IMSAFE Pilot Checklist

I’M SAFE

Checklists
Every pilot knows the importance of using Checklists. There are checklists for airplanes, procedures, pre-flight inspections, flying, takeoff, landing etc. But, here is a checklist for the pilot.

The Pilot Checklist
The I.M.S.A.F.E. Checklist is designed specifically for the Pilot. It’s not a checklist for the airplane or equipment or flying procedures. Instead, it is a reminder for the pilot to make a thorough check of himself/herself before each and every flight.

Easy to Remember
The Acronym for this Pilot Checklist is easy to remember, because it spells the important phrase “I’M SAFE”. Before each and every flight, the pilot is encouraged to go through this vital checklist to help assess their personal airworthiness before going flying.

I’M SAFE Acronymn

• I – Illness
• M – Medication
• S – Stress
• A – Alcohol
• F – Fatigue
• E – Eating

Are you Fit to Fly?
Be Honest! Before every flight evaluate your own airworthiness and determine if you are fit to fly. Do not continue with your flight unless you can honestly say “I’M SAFE” using this Pilot Checklist.

How do you Feel?
As a safe pilot, you should only consider flying when you are healthy and feel well. If you feel under the weather, or have any other personal condition that may affect your ability to fly safely, then do NOT get in the cockpit as a pilot.

Let’s review our I’M SAFE Pilot Checklist in a bit more detail.

ILLNESS
Are you suffering from any illness or symptom of an illness that may affect you in flight? Do you have a fever, headache, earache, congestion, cough, or sore throat? Are you coming down with something? Did you recently have a dentist appointment or other minor surgery that may affect you in flight as your body experiences the changes in pressure from changing altitudes?

MEDICATION
Are you currently taking any drugs (prescription or over-the-counter) that may affect you in flight? Remember, no prescription or non-prescription drugs are allowed if they are not approved by your Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). Even over-the-counter drugs such as cough medications can seriously affect a pilot’s ability to safely operate an aircraft and also affect their judgement.

STRESS
Are there any psychological or emotional factors including stress that may affect your performance or concentration as pilot? Are you worried about financial matters? Are you having family or relationship troubles? Do you have stress related to your work environment or your workload? Are you worried about health issues for yourself or a close family member or friend? All these factors can be very stressful, and the stress can be very difficult to manage and may affect your ability to concentrate and perform your pilot responsibilities in a safe manner.

ALCOHOL
Have you consumed any Alcohol in the last 8 to 24 hours? Do you have any alcohol still remaining in your system. Even if you comply with the “Eight Hours from Bottle to Throttle” Rule, you may still have alcohol in your blood or system or still be under the influence of alcohol.

FATIGUE
Have you had sufficient sleep and rest? Are you feeling refreshed, or are you tired? Did you toss and turn all night long and you were not able to get a full night sleep? Are you running on adrenalin instead of a good night sleep? You must feel rested and refreshed.

EATING
Are you properly nourished? Have you had a healthy meal, or have you been only snacking from the vending machine to save time? Do you have enough food energy to last you through your planned flight?

I’M SAFE
Before you fly, always go through the I’M SAFE Pilot Checklist. If you have any concerns or you feel uneasy about any of these items on your personal checklist, then do NOT fly!

Be a safe pilot. Always use the I’M SAFE Pilot Checklist!

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