Definition
A self-assessment instrument used by general aviation pilots to evaluate the level of risk associated with a planned flight by scoring factors such as pilot fitness, aircraft condition, environmental conditions, and external pressures. The total score indicates whether the flight should proceed as planned, proceed with mitigations, or be cancelled.
Plain English
A simple checklist or worksheet a pilot fills out before a flight to add up the risks involved. The final number tells the pilot how risky the flight is and whether it makes sense to go.
Context Anchor
Seen in FAA risk-management training, especially before a training flight or when reviewing what a risk score means and what action to take next.
Why Pilots Care
It makes hidden risks visible so pilots can avoid flights they might later regret.
Grounding Statement
Before the flight begins, the tool turns vague concerns into visible items the pilot can do something about.
Intuition Check
Do not treat the Flight Risk Awareness Tool as automatic permission to fly or automatic proof that a flight is unsafe. It is a decision aid that helps you notice risk and choose a safer plan.
Example Sentence 1
After filling out the flight risk awareness tool, the pilot saw the score was in the caution range and decided to delay departure until the crosswinds eased.
Example Sentence 2
Before every lesson the instructor asks the student to complete the Flight Risk Awareness Tool together.