411-1

NWCG Alerts

NEW! S-219, Firing Operations (Blended) Now Available

Date: Sept 11, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Fuels Management Committee 

The S-219, Firing Operations (Blended) course is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal. Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this training supports individuals working towards Firing Boss, Single Resource (FIRB) incident qualifications.

This blended course combines online and instructor-led training to provide students with the knowledge and skills required to perform the duties of the FIRB, as described in the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Firing Boss, Single Resource, PMS 350-105.

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 January 2026.

References:

S-219, Firing Operations (Blended)

NWCG Firing Boss, Single Resource Position Page

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

NWCG Committees Observe Suicide Prevention Awareness Week: September 7-13, 2025

Date: Sep 5, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Mental Health Subcommittee

The NWCG Mental Health Subcommittee (MHSC) and Risk Management Committee (RMC) recognize the unique challenges and demands faced by the wildland fire community. The MHSC and RMC know that we are all stronger together and believe in fostering a culture of support, understanding, and resilience.

Suicide Prevention Awareness encourages us to actively connect with and support each other. For more information that could make a difference for yourself or someone else please review the materials and resources provided for the 2025 Suicide Prevention Awareness Week.

References:

2025 Suicide Prevention Awareness Week Materials and Resources