Flight Risk Assessment Tool released for ag pilots

The National Agricultural Aviation Association (NAAA) has released a Flight Risk Assessment Tool (FRAT) designed specifically for ag aviation.

NAAA’s Ag Aviation FRAT is broken down into four sections based on the frequency with which risks should be evaluated.

For example, annual questions only need to be considered on a yearly basis, while the questions before each flight should be asked each time the pilot is ready to takeoff on an application mission, according to association officials.

While NAAA officials encourage all ag pilots to use the FRAT, they say it is especially critical for less experienced pilots who can get overwhelmed with all the individual tasks required to make aerial applications.

This can be even more serious during the busy part of the season when fatigue and pressure to get work done mounts, they add.

There are two situations when the need for the FRAT is especially critical, association officials noted.

The first is when an inexperienced pilot is working in a new territory, such as when they’ve been sent out of their home area to help another busy operation, and they’re not receiving sufficient oversight on the work they’re being assigned. The second is when an experienced pilot is sent out to work unsupervised at a satellite location.

In both situations, the pilot may not be receiving sufficient mentorship, NAAA officials said.

Without assistance to evaluate certain risks, the likelihood a pilot takes on a job beyond their current capabilities increases. A good mentor evaluates jobs for a newer pilot for such threats as wires, towers, sensitive crops, and weather conditions, as well as helping decide whether the pilot is ready for each application job, officials explained.

While the best strategy for all inexperienced ag pilots is to find a mentor who prioritizes safety, the FRAT can be used to help a pilot caught in these and other situations to thoroughly evaluate their risks and think about whether they want to fly the mission or at least find ways to reduce their risk.

For more information: AgAviation.org