What is the primary purpose of a risk assessment in aviation?

The primary purpose of a risk assessment in aviation is to identify, evaluate, and mitigate risks. This process is essential for ensuring safety and operational effectiveness in the aviation environment.

By systematically identifying potential hazards, a risk assessment allows pilots and aviation personnel to understand the various risks associated with flight operations. Evaluating these risks helps determine their potential impact and likelihood, enabling the development of strategies or measures to mitigate them. This proactive approach is critical in preventing accidents and ensuring that all safety protocols are adhered to.

In contrast, disregarding security measures or avoiding safety equipment would lead to an increased risk of incidents and is contrary to safety protocols. Enhancing operational costs is not a goal of a risk assessment; rather, the focus is on safety rather than financial implications. Therefore, the correct answer encapsulates the comprehensive and crucial role of risk assessments in maintaining safety and effectiveness in aviation operations.