Ensuring safety in helicopter missions requires robust and systematic risk management, given the complex and dynamic nature of flight operations. This study presents a practical framework for applying a Risk Assessment Matrix (RAM) to military and civilian helicopter operations, with the aim of enhancing operational decision-making under uncertain and rapidly changing conditions. Combining real-world accident analyses with weather-based risk scenarios, this work demonstrates how pilots, mission planners, and operational commanders can evaluate hazards by assessing both probability and severity. The methodology adapts international aviation safety standards, such as ICAO’s Safety Management Systems, and extends their application through mission-specific risk matrices. Key case studies, including recent national incidents, illustrate how a structured RAM approach can improve situational awareness, support go/no-go decisions, and prevent mission-critical accidents. The study also highlights how risk matrices used in aviation can be adapted to other high-risk domains, reinforcing their relevance in the context of complex structures and systems. This approach contributes to the broader field of risk analysis by integrating theoretical models with operational realities, offering practical insights for stakeholders engaged in managing the safety of complex operational environments.