Flight Risk Assessment Tool 3.3

The Flight Risk Assessment Tool, known as "FRAT," is a comprehensive application available for iPhone and iPad users with an accompanying Apple Watch integration. The Apple Watch component conveniently offers real-time METAR reports at your wrist's reach. Designed to enhance pilot safety measures, FRAT assists aviators in pinpointing potential safety risks and evaluating the associated risk levels during preflight preparations. While primarily tailored to benefit general aviation pilots, its usefulness extends to pilots across various aviation sectors in facilitating effective Risk Management procedures.

From novice student pilots embarking on their inaugural flights to seasoned airline professionals, the practice of Risk Management is essential for all aviators. Factors such as physical fitness, weather conditions, aircraft status, fuel availability, time constraints ('get-home-itis'), and other variables prompt pilots to assess potential hazards that may impact their flights. However, this crucial risk evaluation step is frequently underestimated or inadequately appraised.

While occasional fliers might adopt a more casual approach towards Risk Management and scant resources to gather relevant flight information, commercial airline pilots benefit from established Risk Management systems managed by seasoned professionals who assess risks and devise suitable mitigation strategies for planned flights.

FRAT equips General Aviation (GA) pilots with a structured questionnaire designed to assist in evaluating inherent risks associated with their flights. Not intended as a definitive decision-maker for the pilot-in-command, FRAT serves as a valuable tool during preflight planning by identifying potential hazards and associated risk levels likely to be encountered during the flight. This proactive hazard identification process enables pilots to formulate more effective mitigation plans, which could involve mitigating risks to an acceptable level or prompting flight rescheduling or cancellation should risks be deemed excessive. As an essential component of a GA pilot's overarching Risk Management framework, FRAT offers a systematic approach to risk assessment.

While numerous risk assessment tools incorporate an extensive array of questions, FRAT focuses on queries pertinent to VFR/IFR flights commonly conducted by General Aviation (GA) pilots.

Besides its risk assessment features, FRAT integrates valuable safety resources within the app, such as access to FAASafety.gov Safety Notices and Safety Discussions, along with comprehensive information on Risk Management practices. Furthermore, the app provides convenient in-app access to essential aviation resources like 1-800-WXBrief, Aviation WX, NOTAMS, TFRs, and METARs without requiring users to exit the application. The latest update includes direct access to the FRAT Tutorial through the Information page accessible by tapping the information icon located at the upper left corner of the main menu.