Guide
How to complete a preflight risk assessment (FRAT)
A preflight risk assessment — also called a Flight Risk Assessment Tool (FRAT) — helps pilots systematically evaluate hazards before departure. The FAA, AOPA, and NBAA all recommend structured risk management as part of aeronautical decision making (ADM). This guide walks through the process GA pilots use before every flight.
Step 1: Gather operational data
Collect METAR, TAF, SIGMETs, PIREPs, NOTAMs, aircraft performance data, pilot currency, and route information including terrain and alternates.
Step 2: Apply the PAVE checklist
Evaluate Pilot (IMSAFE), Aircraft, enVironment, and External pressures. Document specific risks in each category before engine start.
Step 3: Set personal minimums triggers
Define hard go/no-go thresholds for ceiling, visibility, crosswind, and fatigue. Triggers decided in advance are easier to honor in flight.
Step 4: Score route-specific hazards
Assess terrain exposure, NTSB accident density along your corridor, airport complexity, and en-route weather trends — not just departure METAR.
Step 5: Document and decide
Record your assessment, acknowledge GO / REVIEW / NO-GO, and brief passengers or instructors. Retain records for training and insurance.
Digital FRAT
Automate the framework with FlightReady
FlightReady implements this workflow digitally — scoring weather, terrain, NTSB corridor data, and pilot factors into an explainable readiness score with source-cited AI briefings.