1) Pilots should use a Flight Risk Analysis Tool (FRAT) to help differentiate between low and high risk flights, and to develop risk mitigation strategies. FRATs make it easier for pilots to make better "go/no-go" decisions. 2) There are many FRAT options available as mobile apps to aid with flight planning, briefing, and monitoring. More complex apps require more flight information input and safety questions, but provide more robust risk assessments that can be saved or printed. 3) While complex FRAT apps take more time, they help pilots consider a wider range of hazards and risk factors. Pilots should choose and regularly use a risk assessment app as a standard part of flight planning

1. Flight Risk AnalysisTool (FRAT)
The General Aviation Joint Steering Committee
Safety EnhancementTopic of the Month
Every flight has some level of risk associated with it. It is critical that pilots are able to differentiate, in advance,
between a low risk flight and a high risk flight, and then establish a review process and develop risk mitigation strategies.
To aid with this proactive hazard identification, pilots should make use of a Flight Risk Analysis Tool (FRAT). Most FRATs
are easy to use and can graphically depict risk. They are invaluable in helping pilots make better go/no-go decisions and
should be a part of every flight.
Thanks to the proliferation of mobile devices and associated apps for flight planning, weather briefing, and flight
monitoring/tracking, there is an abundance of FRAT options to choose from. When considering one for personal use, a
good factor to consider is the app’s survey method. Some simple forms of assessment assign weighted numbers to
different categories to deduce a total score for overall flight
risk.
More complex applications require the input of
additional flight information and ask questions that more
closely align with the safety limitations for 14 CFR part
135 certificate holders. With these more robust apps, you
have the option to email, print, or save the results of your
risk assessment work. Although the more complex risk
assessment apps take more time to use, they can be very
valuable in helping you think through a more complete
range of hazards and risk factors. And, though some were
developed for commercial operators, there is no reason they
can’t be beneficial for personal flying too.
The choice is yours, but please do choose and (more
importantly) use a risk assessment app as a standard part of
your flight planning and monitoring activity. It doesn’t take
long to take a moment for safety!
References and Additional Reading:
• Risk Management Handbook (FAA-H-8083-2)
Chapter 4-2 http://go.usa.gov/jAJk
• “You Can Take it With You,” FAA Safety Briefing.
http://go.usa.gov/jAuV, pg 4
August 2013
FAASafety
Briefing