Operations

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Rappel Risk Assessments

Aircraft | Equipment | Operations

System: Rappel, Operations

Sub-System	Hazards	Pre-Mitigation			Mitigation	Post-Mitigation
Sub-System	Hazards	Probability	Severity	Risk Level	Mitigation	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
Supervision	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
External Cargo Letdown	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
Internal Cargo Letdown	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
Emergency Procedures	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).

Last Modified / Reviewed: April 29, 2024

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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

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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

PMS 530-1

PMS 530-1

Operations

Rappel Risk Assessments

System: Rappel, Operations

NWCG Latest Announcements

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References:

NWCG

National Wildfire Coordinating Group

PMS 530-1

PMS 530-1

Operations

Rappel Risk Assessments

System: Rappel, Operations

NWCG Latest Announcements

References:

References:

References:

References:

NWCG National Wildfire Coordinating Group

NWCG

National Wildfire Coordinating Group