> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.planeconnection.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How to Conduct a Risk Assessment

> Create risk entries, identify hazards, assess severity and likelihood using the ICAO 5x5 matrix, define risk controls, and track residual risk.

By following this guide, you will create a risk assessment -- from identifying a hazard through rating severity and likelihood, defining controls, and submitting the entry for tracking.

<Info>
  **Who should read this:** Safety managers and admins who create and
  review risk assessments. Investigators and report reviewers also
  benefit from understanding how risk entries are created from their
  findings.

  **Prerequisites:** Safety manager or admin role. Familiarity with
  your organization's acceptable risk criteria and the
  [Risk Matrix](/en/reference/risk-matrix) reference.
</Info>

## Create a Risk Entry

<Steps>
  ### Step 1: Open the new risk form

  In the Safety sidebar, navigate to **Hazards** and create a new risk. You can also use `Cmd+K` and select "New Risk Entry."

  ### Step 2: Link a source record (if applicable)

  If the risk was identified from a safety report or investigation, link it for traceability. Leave blank for hazards identified through audits, operational experience, or industry data.

  ### Step 3: Describe the hazard

  State the condition or situation clearly and factually. Include what the hazard is, where it exists in your operations, and what systems or processes are affected.

  <Tip>
    Write hazard descriptions as factual conditions, not opinions. "Runway surface contamination at
    KHPN during winter operations" is more useful than "Slippery runway."
  </Tip>

  ### Step 4: Select a hazard category

  Choose the category that best describes the hazard -- Flight Operations, Maintenance, Ground Handling, Cabin Safety, Airspace/ATC, Weather, Human Factors, or Organizational.

  ### Step 5: Rate severity and likelihood

  Rate severity (1--5) based on the worst credible outcome, and likelihood (A--E) based on how likely the outcome is. The risk matrix calculates the resulting zone automatically.

  <Note>
    For the complete severity, likelihood, and zone definitions, see the [Risk
    Matrix](/en/reference/risk-matrix) reference.
  </Note>

  <Warning>
    If the calculated risk is in the red (Unacceptable) zone, you must define risk controls before the
    associated operation can proceed (14 CFR 5.55).
  </Warning>

  ### Step 6: Document existing controls

  Describe any measures already in place to mitigate this hazard. This establishes the baseline for determining whether additional controls are needed.

  ### Step 7: Add new controls (if needed)

  If the initial risk level falls in the yellow or red zone, add a control with a description and control type (engineering, administrative, procedural, or PPE).

  ### Step 8: Assess residual risk

  After defining controls, rate the residual severity and likelihood. The matrix recalculates to show the new zone.

  <Tip>
    If residual risk remains yellow (ALARP), document your justification that further reduction is not
    practical given the costs and benefits.
  </Tip>

  ### Step 9: Submit the risk entry

  Review the summary panel and submit the assessment.
</Steps>

## View the Risk Matrix

Navigate to **Hazards > Matrix** to see all active risks plotted on
the 5x5 ICAO risk matrix. This view helps you:

* Identify concentrations of risk across categories
* Prioritize mitigation efforts toward the highest-risk quadrant
* Compare initial risk ratings with residual ratings after controls

## After Submission

Risk entries move through five statuses: Draft, Active, Mitigated, Accepted, and Closed. Review risks regularly during safety assurance activities and safety committee meetings. For the full lifecycle reference, see [Risk Matrix](/en/reference/risk-matrix).

## Related

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Risk Matrix" href="/reference/risk-matrix">
    Complete reference for the ICAO 5x5 matrix, severity and likelihood definitions, and risk zones.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Submit a Safety Report" href="/how-to/sms/submit-safety-report">
    Reporting hazards that feed into risk assessments.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Create a CPA" href="/how-to/sms/create-cpa">
    Implementing controls identified during risk assessment.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Track Compliance" href="/how-to/sms/track-compliance">
    How risk management contributes to Part 5 Subpart C compliance.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>