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 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. This report assesses the TARAM process used by the FAA in its efforts to improve the overall safety of the transport airplane fleet. A healthy safety culture requires commitment to continuous improvement. This report provides recommendations to the FAA to address the gaps and strengthen the TARAM.

The Transport Airplane Risk Assessment Methodology (TARAM) is a process for calculating risk associated with continued operational safety 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. This report assesses the TARAM process used by the FAA in its efforts to improve the overall safety of the transport airplane fleet. A healthy safety culture requires commitment to continuous improvement. This report provides recommendations to the FAA to address the gaps and strengthen the TARAM. Table of ContentsFront MatterSummary1 Introduction2 Overview of TARAM3 Role of TARAM Within the FAA's Overall Safety Oversight System4 Improvements for the Input Data to TARAM5 Improvements to the TARAM Process6 Improvements for the Use of TARAM OutputsAppendixesAppendix A: Current TARAM Process DetailsAppendix B: Committee Members and Staff Biographical InformationAppendix C: Acronyms and Abbreviations