Ag Aviation FRAT Available to Support Safer Flying

NAAA reminds pilots that the Ag Aviation Flight Risk Assessment Tool (FRAT) is available to help agricultural aviators evaluate risk and strengthen decision-making before every mission.

Developed by NAAA’s Safety & Federal Aviation Regulations Committee, the Ag Aviation FRAT was built specifically for aerial application operations. The tool uses simple yes-or-no questions to help pilots quickly identify hazards and reconsider or mitigate risks before flight.

The FRAT is especially valuable for newer pilots or those working in unfamiliar environments, operating from satellite strips, or flying during high-pressure spray periods when safety risks can increase.

In addition to the FRAT, NAAA is also making available two stickers generously shared by JBI Helicopters, owned and operated by NAAA’s 2024 President, Ray Newcomb. Both are designed to be used in the cockpit where they can serve as a constant reminder to the threats faced during an aerial application. The first is a reminder about flying in the wire environment, and the second is a reminder to keep scanning, with a wheel of mission critical items an ag pilot must keep looking at during an aerial application.

NAAA encourages all ag pilots to utilize the Ag Aviation FRAT. Constantly evaluating your risks helps to keep safety as your top priority. If you have feedback on the Ag Aviation FRAT, please send it to Scott Bretthauer.