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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

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Fixed Wing Risk Assessments

Helicopter Risk Assessments

Unmanned Aircraft Systems Risk Assessments

Other Risk Assessments

 

Facilities

Airtanker Base Risk Assessments

Facilities | Hot Loading | Operations | Simultaneous Fueling and Loading

SYSTEM:  Airtanker Base, Facilities

Sub-System Hazards Pre-Mitigation Mitigation Post-Mitigation

Probability

Severity

Risk Level

Probability

Severity

Risk Level
Communications Lack of adequate radio equipment, computers and IT support

Possible

Critical

High

 Provide airtanker bases with adequate phone lines, fax lines, internet and Wi-Fi. Recognize that many bases are in rural areas and may not have locally provided communication infrastructure. Utilize cell phones and Wi-Fi-enabled devices for gathering of flight planning information. Ensure all FWPTs have radios and headsets (noise canceling if able) available to them.

Unlikely

Critical

Medium
Unreliable flight following frequencies

Likely

Critical

Extremely High

Utilize National Flight Following if available. Local units should develop a local flight following frequency for their area of operations in the event the national frequency is not available.

Unlikely

Critical

Medium
Lack of standardized aircraft dispatch form

Likely

Critical

Extremely High

 Implement utilization of national standardized aircraft dispatch form at all dispatch centers and airbases. Refer to the SABO for the minimum dispatch information.

Unlikely

Moderate

Medium
Design Standards Inadequate ramp space

Likely

Critical

Extremely High

 Move to a different location on the airport or utilize a different airtanker base. Do not utilize a base that does not offer the minimum ramp space needed for the operating aircraft. Refer to the SABO.

Unlikely

Critical

Medium
Congestion on ramp

Likely

Critical

High

 Verify that ramp area is large enough for expected operations (type/number of equipment and aircraft). Ensure communication is provided between FWPTs, RAMP, and ATIM in coordination with the ATBM, to allow for better decision making and ramp congestion mitigation. Utilize wing walkers as necessary. Ensure all are familiar with FWPT hand signals and have radio communication. Ensure adequate spacing between different sizes/types of aircraft. If able utilize additional space on the airport to expand operations. Consider sending some aircraft to adjacent airtanker bases to alleviate congestion.

Possible

Moderate

Medium
Inadequate runway minimums

Likely

Critical

Extremely High

 Ensure that length, width and surface conditions of runways and taxiways are adequate for expected aircraft.  Adequate time should be given for flight planning for expected operations/airports. Pilots have the ultimate authority to utilize or decline a specific airport for safety of flight operations.

Unlikely

Critical

Medium
Collision with other aircraft/vehicles

Possible

Catastrophic

Extremely High

 Utilize RAMP and FWPTs/wing walkers at all times when aircraft are moving on ramp. Ensure communication between pits. Aircraft have right-of-way over vehicles. Fuel/service vehicles should have a person nearby to prevent collision with aircraft. Be aware of any construction activity on the airport and plan for aircraft movement away from construction vehicles and workers.

Unlikely

Critical

Medium
Ramp/taxi operations and communications

Almost Certain

Critical

Extremely High

 Establish local ramp/taxi protocols in cooperation with local airport operations. Ensure thorough in-briefing and monitor assigned ramp frequency.

Unlikely

Critical

Medium
Security General threat of theft or vandalism of aircraft

Possible

Critical

High

 Ensure ramp area is secured from general public, with controlled access points. Comply with contract requirements for securing aircraft. Address any security issues during in-briefing. Consider bringing in security personnel after hours if needed. Provide adequate revenue time for pre- and post-flight inspections.

Unlikely

Moderate

Medium
Motor vehicle traffic interfering with base/ramp areas

Likely

Critical

Extremely High

 Limit the access of the ramp/base areas to designated routes only. Aircraft has right-of-way over vehicles on ramp. Establish parking areas for vehicles. Identify any critical areas where vehicles will need an escort.

Unlikely

Critical

Medium
Public access to ramp/base areas

Possible

Critical

High

 Limit access to authorized personnel only. Flag off areas if necessary. Establish a staging area for public viewing of operations, outside of the operations area. Address potential VIP visits in ABOP; consider providing separate area away from active operations.

Unlikely

Critical

Medium

 

Download the word version (docm) of this information to use with the Risk Assessment Worksheet macro.

 

 

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WFSTAR 2026 Core Components Module Package and 2025 Fire Year in Review Now Available

Date:  March 23, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Joe Schindel

The 2026 Core Components Module Package for RT-130, Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher (WFSTAR) and the 2025 Fire Year in Review are now available on the NWCG website. The 2026 Core Components Module Package provides all content needed to deliver RT-130.

References:

2026 Core Components Module Package

2025 Fire Year in Review Module

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Date:  March 17, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Fire Behavior Subcommittee

NWCG is pleased to announce that the new S-490, Advanced Fire Behavior Calculations (Blended), 2026 course is now available.

This training includes performance-based activities that allow students to apply the knowledge and concepts required for the Fire Behavior Analyst (FBAN), Long Term Fire Analyst (LTAN), and Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 1 (RXB1) positions. It supports individuals working towards these incident qualifications.

This blended course begins with a self-paced online training (OLT) in the Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP), followed by an in-person instructor-led training (ILT).

References:

S-490, Advanced Fire Calculations (Blended)

NWCG Fire Behavior Analyst (FBAN) Position Page

NWCG Long Term Fire Analyst (LTAN) Position Page

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2024 Paul Gleason Award Winners Announced

Date:  March 13, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Leadership Committee

The NWCG Leadership Committee is proud to announce the recipients of the 2024 Paul Gleason "Lead By Example" awards. Award categories include Initiative and Innovation, Mentoring and Teamwork, Motivation and Vision, as well as a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Congratulations to the awardees:

  • Justin Baxter, National Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Operations Specialist, with the U.S. Forest Service — Initiative and Innovation
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References:

Paul Gleason Lead By Example Award

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Leadership Committee

NEW! S-231, Engine Boss Course Available Now

Date:  March 6, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Incident Operations Subcommittee

NWCG is pleased to announce the new S-231, Engine Boss (Single Resource) course is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP). Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this training supports individuals working towards Engine Boss, Single Resource (ENGB) incident qualifications. 

This is a performance-based instructor-led training (ILT) that focuses on the application of ENGB responsibilities during wildland fire operations, emphasizing readiness, information gathering, risk management, engine tactics, and Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) operations. Trainees apply these skills through scenario-based group work and an optional field day that reinforces hands-on engine operation tasks. 

References:

S-231, Engine Boss (Single Resource) (Instructor-led)

NWCG Engine Boss, Single Resource (ENGB) Position Page

Wildland Fire Learning Portal