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FRAT Builder
Flight Risk Assessment -- GREEN / AMBER / RED. Advisory; tune thresholds with your DO. Runs in your browser.
GREEN
0
No risk factors flagged.
FRAT is advisory risk guidance, not a regulatory determination. AMBER calls for documented mitigations; RED calls for DO/chief-pilot approval. Operational control stays with the certificate holder (14 CFR 135.77). Tune the model with your DO.
Clearspar scores the FRAT automatically on every quote — before it leaves your inbox →
In Clearspar, the FRAT scores automatically on every quote
Pulled from the real trip, crew, and the 135.267 result -- no manual entry. See it →
Frequently asked questions
What is a Flight Risk Assessment Tool (FRAT)?
A FRAT is a structured checklist that scores the risk factors associated with a specific flight before dispatch. It is a core element of Safety Management Systems (SMS) under 14 CFR Part 5. The tool does not make a legal determination -- it advises the DO and chief pilot on the risk level so they can decide whether to add mitigations, require additional oversight, or decline the trip.
What do GREEN, AMBER, and RED bands mean?
GREEN (0-9 points) means the risk profile is within normal operating parameters -- proceed per standard procedures. AMBER (10-19 points) means elevated risk factors are present and documented mitigations should be established and recorded. RED (20+ points) means significant risk -- DO or chief pilot approval is required before dispatch. A crew-legality UNABLE forces RED regardless of score.
Is a FRAT legally required for Part 135 operators?
A formal FRAT is not explicitly required by 135.267. However, 14 CFR Part 5 requires SMS-holders to have a safety risk management process, and many DOs use a FRAT as the documented output of that process. Even for operators not formally required to have SMS, maintaining FRAT records demonstrates proactive safety management during FSDO reviews.
Can a RED FRAT score prevent a flight from departing?
The FRAT is advisory, not a regulatory gate. A RED score does not automatically block a flight -- it signals that DO or chief pilot review and approval is required before dispatch. The certificate holder retains operational control under 14 CFR 135.77. However, dispatching without documented review on a RED trip creates significant FSDO exposure.
What factors does this FRAT score?
This FRAT scores: crew-legality compliance status (135.267/247), hours until departure (short-notice risk), duty period length, number of legs, night operations, international operations, single-pilot assignment, type currency, and weather conditions (LIFR/IFR/MVFR, gusts, thunderstorms). Compliance status is the dominant input -- an UNABLE compliance finding forces RED.