FRAT
Flight Risk Assessment Tool
A pre-flight risk-scoring tool used to identify and mitigate hazards before takeoff.
A Flight Risk Assessment Tool is a structured pre-flight checklist that scores hazards across pilot, aircraft, environment, and external pressure factors, then translates the score into an action: proceed, proceed with mitigations, or stop. Most flight schools, flying clubs, and Part 91 / 135 operators run a FRAT before every flight as part of their Safety Management System.
The FRAT does not replace pilot judgment. It surfaces the combination of factors that experienced pilots already know to watch — low recent experience plus marginal weather plus get-there-itis is more dangerous than any single factor in isolation. Putting numbers on it makes the risk visible to a CFI, dispatcher, or other crew member.
When it matters
Required de facto for any operation with a Safety Management System (SMS), and a baseline expectation for Part 141 schools, Part 135 charter, and AOPA Air Safety Institute–aligned clubs. FAA Advisory Circular 120-92B encourages FRAT-style processes.
In Aloft360
FRAT in Aloft360