The FAA is advising operators to become familiar with risk assessment tools [as described in Advisory Circular (AC) 120-92], which “create numerical thresholds that trigger additional levels of scrutiny prior to a go/no-go decision for the flight.” The tool works by facilitating the identification of known hazardous parameters particular to the flight and assigning a fixed associated risk value for each parameter. For example, if a flight is assigned to a captain with less than 200 hours in type, that adds a risk value of five. If the flight will be flown to an airport with no published approaches, that adds four to the overall risk value. The FAA suggests that operators identify risk thresholds (a total risk value number) that automatically trigger further review of a flight, or suggest a “no-go” decision. The FAA points out that a flight risk-assessment tool such as the one described should be used as a guide and, obviously, does not guarantee a safe flight.
FAA Offers Risk Assessment Tool
Key Takeaways:
- The FAA advises aviation operators to use risk assessment tools, as detailed in AC 120-92, to aid in go/no-go flight decisions.
- These tools assign numerical risk values to specific hazardous flight parameters, such as pilot experience or airport conditions.
- Operators are encouraged to establish risk thresholds that, when exceeded, automatically trigger additional scrutiny or a "no-go" recommendation.
- While serving as valuable guides, these flight risk assessment tools do not guarantee a safe flight.
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