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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

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).

 

 

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Questions? 
Please contact: Leadership Committee

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Date: February 10, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: NWCG SME Specialist

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Projects begin April/May 2026 and require 15–20 hours per month for 6–8 months, including a five-day workshop in Boise, Idaho this May. Apply by February 27, 2026, at the link below and review the attached document for details.

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Questions? 
Please contact: Resource Advisor Subcommittee

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References:

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Questions? 
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References:

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1

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