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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

 

Personnel

Large Airtanker (LAT) Risk Assessments

Aircraft | Contracts | Operations | Personnel

SYSTEM:  Large Airtanker, Personnel

Sub-System Hazards Pre-Mitigation Mitigation Post-Mitigation

Probability

Severity

Risk Level

Probability

Severity

Risk Level
Pilot Training Lack of fire mission training and lack of proficiency flight time

Likely

Catastrophic

Extremely High

 Ensure vendors utilize training programs such as CRM, risk management, and flight safety with the intent to standardize cockpit procedures. Provide NAFA training often to capture new pilots and allow for refresher training of all pilots. Provide adequate training opportunities with experienced pilots within the fire environment. Ensure adequate proficiency flight time is provided prior to starting on contract. During the contract period, vendors are responsible to ensure their pilots are proficient.

Possible

Critical

High
Human Factors The limited number of airtankers has resulted in more frequent travel and change of duty station, which increases stress and has a negative effect on crew quality of life

Almost Certain

Critical

Extremely High

 Provide additional administrative support. Adhere to duty limits; implement Phase Duty Limitations as appropriate. Improve the management model for national deployment of the fleet. Add more airtankers.

Possible

Critical

High
Target fixation and tactical maneuvering errors

Likely

Catastrophic

High

 Address airtanker pilot training and proficiency to reduce frequency of accidents. Ensure aircraft performance planning for successful outcome in a high rate of descent, level off, and climb out profile.  Provide adequate training time in fire environment.

Possible

Critical

High
Acceptance of high-risk missions as normal

Almost Certain

Catastrophic

Extremely High

 Review existing policy/procedures and risk assessment during in brief and mission briefings. Utilize risk management tools, including Go/No-Go checklists. Educate personnel on the normalization of risk and complacency. Make mission decisions at the appropriate level. Ensure communication between operations and aviation personnel. Emphasize importance of situational awareness as a means for recognizing risk.

Unlikely

Catastrophic

High

Pilot/crew fatigue.

Likely

Critical

Extremely High

 Adhere to work/rest guidelines. Utilize interim flight and duty limitations/additional days off as authorized. Request personnel swap or additional crew members during peak fire activity. Ensure adequate pilot rest areas are available.

Unlikely

Critical

Medium
Culture ATBMs, users, contractors don't have full understanding of agency policies and procedures at different bases

Likely

Critical

Extremely High

 Ensure all users have access to Interagency policy and procedures. Follow SABO. Ensure communication between agencies. Attend the national ATBM workshop every three years.

Unlikely

Moderate

Medium
Can do philosophy has fostered aviation programs with high-risk operations

Likely

Critical

Extremely High

 Provide program oversight to assure risk is at lowest practicable level. Improve crew risk management.

Unlikely

Moderate

Medium
Inspections Operator's lack of quality assurance and inspection program results in non-compliance with contract airworthiness standards

Likely

Critical

Extremely High

 Enforce QA program for improved oversight of the contracted fleet.

Unlikely

Moderate

Medium
Technology HAT underutilized resulting in task saturation

Possible

Moderate

Medium

 Develop new technologies for the mission such as glass cockpit, synthetic vision, electronic target identification, laser targeting, etc. Utilize updated electronic equipment if possible [e.g., Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) and Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast in (ADS-B in)]. 

Possible

Negligible

Low

 

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

 

 

Modified / Reviewed:

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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