A Flight Risk Assessment Tool (FRAT) is essential for operators, pilots, and dispatchers before a flight. It helps assess the risk level associated with an upcoming journey. Every flight carries some risk, so it’s vital to distinguish between low-risk and high-risk scenarios. By doing this, pilots can establish a review process and create strategies to manage risks effectively.
FRATs come in different formats and complexities. Typically, they include a series of questions or require specific data input. This information aids in identifying and quantifying the risks tied to a flight. Each operator must decide what level of risk is acceptable, based on factors like the type of operation, environment, aircraft, crew training, and overall experience.
If a flight’s risk surpasses the acceptable threshold, it’s crucial to evaluate the associated hazards further. The goal is to reduce risks to a manageable level. For flights considered high risk, operations should only proceed if all hazards can be mitigated adequately.
