Aeronautical Decision-Making

capabilities, etc. The scores are added and the overall score Once a pilot identifies the risks of a flight, he or she needs falls into various ranges, with the range representative of to decide whether the risk, or combination of risks, can be actions that a pilot imposes upon himself or herself. managed safely and successfully. If not, make the decision to cancel the flight. If the pilot decides to continue with the flight, Mitigating Risk he or she should develop strategies to mitigate the risks. One Risk assessment is only part of the equation. After way a pilot can control the risks is to set personal minimums determining the level of risk, the pilot needs to mitigate the for items in each risk category. These are limits unique to that risk. For example, the pilot flying from point A to point B (50 individual pilot’s current level of experience and proficiency. miles) in MVFR conditions has several ways to reduce risk: For example, the aircraft may have a maximum crosswind • Wait for the weather to improve to good visual flight component of 15 knots listed in the aircraft flight manual rules (VFR) conditions. (AFM), and the pilot has experience with 10 knots of direct • Take an instrument-rated pilot. crosswind. It could be unsafe to exceed a 10 knot crosswind component without additional training. Therefore, the 10 knot • Delay the flight. crosswind experience level is that pilot’s personal limitation • Cancel the flight. until additional training with a certificated flight instructor • Drive. (CFI) provides the pilot with additional experience for flying in crosswinds that exceed 10 knots. One of the best ways single pilots can mitigate risk is to use the IMSAFE checklist to determine physical and mental One of the most important concepts that safe pilots readiness for flying: understand is the difference between what is “legal” in terms of the regulations, and what is “smart” or “safe” in terms of 1. Illness—Am I sick? Illness is an obvious pilot risk. pilot experience and proficiency. 2. Medication—Am I taking any medicines that might affect my judgment or make me drowsy? P = Pilot in Command (PIC) 3. Stress—Am I under psychological pressure from the The pilot is one of the risk factors in a flight. The pilot must job? Do I have money, health, or family problems? ask, “Am I ready for this trip?” in terms of experience, Stress causes concentration and performance problems. recency, currency, physical, and emotional condition. The While the regulations list medical conditions that IMSAFE checklist provides the answers. require grounding, stress is not among them. The pilot should consider the effects of stress on performance. A = Aircraft 4. Alcohol—Have I been drinking within 8 hours? What limitations will the aircraft impose upon the trip? Ask Within 24 hours? As little as one ounce of liquor, one the following questions: bottle of beer, or four ounces of wine can impair flying • Is this the right aircraft for the flight? skills. Alcohol also renders a pilot more susceptible • Am I familiar with and current in this aircraft? Aircraft to disorientation and hypoxia. performance figures and the AFM are based on a brand 5. Fatigue—Am I tired and not adequately rested? new aircraft flown by a professional test pilot. Keep Fatigue continues to be one of the most insidious that in mind while assessing personal and aircraft hazards to flight safety, as it may not be apparent to performance. a pilot until serious errors are made. • Is this aircraft equipped for the flight? Instruments? 6. Emotion—Am I emotionally upset? Lights? Navigation and communication equipment adequate? The PAVE Checklist • Can this aircraft use the runways available for the trip Another way to mitigate risk is to perceive hazards. By with an adequate margin of safety under the conditions incorporating the PAVE checklist into preflight planning, to be flown? the pilot divides the risks of flight into four categories: Pilot- in-command (PIC), Aircraft, enVironment, and External • Can this aircraft carry the planned load? pressures (PAVE) which form part of a pilot’s decision- • Can this aircraft operate at the altitudes needed for the making process. trip? • Does this aircraft have sufficient fuel capacity, with With the PAVE checklist, pilots have a simple way to reserves, for trip legs planned? remember each category to examine for risk prior to each flight. 2-8