The topic in "Flight Risk" is the kind that can go either way in execution, and the type of story likewise. It can either be tactful yet uncompromising, or it could be one sided and preachy. Have seen both extremes throughout the franchise in regard to similar settings and not always in a way that's deserved. Especially in regard to the military, which the original 'Law and Order' has always handled much more handfully. Am aware that this episode is not about the military, but there's something about the premise that reminds me of this show's portrayal of the military.
"Flight Risk" is a good episode with a subject that is always worth addressing and does well with exploring something that could have gone either way. A way that generally is hard hitting and tactful and not preachy or one sided. As far as Season 19 goes, "Flight Risk" is neither one of the best or the worst. More solid high middle, with a lot of good things but also with a couple of jarring things that could have been done a good deal better. 'Law and Order: Special Victims Victim' has been capable of brilliance many times and often has been, but not every episodr has been said and "Flight Risk" is not an exception while still being a good episode.
A lot of good can be seen here. Production values are still slick and suitably gritty (without being too heavy in it). The music is not too melodramatic and is not used too much, even not being too manipulative in revelations. The direction lets the drama breathe while making sure that the tension and emotion never slipped.
Most of the script is very thought provoking and taut, or at least most of it. The airplane planes are excellent and they have the right amount of tension and suspense that were missing in too many of the previous Season 19 episodes. As well as intrigue. The acting is uniformly good and more from the regulars and from support.
It is not a perfect episode having said that. The over-generalised testimony regarding male pilots did not sit right with me and came over as discriminatory.
Did also think that consequences of the closing statement were also ridiculous and rather extreme.
Concluding, good episode. 7/10.