Risk Management in Aviation

Risk management is a human factors nightmare.  Anything and everything we do, such as driving, has risk involved.  We usually do not think about driving to the local corner store as having any risk associated with the short trip.  However, believe it or not, it does.  And believe it or not, we do perform a risk assessment and take action based of the risk assessment to accomplish this short trip. 
For example, we know if we don't wear our seat belt,  if we don't drive the vehicle within the posted speed limit and if we don't use our turn signals, then we increase our chances of serious injury in the event of an accident, thus increase our risk.  The same holds true in aviation.  If a pilot does not perform the checklist, or does not find out what the weather is doing, then the pilot has increase his risk for the flight.  So how does a pilot reduce the risk of a flight?   Simple, follow the preflight checklist and obtain weather information.  But is this enough?  It might be if the pilot is familiar with airplane and flying in the local area.  But what about a pilot in an unfamiliar airplane or area? 

To develop a risk assessment, I'm going to apply the SHELL module.  To recap, SHELL represents the relationship of Software, Hardware, Environment, and Liveware (Human) to Liveware (Human). 

SOFTWARE:

• Aircraft Checklists - Are the proper checklists for the aircraft, (e.g. preflight, start up, before take off, after take off, cruise, emergencies, before landing, after landing) available?
• Have you reviewed the maintenance records - if NO, the review the maintenance records to ensure the aircraft is airworthy.
• Technologically Advance Aircraft - Do you have the proper training with advance avionics in this aircraft?  If NO, then obtain the proper training before flying.

HARDWARE:

• Have you flown this type of aircraft - if NO, then complete the required flights with an instructor before continuing with the flight.
• Have you completed all required preflight checklist - if NO, the complete all checklist before continuing with the flight.
• Are you familiar with all the instrumentation in the aircraft - if NO, consult with a flight instructor.

ENVIRONMENT

• Have you flown this type of aircraft - if NO, then complete the required flights with an instructor before continuing with the flight.
• Have you received a weather briefing - if NO, then get a weather briefing for you area of flight.
• Is the reported and forested weather within your operating minimums - if NO, then the flight is a NO GO!
• Are you familiar with the airport and surrounding area - if NO, fly with an instructor or another pilot to point out key areas.  At a minimum, ask another pilot to go over the section with you to point out areas of concern.

LIVEWARE (HUMAN)

• Are you taking any medication - if NO, then the flight is a NO GO!
• Have you received adequate rest prior to the flight - if NO, then the flight is a NO GO!
• Are you current - if NO, fly with an instructor before continuing with the flight.
• Do you have the required training in the aircraft in which you are going to fly - if NO, receive the required flights with an instructor before continuing with the flight.
• Are you comfortable with speaking to Air Traffice Control (ATC) or Flight Service Stations (FSS) - if NO, brush up your communications before you continue with the flight.

This simple steps, when added with checklist, weather briefings, personal minimums, etc. will ensure the pilot is ready to complete a successful flight.