Free Bow-Tie Risk Analysis Template

Introduction

The Bow-Tie Risk Analysis Template is a structured tool for aviation safety analysts to conduct bow-tie risk assessments, visualizing hazards, threats, controls, and consequences within a Safety Management System (SMS). Aligned with ICAO Annex 19, FAA 14 CFR Part 5, and EASA Part-ORO, this template simplifies complex risk analysis. Use it to enhance safety and compliance. For integrated risk management, explore SMS Pro’s cloud-based tools.

What is Bow-Tie Analysis?

Bow-tie analysis is a risk assessment method that maps a hazard (the “top event”) at the center, with threats leading to it on the left and consequences resulting from it on the right. Preventive controls block threats, while mitigative controls reduce consequences.

Instructions

Identify Hazard: Define the top event (e.g., bird strike).
List Threats: Identify events that could cause the hazard, with preventive controls.
List Consequences: Specify potential outcomes, with mitigative controls.
Assess Risks: Rate likelihood and severity for each threat and consequence.
Document: Integrate findings into your SMS hazard log.
Review: Update annually or after incidents.

Bow-Tie Risk Analysis for [Organization Name]

Complete the template to assess a specific hazard within your SMS.

Hazard (Top Event)

[e.g., Bird Strike]

Description: [e.g., Collision between aircraft and birds during takeoff or landing.]

Threats and Preventive Controls

Threat	Preventive Controls
[e.g., Bird migration near airport]	[e.g., Wildlife patrols, avian radar, habitat modification]
[e.g., Food attractants on airfield]	[e.g., Waste management, vegetation control]
[e.g., Low visibility reducing detection]	[e.g., Enhanced ATC communication, pilot briefings]

Consequences and Mitigative Controls

Consequence	Mitigative Controls
[e.g., Aircraft damage]	[e.g., Immediate inspection, repair protocols]
[e.g., Flight delay or cancellation]	[e.g., Rapid response team, contingency scheduling]
[e.g., Injury to passengers or crew]	[e.g., Emergency medical response, safety briefings]

Risk Assessment

For each threat and consequence, assess likelihood (Low, Medium, High) and severity (Minor, Moderate, Major) to prioritize controls.

Item	Likelihood	Severity	Notes
[e.g., Bird migration]	[e.g., Medium]	[e.g., Major]	[e.g., High risk during spring migration]
[e.g., Aircraft damage]	[e.g., Low]	[e.g., Moderate]	[e.g., Reduced with inspections]

Next Steps

Identify a hazard and complete the bow-tie analysis with your safety team.
Integrate findings into your SMS hazard log using SMS Pro.
Implement and monitor controls, updating the template as needed.
Train analysts on bow-tie methodology using this guide.
Download additional SMS tools from asms-pro.com.