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Risk assessment is the core process of Safety Risk Management (SRM) under 14 CFR Part 5 Subpart C. PlaneConnection uses the ICAO standard 5x5 risk matrix to evaluate and document safety risks.

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Prerequisites

  • You must have the safety_manager or admin role.
  • Understand your organization’s acceptable risk criteria.

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When to perform a risk assessment

Per 14 CFR 5.51, apply Safety Risk Management when:
  1. Designing or implementing new systems or procedures
  2. Making changes to existing systems
  3. Hazards are identified through safety assurance processes
  4. Existing risk controls are found to be ineffective
  5. External changes affect your operations

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Steps

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In the Safety module sidebar, click Risks, then click New Risk in the top-right corner.
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You can also use the command palette (Cmd+K) and select New Risk Entry.
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Identify the source (optional)
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If this risk was identified from a specific source, link it:
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  • Report: Select a submitted safety report that identified the hazard.
  • Investigation: Select an investigation whose findings revealed the risk.
  • Standalone: Leave the source blank if the risk was identified through other means (audits, operational experience, industry data).
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    Describe the hazard
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    In the Hazard Description field, clearly describe the condition or situation that could foreseeably cause or contribute to an aircraft accident. Be specific about:
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  • What the hazard is
  • Where it exists in your operations
  • What systems or processes are affected
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    Select the hazard category
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    Choose the category that best describes the hazard:
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  • Flight Operations
  • Maintenance
  • Ground Handling
  • Cabin Safety
  • Airspace / ATC
  • Weather
  • Human Factors
  • Organizational
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    Assess initial severity
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    Rate the severity of the worst credible outcome if this hazard were to result in an accident:
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    LevelCategoryDescription1NegligibleNo injury; no damage2MinorSlight injury; slight damage3MajorSignificant injury; minor aircraft damage4HazardousSerious injury; major aircraft damage5CatastrophicMultiple fatalities; aircraft destroyed
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    Assess initial likelihood
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    Rate how likely the hazard is to result in the identified outcome:
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    LevelCategoryDescriptionAImprobableAlmost inconceivableBRemoteVery unlikely but possibleCOccasionalUnlikely but may occurDProbableWill occur sometimesEFrequentLikely to occur often
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    The risk matrix will automatically calculate the risk level based on your selections:
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  • Green (Acceptable): Accept the risk; document the decision.
  • Yellow (Tolerable / ALARP): Reduce risk As Low As Reasonably Practicable.
  • Red (Unacceptable): Do not proceed without implementing risk controls.
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    ALARP stands for “As Low As Reasonably Practicable.” Yellow-zone risks require documented justification that further risk reduction is not practical given the costs and benefits.
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    Document existing controls
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    Describe any controls that are already in place to mitigate this hazard. This establishes the baseline for your initial risk assessment.
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    Add risk controls (if needed)
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    If the initial risk level is yellow or red, add controls to reduce the risk:
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  • Click Add Control.
  • Describe the control measure.
  • Classify the control type (engineering, administrative, PPE, procedural).
  • After defining controls, reassess the residual severity and residual likelihood to determine the risk level with controls in place.
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    Per 14 CFR 5.55, you must develop risk controls when the assessment shows the risk is unacceptable. All red-zone risks require controls before the associated operation can proceed.
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    Review and submit
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    Review the completed risk assessment, including:
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  • Hazard description and category
  • Initial risk rating (severity x likelihood)
  • Existing and new controls
  • Residual risk rating after controls
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    Click Create Risk to save the assessment.

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    Viewing the risk matrix

    Navigate to Risks > Matrix to see all active risks plotted on the 5x5 ICAO risk matrix. This view helps you identify concentrations of risk and prioritize mitigation efforts.

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    Risk lifecycle

    After creation, risks can be:
    • Monitored: Regularly reviewed during safety assurance activities.
    • Mitigated: Controls are implemented and residual risk is reassessed.
    • Accepted: Formally accepted at the appropriate management level with documented rationale.
    • Closed: The hazard no longer exists or has been fully mitigated.