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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

 

Operations

Rappel Risk Assessments

Aircraft | Equipment | Operations

System:  Rappel, Operations

Sub-System Hazards Pre-Mitigation Mitigation Post-Mitigation

Probability

Severity

Risk Level

Probability

Severity

Risk Level
Training Non standard/inconsistent

Almost Certain

Moderate

High

 Utilize joint training. Train the trainer to one standard.

Possible

Moderate

Medium
Supervision Not properly qualified for firefighting mission

Unlikely

Catastrophic

High

 Ensure Spotter and firefighters adhere to existing qualifications.

Rare

Catastrophic

Medium
Escape routes and safety zones not identified

Possible

Catastrophic

Extremely High

 Ensure Spotter and ALL firefighters have knowledge and location of safety zones, and escape routes prior to fast rope deployment.

Unlikely

Catastrophic

High
Rappel Procedure Non-standard procedures / policy deviation

Possible

Catastrophic

Extremely High

 Frequent unscheduled inspections by HOS/check spotter/peers/SME, suspend operations until corrections are made. Violations will result in program suspension. Utilize joint training when practical. Check spotters from other bases and regions will conduct combined training. Attendance of National or Regional Rappel Spotter Workshop is mandatory every two years.

Unlikely

Catastrophic

High
Non-standard verbiage, direction, and interaction between spotter and pilot during rappel operations

Almost Certain

Critical

High

 Increase simulation training, mock-ups, and proficiency (especially with relief pilots). Ensure proper briefing for new/relief personnel.  Develop Challenge and Response criteria between spotter and pilot. Develop CRM training specific to pilot-spotter relationship to be included in PMS 310-1. 

Unlikely

Critical

Medium
Deviation from intended mission with limited information

Almost Certain

Critical

Extremely High

 Obtain necessary information prior to accepting mission, obtain frequencies, contacts, coordinates, additional aircraft, known hazards, deconflict airspace, follow all FTA procedures. Ensure crew is re-briefed on new mission.

Possible

Critical

High
Exposure to off-site landing

Almost Certain

Critical

Extremely High

 Follow standard procedures (high-low recon, power checks, verify load calculations as valid, etc.) Follow risk management process. Site selection needs to be mutually agreed upon by pilot and spotter. Respond to the incident configured to rappel when appropriate.

Possible

Critical

High
Rappel Site Selection Poor site selection

Possible

Catastrophic

Extremely High

 Spotter training, develop national standard Spotter Training Handbook, CRM, depth of fire experience, minimal redcard qualification of single resource boss with ICT4 being preferred.

Unlikely

Catastrophic

High
External Cargo Letdown Rappelers on board helicopter during delivery of cargo which translates to longer exposure to personnel during high power settings in hover

Almost Certain

Critical

Extremely High

 Follow standard procedures (high-low recon, power checks, verify load calculations as valid, etc.) Follow risk management process. Site selection needs to be mutually agreed upon by pilot and spotter. Respond to the incident configured to rappel when appropriate.

Possible

Critical

High
Overflying highways, major population area, personnel

Possible

Critical

High

 Establish and brief on proper flight paths, update maps, see and avoid, find other means for mission.

Unlikely

Critical

Medium
Internal Cargo Letdown Security of Cargo without appropriate or approved hardware

Almost Certain

Critical

Extremely High

 Establish minimum standard for cargo restraint straps and protective netting.

Unlikely

Critical

Medium
Exposure to rappelers during internal load operations due to additional weight on board the aircraft and denied living space

Almost Certain

Critical

Extremely High

 Consider performing cargo operation separately. Ensure that method of securing cargo is adequate for the size and weight of the cargo in the event of an accident. When possible secure the cargo outside of the passenger compartment. Limit internal cargo weight. Require DOT approved containers for hazardous materials.

Possible

Critical

High
Emergency Procedures Lack of adequate training / proficiency

Possible

Critical

High

 Increase simulation training, utilize tower/elevated platform to increase rappeler/spotter emergency procedure proficiency, develop training which includes pilot, spotter and rappeler. Improve/update spotter/rappeler training syllabus.

Unlikely

Critical

Medium
Non standard verbiage for mission critical / non-critical situations (Emergency vs. Non-Emergency in hover during rappel ops)

Possible

Critical

High

 Increase simulation training, fund and utilize current simulators at McClellan, develop challenge/response criteria between spotter and pilot.

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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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)*
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  • Public Information Officer Complex (PIOC)*
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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

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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:

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RMC Safety Bulletin 26-001: Rhabdomyolysis in Wildland Firefighters