What is the primary purpose of conducting a risk assessment before flying an sUAS?

Conducting a risk assessment before flying a small Unmanned Aircraft System (sUAS) is essential for identifying and mitigating hazards associated with the flight. This process involves evaluating potential risks that could arise during the operation, such as environmental conditions, equipment issues, and nearby people or property. By identifying these risks beforehand, operators can implement strategies to minimize or eliminate them, ensuring a safer flight experience for both the operator and the surrounding environment.

While planning the route and ensuring compliance with FAA regulations are important aspects of sUAS operations, they are not the primary objective of a risk assessment. The main focus is to proactively address safety concerns, which is critical in preventing accidents and incidents during the flight. By prioritizing hazard identification and mitigation, operators contribute to the overall safety and reliability of sUAS operations.