Part 135 FRAT Template
A Flight Risk Assessment Tool (FRAT) helps Part 135 operators and pilots systematically score trip risk before departure. Most OpSpecs and General Operations Manuals require one for every flight — this printable template covers the eight most common risk factors.
| Risk Factor | Score (1–5) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Weather / IMC | ||
| Crew experience | ||
| Schedule pressure | ||
| Aircraft complexity | ||
| ATC environment | ||
| Passenger factors | ||
| Route familiarity | ||
| Crew currency | ||
| TOTAL |
Scoring guide
Thresholds are reference values. Your GOM may specify different cut-offs — always follow your certificate holder's approved procedures.
How to score each factor
Score 1 for VMC/light winds, 3 for IMC/moderate icing or turbulence forecasts, 5 for marginal minimums, known icing, convective activity, or crosswinds near limits.
Score 1 for a seasoned crew with thousands of hours on type, 3 for a current but less-experienced crew, 5 for a pilot near minimums for the operation or fresh on type.
Score 1 if the flight is routine and time is flexible, 3 for a tight turn with a waiting client, 5 if the crew has been asked to "make it work" or the trip has already slipped once.
Score 1 for a familiar single-pilot IFR aircraft, 3 for a complex or high-speed jet with recent MEL items, 5 for an unfamiliar type or significant maintenance history.
Score 1 for uncontrolled or low-traffic airspace, 3 for busy approach control in marginal conditions, 5 for TFRs, NOTAM-heavy routes, or international operations.
Score 1 for familiar corporate passengers, 3 for new or high-profile passengers, 5 for passengers who may be combative, impaired, or require special handling.
Score 1 for a route the crew flies weekly, 3 for an infrequent route, 5 for a first-time destination with complex terrain, procedure, or language environment.
Score 1 for fully current and recently line-checked crew, 3 for crew approaching currency limits, 5 for crew at or near the 90-day ILS, night, or recency minimums.
FRAT runs automatically on every Clearspar quote
Clearspar scores the FRAT against your real trip data — duty hours, crew currency, route, and weather — before the quote reaches your client. AMBER flags add a warning; RED blocks the send until a DO override is recorded.