Risk Assessment Matrix
The following is a general risk assessment matrix intended to give a quantitative level of risk, based on numerous categories that affect flight operations. To use the risk assessment, evaluate each row, sum up the columns, and compare the total to the risk categories below.
| Category | Low (1) | Moderate (2) | High (3) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight (lbs) | 86-109 | 110-119 | 120-130 |
| Wind (knots) | 0-14 | 15-20 | 21-25+ |
| Density Alt (ft) | 0-3,999 | 4,000-5,999 | 6,000-8,000* |
| Ambient Temp (°F) | 40-105 | 20-39 or 105-114 | <20 or >115 |
| Humidity (% non-condensing) | 0-59 | 59-80 | 81-95 |
| Precipitation (" per hour) | 0 | 0-0.20 | 0.21-0.25 |
| Time of Day | Day | Dawn/Dusk | Night |
| Terrain | Open Field | Forest | Mountainous or Urban |
| Payload | Normal | New | Experimental* |
| Crew Experience (hrs/person) | >200 | 100-200 | <100 |
| Crew Currency (days) | <30 | 30-90 | >90 |
| Crew Rest (hours) | >8 | 6-8 | <6 |
| Operation | Routine | Demo or Training | FCF or Test Flight* |
| VPS Battery (cycles) | 0-10 | 11-16 | 17-20 |
| Fuel Reserve (hours) | >2 | 1-2 | <1 |
- Low Risk : 15-22
- Medium Risk: 23-37
- High Risk: 38-45
The following situations elevate the risk to high regardless of the risk assessment score:
- Operating from 6,000-8,000 foot density altitude.
- Operations immediately following training.
- Flying an experimental payload.
- After an autopilot firmware update.
- After any FPS, VPS, or servo maintenance.
- After a structural airframe repair.
- After a hardware upgrade or retrofit.