3 Integral Components Of Aviation Risk Management
In aviation operations, Safety Management System (SMS) should be risk-based. For example, the risks involved in operating aircraft regularly on the ground are quite different to those in flying operations. In fact, SMS is a careful examination of what could cause harm in the workplace. That is to weigh up whether we have taken enough precautions or should do more to prevent harm.
Risk management process is a simple one that identifies operational hazards and takes reasonable measures to reduce risk to personnel, equipment, and the mission. The main objective of aviation risk management is to ensure that the risks associated with hazards to flights are systematically and formally identified, assessed and managed within acceptable safety measures.
Aviation risk management is an immense part of being a well-rounded pilot. Although there are a large number of important components, the most vital of them all is understanding the importance of “Aviation Risk Management”. However, in Aviation operations, risk management is a decision-making process that relies completely upon- situational awareness, problem recognition and good judgement that can help to reduce the risks associated with each flight. The complete elimination of risks in aviation is an unattainable and impractical job since all of them cannot be removed and not all possible risk mitigation management measures are economically practical. Thus, it means that there will be a certain residual risk of harm to the people, property and environment, but it is to be considered or accepted by the responsible authority and the society.
What Are The Three Components Of Airline Risk Management?
Risk Management consists of three integral components which are highlighted below-
- Hazard Identification in Risk Management- The most important step and the first major component of risk management is the identification of hazards. If a hazard is not recognized, then it will grow unquestionably and will pose a serious threat to the safety risk of the flight and can often become deliberating. Both proactive and reactive methods and techniques should be used for hazard identification.
- Hazard Analysis required for Risk Management- The second key component of risk management is the analysis of hazards. Identification of hazard is often assessed by experienced personnel or through analytical expertise, in terms of the criticality of their harmful effects and ranked in order of their risk-bearing potential. The severity and its repercussions are determined and if a hazard is considered acceptable, then operation continues without any intervention and if it is not acceptable, then the risk mitigation process is engaged. Though it is best to consider all the possible reactions to a problem instead of impulsive reacting. Proactivity is highly recommended because it alludes to planning in advance and then reacting, which is the preface of risk management components.
- Eliminating Hazard, Most Effective Form of Risk Management- The final component of risk management is elimination. If the risk is treated as unacceptable, then control measures are taken to fortify and increase the level of refences against that risk or to avoid or reduce that risk, if this is economically feasible. A proactive mindset is also important in this phase of risk management not only for effective planning but also for solving the problem immediately.
Conclusion
Risk management is based on a variety of hazard identification measures where both proactive and reactive measures and techniques are to be implemented. In addition, the increasing integration, automation and complexity of flight operations require a proactive, systematic and structured approach to risk assessment and mitigation using predictive and monitoring techniques. The risk management is an important concept that needs to be effectively implemented in all aviation sectors consistently by airline operators, air navigation service providers, certified aerodrome operators, maintenance and training organisations.
Bibliography
- https://skybrary.aero/articles/risk-management
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/280882911_Aviation_Risk_Management_Strategies_Case_Study
- http://aviationsafetyblog.asms-pro.com/blog/3-main-components-of-aviation-risk-management
- http://dag.un.org/bitstream/handle/11176/89563/2014.02%20Aviation%20Risk%20Management%20Policy_signed.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y
Blog Author: Anindita Sarkar – Student Risk Committee Member, IRM India Affiliate
