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PMS 530-1

Personnel

Aerial Supervision Risk Assessments

Aircraft | Operations | Maintenance | Personnel


SYSTEM:  Aerial Supervision, Personnel

Sub-System Hazards Pre-Mitigation Mitigation Post-Mitigation

Probability

Severity

Risk Level

Probability

Severity

Risk Level

Human Factors Loss of situational awareness (SA) due to pilot/aircrew fatigue/burnout

Likely

Critical

Extremely High

A) Adhere to flight and duty limitations policy.

B) Activate phase limitations.

Possible

Critical

High

Hazardous air operations developing with ASM/ATGS through ineffective Crew Resource Management (CRM)

Unlikely

Critical

Medium

A) Re-evaluate task allocation.

B) Brief and debrief.

Rare

Critical

Medium

Leadplane pilot experiencing task saturation specific to single pilot operation

Almost Certain

Critical

Extremely High

A) Employ CRM using span-of-control guidelines for multiple aircraft.

B) Adjust tactics as needed.

Unlikely

Critical

Medium

Acceptance of high risk as normal (Complacency)

Likely

Catastrophic

Extremely High

A) Re-evaluate risk vs benefit.

B) Solicit feedback from other flight crews.

C) Utilize CRM to validate mission parameters.

D) Validate mission, or remove the high risk taking individual from the mission.

Unlikely

Catastrophic

High

Hazardous air operations developing due to external pressures

Possible

Critical

High

A) Do not allow external pressure to influence the operation.

B) Utilize CRM to ensure an effective operation with acceptable level of risk.

Unlikely

Critical

Medium

Dehydration

Almost Certain

Moderate

High

Drink more water, stay hydrated, and maintain SA of your health.

Rare

Negligible

Low

Hazardous attitude: Anti authority, macho, invulnerability, impulsiveness, and resignation

Almost Certain

Critical

Extremely High

A) Remove the individual from the mission.

B) Properly supervise employees.

C) Adhere to work-rest guidelines, flight and duty limitations policy, etc.

D) Validate and stick to incident strategy and tactics.

Possible

Critical 

High

 

Download the Word version (docx) of this information and the Risk Assessment Matrix (pdf) to use with the Risk Assessment Worksheet (docx).

 

 

Modified / Reviewed:

NWCG Latest Announcements

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Chainsaw Operations, PMS 212, and Next Generation Position Task Book for Basic Faller Are Now Available

Date: April 14, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Hazard Tree and Tree Felling Subcommittee

The updated NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Chainsaw Operations, PMS 212, and NWCG Position Task Book for Basic Faller (FAL3), PMS 311-19 are now available.

The NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Chainsaw Operations, PMS 212 includes position standards designed to be used in conjunction with the Next Generation Position Task Book (Next Gen PTB). The Next Gen PTB for Basic Faller (FAL3) includes an evaluation guide with suggested rating elements to consider when assessing trainees.

References:

NWCG Standards For Wildland Fire Chainsaw Operations, PMS 212

NWCG Position Task Book for Basic Faller (FAL3), PMS 311-119

NWCG Basic Faller (FAL3)

RMC Memo 25-01: Summary of Updates to Safety Officer Positions

Date: April 9, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
RMC Member Eric Fransted

The Risk Management Committee (RMC) serves as the position steward for all Safety Officer incident positions and continues to improve position standards, training, and naming conventions. The implementation of Complex Incident Management (CIM) required changes to position titles. RMC collaborated with the NWCG Incident Position Standards Committee (IPSC) to propose and implement these updates. 

References:

RMC Memo 25-01: Summary of Updates to Safety Officer Positions 

NWCG Position Catalog

Updated, NWCG Guide to Wildland Fire Origin and Cause Determination, PMS 412

Date: April 8, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Wildland Fire Investigation Subcommittee

PMS 412 provides guidance for wildland fire investigations. This guide outlines recommended procedures, practices, techniques, and methods to promote a systematic approach. The last update to this publication was in 2016.

References:

NWCG Guide to Wildland Fire Origin and Cause Determination PMS 412

Updated NWCG Standards for Airtanker Base Operations, PMS 508

Date: March 31, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Airtanker Base Operations Unit

The updated NWCG Standards for Airtanker Base Operations (SABO), PMS 508 standardizes operations and procedures at interagency airtanker bases to ensure safe, efficient, and effective operations in support of interagency goals and objectives.

References:

NWCG Standards for Airtanker Base Operations, PMS 508