What is the purpose of a "risk assessment" in flight planning?

A "risk assessment" in flight planning serves the crucial role of evaluating potential hazards and determining effective strategies to mitigate those risks. This process involves identifying factors that could compromise safety, such as weather conditions, system malfunctions, or human factors, and then prioritizing those risks based on their likelihood and potential impact on the flight. By undertaking this assessment, pilots and flight planners can develop contingency plans and make informed decisions to enhance safety during the flight.

While determining fuel requirements, assessing weight and balance, and predicting weather conditions are all important components of flight planning, they do not capture the comprehensive safety management aspect that a risk assessment provides. The primary objective of a risk assessment is to create a safer operational environment by proactively addressing challenges before they arise, ensuring that appropriate measures are in place for a successful flight.