IM SAFE

I've been sick this week; so has Cheryl, and Justin, and just about half of all the people I know. Therefore, we haven't been flying or taking any trips. It has given me the opportunity to use a checklist I teach to all my students, and routinely use myself. IM SAFE.

I Illness
M Medication
S Stress
A Alcohol
F Fatigue
E Emotion

We know we have to check the weather, and pre-flight the aircraft before we go, but we also have to evaluate ourselves. The IM SAFE points are just some of the factors we must consider when we determine if we should fly, or stay on the ground. The old adage; "it's better to be on the ground, wishing you were in the air, than in the air, wishing you were on the ground" really applies here. Aviation is a demanding endevour, requiring the pilot to use all of his or her facilties and resources. The items on the above checklist are merely a starting point, or memory jogger. Only you know your personal limitations, you are pilot in command. Saying no before you go can be a hard decision but it just might be the right one.

The checklist below is from a FAA publication that expands on these ideas. Print it out and fill in the blanks for your own limits.
http://www.faa.gov/education_research/training/fits/guidance/media/personal%20minimums%20checklist.pdf

I know it's gross, but I thought it was funny. Of course I'm not the one cleaning it up. Only watch if you have a strong stomach.



I told you so!