However, it is not possible to simply eliminate risk. It is a part of any activity, and the best thing we can do is learn to manage and minimize risks.
That's what we will talk about today :)
First of all, we must all acknowledge that risks are always with us. Every action we take carries risks, some of which we are aware of and some of which may remain hidden from us forever.
Risk management helps us understand how dangerous our risks are, what consequences they can bring, and how to make decisions that are balanced and ensure both flight safety (Safety Management) and the efficiency of our work.
To begin with, let's start by defining the types of risks we may encounter:
- Total riskThe sum of identified and unidentified risks1
- Identified riskRisk which has been determined through various analysis techniques. The first task of system safety is to identify all possible risks2
- Unidentified riskRisk not yet identified. Some unidentified risks are subsequently identified when a mishap occurs. Some risk is never known3
- Unacceptable riskRisk which cannot be tolerated by the managing activity. It's a subset of identified risk that must be eliminated or controlled4
- Acceptable riskAcceptable risk is the part of identified risk that is allowed to persist without further action. The decision is made with full knowledge that it is the user who is exposed to this risk5
- Residual riskIt's the risk that left over after system safety efforts have been fully employed. It's not necessarily the same as acceptable risk. This is the total risk passed on to the user6
The goal of risk management is to proactively identify threats related to flight safety and neutralize the associated risks. It is important to remember four fundamental principles of risk management:
Unnecessary risk is a risk that does not bring corresponding benefits or opportunities. The most logical choices for conducting a flight are those that meet all requirements with minimal acceptable risk. Correlating with this axiom is "take necessary risks," which are necessary for the successful completion of the flight or task. For example, if a flight instructor is flying a new aircraft in low visibility conditions under instrument flight rules (IFR) for the first time, they may determine that the risk of conducting this flight is unnecessary.
Anyone can make a risk decision. However, risk decisions should be made by those who can develop and implement risk management measures. In a single-pilot situation, the pilot makes the decision to accept a certain level of risk, so why not allow someone else, such as air traffic control or passengers, to make risk decisions for you? In an aviation maintenance center, an aviation technician may require decisions to be elevated to the next level in the management chain if they determine that the risk management measures available to them will not reduce residual risk to an acceptable level.
All identified benefits must be compared to all identified costs. Even high-risk ventures can be undertaken when it is clear that the sum of benefits exceeds the sum of costs. For example, in any flight activity, some degree of risk must be accepted. A day with good weather, for example, is much more suitable for flying a new aircraft for the first time than a day with low instrument flight rules (IFR) conditions.
Risks are more easily assessed and managed in the early planning stages of a flight. Changes made later in the process of planning and executing may become more difficult, time consuming, and expensive. However, safety enhancement occurs at any time appropriate and effective risk management take place.
Risk management is a simple process which identifies operational hazards and takes reasonable measures to reduce risk to personnel, equipment, and the mission. During each flight, the pilot makes many decisions under hazardous conditions. To fly safely, the pilot needs to identify the risk, assess the degree of risk, and determine the best course of action to mitigate the risk.
Identify the Hazard
A hazard is defined as any real or potential condition that can cause degradation, injury, illness, death, or damage to or loss of equipment or property. Experience, common sense, and specific analytical tools help identify risks. Once the pilot determines that a hazard poses a potential risk to the flight, it may be further analyzed.01Assess the Risk
Each identified risk may be assessed in terms of its likelihood (probability) and its severity (consequences) that could result from the hazards based upon the exposure of humans or equipment to the hazards. An assessment of overall risk is then possible, typically by using a risk assessment matrix, such an online Flight Risk Awareness Tool (FRAT). This process defines the probability and severity of an accident.02Mitigate the Risk
Investigate specific strategies and tools that reduce, mitigate, or eliminate the risk. High risks may be mitigated by taking action to lower likelihood and/or severity to lower levels. For serious risks, such actions may also be taken. Medium and low risks do not normally require mitigation. Effective control measures reduce or eliminate the most critical risks. The analysis may consider the overall costs and benefits of remedial actions, providing alternative choices when possible.03
Risk management is not only applied by pilots. This system works at all levels of aviation, from office workers, schedule planners, ground staff, and dispatchers to even catering services for crew meals, airport bus drivers, and passenger check-in staff.
One of the best ways for crews and individual pilots to identify existing risks is to use acronyms. The FAA-H-8083-9 guide recommends a very interesting system: I'M SAFE CHECKLIST.
M-edication — Have I been taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs?
S-tress — Am I under psychological pressure from the job? Worried about financial matters, health problems or family discord?
A-lcohol — Have I been drinking within 8 hours? Withing 24 hours?
F-atigue — Am I tired and not adequately rested?
E-motion — Am I emotionally upset?
It is not necessary to use this specific acronym. There are many others, and you can even come up with your own unique one. The main principle of this approach is to develop a methodology that helps you better assess your strengths and understand where the problem lies in stressful and risky situations!
1) Identify threats
2) Identify the associated risks
3) Make informed decisions
Each aviation specialist has their own methodologies and documentation. Pilots learn to work with risks through subjects such as CRM, Human Factor, and Situational Awareness trainings. By knowing risk management methods, thousands of pilots around the world are able to make balanced and justified decisions every day.
Unjustified risks are rejected, justified risks are accepted and controlled. This is how a balance between safety and efficiency is achieved, and this is the unique "magic" of aviation.
Have a good evening, and until the next article!
