NWCG Standards for Aviation Transport of Hazardous Materials (PMS 513)

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering terminology, limits, and safety standards from the NWCG Standards for Aviation Transport of Hazardous Materials (PMS 513).

National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG)

An operational group that provides leadership for interoperable wildland fire operations among federal, state, tribal, territorial, and local agencies.

PMS 513

An NWCG standard document that establishes requirements and guidelines for the safe handling and transport of hazardous materials in aircraft under the control of authorized agencies.

Special Permit Authorization DOT-SP9198

A Department of Transportation special permit authorization that Forest Service employees must comply with alongside PMS 513 during hazardous materials transport operations.

Pilot-In-Command (PIC)

The individual who holds ultimate authority over the aircraft and its safe operation, including final responsibility for hazardous materials acceptance and compliance with regulations.

Hazardous Materials (49 CFR)

Substances designated by 49 CFR as posing risks to health, safety, and property during transport, encompassing hazardous substances, wastes, marine pollutants, and materials with elevated temperatures.

Hazardous Materials Table (49 CFR 172.101)

A regulatory table that categorizes hazardous materials according to their hazard classes and divisions.

'Must' vs. 'Should'

Regulatory terms where 'must' specifies mandatory compliance, whereas 'should' indicates required compliance with allowable exceptions.

'May' and 'Can'

Regulatory terms indicating optional compliance that allow flexibility in operational procedures.

Hazmat Employee

Any individual whose employment directly affects hazardous materials transportation safety, including loading, unloading, handling, or preparing materials for transport.

Notification of Pilot-In-Command (NOPIC)

A mandatory notification completed prior to pre-use inspection detailing the common name, proper shipping name, hazard class, and quantity of hazardous materials aboard the aircraft.

Bulk Fuel Containers

Fuel storage containers with a capacity exceeding $119\,\text{gallons}$, subject to specific Federal Aviation Regulations approved by DOI or USFS.

Sealdrums (Rolligons)

Approved flexible bulk fuel containers with capacities up to $500\,\text{gallons}$ authorized for safe fuel transport aboard aircraft.

Ignition Devices

Solid materials and devices designed for signaling or ignition purposes in fire management, including fusees, flares, and aerial ignition plastic spheres.

Aerial Ignition Plastic Spheres

Plastic spheres containing oxidizers used in aerial ignition that must be segregated from antifreeze containers during transport.

Wet-Cell Batteries

Batteries that generate current via chemical reactions and contain corrosive electrolyte fluids, requiring nonconductive outer packaging and orientation markings.

Battery Fluid Quantity Limit

The maximum permissible volume of electrolyte battery fluids allowed aboard an aircraft, restricted to $5\,\text{gallons}$ per secured package.

Fireline Explosives

Explosive compounds, including nitroglycerin-based materials, that require handling by certified personnel and strict segregation from detonating devices, oxidizers, and flammable liquids or gases.

49 CFR 173.24(f)(1)

A federal regulation mandating that all hazardous material package closures be properly secured to prevent leakage during handling and transport.

A-110, Aviation Transport of Hazardous Materials

The mandatory training course that all agency personnel must successfully complete prior to handling or transporting hazardous materials by air.

Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)

A critical emergency reference manual that, along with the NWCG Standards, must be physically present on board every aircraft transporting hazardous materials.

Powered Equipment Fuel Limit

A safety threshold limiting the quantity of flammable fuel contained within the tanks of powered equipment (e.g., chainsaws, pumps) to no more than $20\,\text{gallons}$ per load.

Small Arms Ammunition

Firearm cartridge ammunition that may be carried without hazard communication markings when transported by individuals authorized to carry firearms for official government business.

Personal Survival Equipment

Emergency survival gear—such as inflatable flotation vests, spare $CO_2$ cartridges, beacons, and fire starters—exempt from general compatibility restrictions when packed properly.

Biomedical Waste

Waste containing potentially infectious materials (such as used syringes) that must be secured in leak-proof containers to eliminate exposure risks.

Bear Repellent / Defensive Irritants

Aerosol deterrents that must be packaged to prevent accidental discharge and kept away from ignition sources or ambient temperatures exceeding $120\,^\circ\text{F}$.

Hazardous Materials Manifest Form

A standardized tracking form used to record essential hazmat transport data, including common name, proper shipping name, hazard class, UN number, and quantity.