Pre-flight risk analysis

This regulation requires helicopter air ambulance operators to establish and use a formal preflight risk analysis system. The operator must create an FAA-approved process documented in their operations manual that evaluates specific risk factors: flight considerations (obstacles, terrain, landing zones, fuel), human factors (crew fatigue, personal stressors), weather conditions throughout the flight, whether other operators have declined the same mission, and procedures for managing risks that exceed predetermined thresholds.

Before each flight, the pilot in command must complete a standardized risk analysis worksheet covering these factors, then sign and date it. This creates a structured decision-making process rather than relying solely on pilot judgment in potentially high-pressure situations.

The operator must keep each completed worksheet for at least 90 days. This requirement helps ensure systematic risk assessment for these critical medical flights and provides documentation for safety oversight and post-flight review.

*This is a plain-English summary for study only. The official 14 CFR text on this page is controlling — always read the current regulation and consult a CFI.*