A beautiful sunny day with no winds is always a perfect idea, but let’s face it, no flight can be said to be totally devoid of risks. Each trip demands the pilot to be more or less at risk and this risk must be managed. This concept may sound simple, but many pilots are not equipped with a plan on what to do when unforeseen situations arise.
The FAA’s 4 Core Principles of Flight Risk Management
The Core Principles of Risk Management are meant for enhanced decision-making in how risk is managed in aviation. You can access the complete Risk Management Handbook here.
Accept No Unnecessary Risk
The first principle, Accept No Unnecessary Risk, is self-explanatory. It is better to ignore certain risks if the rewards do not justify them. Although risk is a fact of life in any flight, it is defeatist to accept more risk than is necessary. For example, it is unrealistic to expect a student embarking on his or her first multi-engine flight to remain rational in control of their faculties during instrument meteorological conditions (IMC).
Performing such a flight when weather conditions are more favorable would be more productive. Even seasoned aviators have to temper their drive with reasonable restraint and understand this principle that safety should come first even if the next flight may be the most thrilling.
Make Risk Decisions at the Right Level
The second principle, Make Risk Decisions at the Right Level, has to do with the management of the control of any risk – who will be responsible for making risk decisions. A reticent student may wish to fly a difficult mission but ultimately, it is the instructor’s prerogative to allow or limit the risks involved. In the end, the Pilot in Command (PIC) can be said to be the final decision maker.
Where some uncertainty exists regarding a situation, the mere indecision created by uncertainty is oftentimes enough reason to change the course of action. In such circumstances, it is not all that bad to call upon older heads for assistance, but the captain may be able to remove or vary the orders of the flight if he considers conditions are not right for safety.
Accept Risks Only When the Benefits are greater than the Costs
Then, the principle of Accept Risks Only When the Benefits are greater than the Costs also needs to be followed with the attendant cost-benefit analysis. A flight can be undertaken only after the evaluation of the risks can reveal that greater benefits can be obtained.
For instance, in practice, it is a huge waste of time trying to practice certain maneuvers during marginal weather as opposed to a clear VFR day where many more maneuvers are likely to be practiced. The pilots have to take each case on its merit and ask whether the worth of the flight justifies the hassle or possible dangers that may be involved in undertaking the flight.
Integrate Flight Risk Management at Every Level
Last but not least, the principle of Integrate Risk Management at Every Level reminds the pilots that this is an ongoing procedure. First, it is done during preflight planning and then continues throughout the flight. This applies to plans also which were formulated during flights and appeared workable but required revision on the air. For instance, if a pilot anticipates reaching the destination before the storm that is estimated to reach a point on the flight somewhere in front of this point, then should take proper precautions if the situation looks like the weather may deteriorate sooner than expected. For example, improvising the plan on the go is essential if the situation looks complex and the plan is expected to be undermined. Those who get stuck to the plan all the time getting instructions to take proper measures for everything often end up being injured once the plans change.
These principles acting together form a complete basis for making aviation decisions that are safer. The more consistently these principles are followed, the fewer unnecessary risks pilots will take, the more responsible and elaborate decisions they make, and the more flexible they will be in changing situations. The prospects of unfamiliar and more successful flights are guaranteed.
Crafting Your Structure
Implementing such principles is not just for the sake of complying with regulations but rather, they focus on ingraining practices such as safe behaviors and effective decision making. No matter the reason why you are taking to the skies, either for leisure, learning, or work, having a solid risk management framework allows you to be ready for what the skies bring to you.
