Evaluation of the Transport Airplane Risk Assessment Methodology

The Transport Airplane Risk Assessment Methodology (TARAM) is a process for calculating risk associated with continued operational safety (COS) issues in the U.S. transport airplane fleet. TARAM is important because its risk-analysis calculations are used when making determinations of unsafe conditions in transport airplanes, and when selecting and implementing corrective actions. TARAM is used by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for risk analysis and risk management decisions regarding COS. Aircraft certification offices use it to resolve COS issues for transport category airplanes. This methodology is also used by design approval holders, in whole or in part, by agreement with the applicable aircraft certification office. The goal of this study is to assess the TARAM process used by the FAA. Including a systematic risk assessment methodology in the continued operational safety analysis is important for a comprehensive approach to the overall safety of the transport airplane fleet. TARAM is an initial attempt by the FAA to fill such a role. A healthy safety culture requires commitment to continuous improvement. This report provides recommendations to the FAA to address the gaps and strengthen the TARAM.