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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

Submit Revision / Recommendation

Fixed Wing Risk Assessments

Helicopter Risk Assessments

Unmanned Aircraft Systems Risk Assessments

Other Risk Assessments

 

Equipment

NWCG Committee Realignment Website Updates: Content will continue to be updated over the coming days as we work through final reviews and adjustments, and all publications and products are currently under revision.

Rappel Risk Assessments

Aircraft | Equipment | Operations

System:  Rappel, Equipment

Sub-System Hazards Pre-Mitigation Mitigation Post-Mitigation

Probability

Severity

Risk Level

Probability

Severity

Risk Level
Common Factors Misuse/mistreatment

Possible

Catastrophic

Extremely High

 Education, supervision for following equipment use standards. When in doubt about equipment's usage, retire it.

Unlikely

Catastrophic

High
Use of non-standard equipment

Possible

Critical

High

 Maintain current equipment standards for rappel equipment, only utilize approved rappelling equipment, random peer inspections.

Unlikely

Critical

Medium
Improper inspections

Possible

Catastrophic

Extremely High

 Education, supervision for following equipment inspection standards.

Unlikely

Catastrophic

High
Improper rigging

Possible

Catastrophic

Extremely High

 Proper training.  Standardization. Maintain currency, proficiency, checks and balances. Place photos of correct model specific rigging on national rappel website.

Unlikely

Catastrophic

High
Inconsistent documentation

Possible

Critical

Extremely High

 Education, supervision for following equipment documentation standards, random inspections.  Utilize rap records database.

Unlikely

Critical

Medium
Not following established procedures/policy

Possible

Critical

High

 Peer monitoring, annual base reviews, accountability at all levels for compliance, follow-up of action items. Mandatory attendance of spotters to biennial rappel workshop or rappel academy.

Unlikely

Critical

Medium
Spotter Tether / Gunner Strap Improper adjustment

Possible

Critical

High

 Initial set-up of gunner straps and spotter tethers for specific model aircraft, pre-mission check. Post photos of correct adjustments on national rappel website.

Unlikely

Critical

Medium
Research and Development Improper use of newly approved equipment or during testing phase

Possible

Catastrophic

Extremely High

 Education, training, documentation, thorough field testing in multiple platforms and obtain feedback from field users. If one component of the system gets changed, the entire system needs to be re-evaluated.

Unlikely

Catastrophic

High
Cargo Delivery System No standard configuration

Almost Certain

Critical

Extremely High

 Identify and establish model specific configuration and procedures.

Unlikely

Critical

Medium
Use of unapproved containers

Possible

Moderate

Medium

 Supervisors, managers ensure only approved containers are properly utilized. All approved equipment is posted on the NTDP website.

Unlikely

Moderate

Medium
Improper cargo restraint straps/cargo compartment netting (internal only)

Possible

Critical

High

 Establish minimum standard for cargo restraint straps and protective netting.

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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NWCG Latest Announcements

Equipment Advisory 26-001: Potential Front Driveline Joint Failure on 2018 and Earlier Ram Pickups

Date:  July 10, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Equipment and Technology Subcommittee

The Logistics/Equipment Management Committee (LMC) has released Equipment Advisory 26-001: Potential Front Driveline Joint Failure on 2018 and Earlier Ram Pickups. This advisory highlights multiple U.S. Forest Service regions reporting front driveline joint failure incidents.

This advisory recommends firefighters and fire managers to: 

  • Follow all Ram-issued inspection, maintenance, and service guidance for front driveline joints. 
  • Consider installing a driveline loop. 
  • Coordinate with fleet managers and service providers to determine the most appropriate driveline loop kit for each pickup.

For further details, please refer to the complete advisory.

References:

Equipment Advisory 26-001: Potential Front Driveline Joint Failure on 2018 and Earlier Ram Pickups

Technical Service Bulletin: 03-002-21

NEW! NWCG Standard Operating Procedures, PMS 900

Date:  July 9, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: NWCG Staff

NWCG is excited to announce the publication of the NWCG Standard Operating Procedures, PMS 900.

The new publication establishes general, consistent, and uniform standards for conducting business with the National Wildfire Coordinating Group.

References:

NWCG Standard Operating Procedures, PMS 900

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

Date:  July 8, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Leadership Development Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that Fourth Quarter 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 Four materials focus on Leadership Level 4: Leader of Leaders (Provide Direction). Leadership Level 4 is where you are setting the conditions for others to do things well, even when you are not present. This quarter focuses on equipping experienced leaders with skills to provide direction, build trust across teams, and foster strong decision making. 

References:

2025/2026 NWCG Leadership Campaign - Leadership Levels

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program

Leadership Development Subcommittee

2026 Week of Remembrance

Date:  June 30, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: 6 Minutes for Safety Subcommittee

As we approach the 2026 Week of Remembrance (WOR), June 30–July 6, we dedicate this time to reflect on past incidents from 2016 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 that promote a culture of continuous learning and safety.

References:

2026 Week of Remembrance: Letter to Leadership

Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center