Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

IMSAFE

IMSAFE is a mnemonic acronym employed in aviation to assist pilots in evaluating their personal fitness for flight by identifying potential physiological and psychological impairments. It stands for Illness, Medication, Stress, Alcohol, Fatigue, and Emotion, prompting a self-assessment of factors that could compromise safe aircraft operation. Developed as a risk management tool by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), IMSAFE is integrated into aeronautical decision-making frameworks outlined in key publications such as the Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge and Advisory Circular AC 91-92. Pilots are encouraged to apply the checklist during preflight planning and throughout the flight to mitigate aeromedical hazards, with the FAA emphasizing that any affirmative response in these categories warrants grounding the flight or seeking medical clearance. This self-evaluation complements formal medical certification requirements under 14 CFR Part 61, ensuring pilots address subtle risks beyond routine health checks. Beyond aviation, variations of the IMSAFE checklist have been adapted for other high-stakes environments, such as healthcare, where the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality promotes it to evaluate team members' readiness for performance in clinical settings. In these contexts, it similarly focuses on illness, , stress, alcohol, fatigue, and eating or emotion to prevent errors in critical tasks. The tool's simplicity and memorability have contributed to its widespread adoption as a standard for personal readiness assessments across safety-critical professions.

Overview

Definition and Acronym Breakdown

The IMSAFE checklist is a mnemonic device used in to facilitate pilots' self-assessment of their physical and mental fitness to fly. Developed as a quick and structured tool for evaluating personal readiness, it prompts pilots to consider key factors that could impair judgment, reaction time, or overall performance during flight operations. Recognized as a standard preflight procedure by the (FAA), IMSAFE ensures a systematic review of potential aeromedical risks before takeoff. IMSAFE expands to six components, each represented by a letter: I for Illness, referring to any physical ailments or illnesses that might affect performance, such as colds, infections, or chronic conditions; M for , encompassing the effects of prescription drugs, over-the-counter remedies, or other treatments that could cause drowsiness, impaired coordination, or altered ; S for , involving mental or situational pressures from personal, professional, or environmental sources that may reduce concentration and decision-making ability; A for , addressing recent consumption and the required recovery period, as even residual effects can significantly degrade flying skills; F for , denoting physical or mental exhaustion from lack of , overexertion, or circadian disruptions that heighten error susceptibility; and E for , capturing psychological states like , anxiety, or that could cloud rational thought processes. As a memory aid, originated from aeronautical frameworks to promote without requiring extensive documentation, allowing pilots to complete the evaluation in moments as part of routine . Its six-letter format has been consistently endorsed by authorities, including the FAA, for its simplicity and effectiveness in mitigating factors risks.

Purpose in Aviation Safety

The serves as a critical tool for pilots to evaluate their physical and mental fitness prior to flight, aiming to identify any personal conditions that could compromise judgment, reaction time, or operational performance. By systematically reviewing factors such as illness, , , consumption, , and , it promotes proactive and encourages pilots to make informed decisions about their readiness to fly. This preventive approach is integral to protocols, helping to mitigate risks associated with limitations during all phases of flight. Human factors, including pilot impairment from the categories addressed by IMSAFE, contribute to approximately 70 to 80 percent of accidents, underscoring the checklist's role in addressing a primary causal element beyond mechanical failures. FAA analyses consistently highlight that errors stemming from , , or substance influence are prevalent in incidents, where single-pilot operations amplify the need for rigorous self-evaluation. Implementing IMSAFE helps reduce these vulnerabilities by fostering a culture of , where pilots prioritize over schedule pressures. Within broader frameworks, IMSAFE aligns with the pilot's responsibility to ensure safe operations, empowering "no-go" decisions when fitness is suboptimal and thereby upholding regulatory standards for . This tool complements formal medical certifications by providing an ongoing, flight-specific evaluation mechanism, ultimately contributing to the prevention of avoidable incidents through enhanced personal vigilance.

History and Development

Origins in Pilot Training

The IMSAFE checklist emerged as a response to post-World War II aviation accident investigations, which consistently identified human error as the predominant factor in incidents, accounting for approximately 80% of aviation mishaps. Analyses conducted in the immediate postwar period, including studies by researchers like Paul Fitts and Alphonse Chapanis, highlighted how pilot physiological and psychological states contributed to errors beyond mechanical failures, prompting a shift toward incorporating personal fitness assessments into training protocols. In the mid-20th century, U.S. military and civilian flight instructors began integrating elements of aeronautical decision-making (ADM) training to address these human factors, laying the groundwork for tools like IMSAFE. Developed amid growing recognition of judgment-related risks in general aviation, ADM programs emphasized systematic self-evaluation to mitigate errors, with early efforts sponsored by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) focusing on pilot readiness. Pilot judgment training materials proliferated in subsequent decades, contributing to the development of self-assessment tools within ADM curricula. Initial applications of IMSAFE occurred informally in flight schools, where instructors used it to supplement traditional aircraft inspections by prompting pilots to consider overlooked personal conditions such as or . This approach aimed to foster proactive risk awareness among trainees, drawing from accident data showing that unaddressed individual factors often escalated minor issues into serious events. Early adoption in civilian training environments helped bridge the gap between military-derived ADM principles and general aviation practices.

Evolution and Standardization

The IMSAFE checklist gained formal recognition within the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) framework through its incorporation into Advisory Circular (AC) 60-22, "Aeronautical Decision Making," issued on December 13, 1991. This circular introduced systematic approaches to risk assessment, stress management, and pilot self-evaluation, positioning IMSAFE as an essential component of aeronautical decision-making (ADM) training for pilots pursuing certification. By embedding the checklist in ADM curricula during the 1990s, the FAA established it as a core element of pilot education, emphasizing personal fitness to mitigate human error in flight operations. High-profile aviation incidents in the 1990s, such as the May 11, 1996, crash of —which resulted from maintenance-related errors but prompted broader scrutiny of human performance across aviation roles—intensified the FAA's focus on comprehensive safety . Building on AC 60-22, this led to further explicit inclusion of IMSAFE in key publications like the Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (PHAK), where it first appeared in the 2001 edition in the chapter on aeromedical factors. IMSAFE was later integrated into single-pilot resource management (SRM) frameworks, including under the "Pilot" assessment in the 5 Ps (Plan, Plane, Pilot, Passengers, Programming). By the early 2000s, IMSAFE had become a standardized preflight protocol in FAA handbooks and programs, reinforcing its role in preventing impaired decision-making. The IMSAFE checklist's influence extended beyond the United States, achieving widespread adoption in international aviation safety practices aligned with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards. Regulatory bodies like the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) have integrated similar self-assessment tools into pilot training guidelines, often with minor phrasing variations to suit regional emphases; for instance, the "E" component is sometimes interpreted as "Eating" or "Nutrition" in IATA contexts to highlight dietary impacts on performance alongside emotional state. This global standardization reflects IMSAFE's evolution into a versatile, high-impact aid for enhancing crew resource management worldwide.

Detailed Components

Illness

In the IMSAFE checklist used by pilots to assess personal fitness for flight, the "Illness" component evaluates any acute or chronic physical health conditions that could compromise safe operation of an . This includes common ailments such as colds, upper respiratory infections, , or gastrointestinal disorders, which may manifest as , , , or impaired respiratory function. These conditions can subtly degrade a pilot's , , or physical coordination, posing risks during critical phases of flight. Aviation-specific risks associated with illness are amplified by environmental factors like altitude and pressure changes. For instance, in unpressurized aircraft, illnesses that reduce oxygen uptake—such as respiratory infections—can exacerbate , where the partial pressure of oxygen decreases, leading to symptoms like impaired judgment or slowed reaction times above 10,000 feet. Sinusitis presents a particular hazard by potentially blocking the Eustachian tubes, resulting in barosinusitis during ascent or descent; this causes intense pain, possible hemorrhage, or temporary due to trapped gases unable to equalize. Gastrointestinal issues, meanwhile, may contribute to , further diminishing physiological resilience in low-humidity cabin environments. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) guidelines emphasize grounding pilots with active illnesses to prevent these risks, classifying acute infections and similar conditions as temporarily disqualifying under medical certification standards. Pilots are instructed to self-assess symptoms like fever, congestion, or persistent discomfort and to err on the side of caution by not flying if any doubt exists; consultation with an Aviation Medical Examiner is recommended for evaluation. This conservative approach ensures that even mild illnesses do not interact adversely with flight demands, such as prolonged vigilance or G-forces.

Medication

The "M" in IMSAFE stands for , referring to the potential impairments to pilot performance caused by prescription drugs, over-the-counter (OTC) remedies, or illicit substances. Pilots must evaluate whether any medication they are taking could compromise their cognitive, sensory, or motor functions during flight, as even seemingly benign drugs can lead to drowsiness, impaired judgment, or physiological disruptions that heighten aviation risks. A primary concern is from medications such as first-generation antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine in ), which can cause drowsiness and reduced alertness, or opioids like used for , which impair reaction times and . Common cold remedies often contain these antihistamines or decongestants that induce similar effects, prompting the FAA to classify them under "Do Not Fly" (DNF) categories with mandatory wait periods. The FAA maintains lists of such medications, advising pilots to ground themselves until effects subside to prevent accidents. Regulatory guidelines under 14 CFR § 61.53 prohibit pilots from acting as if they know or have reason to believe that medication use renders them unable to meet requirements, emphasizing consultation with an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) for any ongoing or new prescriptions. For most OTC medications, the FAA enforces a 48-hour "ground trial" rule, requiring pilots to wait at least 48 hours after the first dose to observe for side effects before resuming flight duties. This rule applies broadly to new medications to ensure no unexpected impairments occur. Specific examples illustrate these risks: beta-blockers, such as prescribed for , may blunt responses, potentially complicating self-monitoring of physical stress during flight, though they are often allowable if stable and AME-approved. Antibiotics like amoxicillin can cause gastrointestinal upset or in some users, indirectly affecting concentration and comfort in the cockpit, necessitating evaluation of profiles before flight. In all cases, pilots are advised to review medication labels for warnings about operating machinery, as these directly apply to .

Stress

Stress in the context of the checklist refers to psychological pressures that can impair a pilot's cognitive and abilities during flight operations. It is broadly classified into two types: acute stress and . Acute stress arises from immediate, short-term threats or demands, such as unexpected weather delays or high-workload phases like instrument approaches, triggering a "fight or flight" that narrows attention and heightens arousal. , in contrast, stems from prolonged, ongoing pressures, including financial difficulties or persistent operational demands, which can erode cognitive resources over time and lead to sustained impairments in focus and judgment. Both types contribute to effects such as reduced attentional breadth, where pilots fixate on immediate concerns while overlooking broader situational cues, and diminished quality, often resulting in hasty or suboptimal choices. In aviation-specific scenarios, is particularly pronounced during high-workload situations, such as executing instrument approaches under time pressure or managing multiple alerts in turbulent conditions. These demands can overload cognitive processing, leading to errors in task prioritization and . Simulator studies and analyses have demonstrated that acute significantly elevates error rates; for instance, in reviews of high- aviation incidents, inadequate comprehension and assessment—directly linked to stress-induced attention narrowing—accounted for approximately 24% of total errors across examined cases. Similarly, poor under contributed to about 17% of errors, highlighting how such pressures exacerbate performance degradation in simulated and real-flight environments. To mitigate these risks as part of the IMSAFE , pilots are encouraged to evaluate their levels using a simple 1-10 rating scale, considering recent events or ongoing concerns that might elevate their score. If the rated level exceeds a personal threshold—typically above 5 or 6, depending on individual tolerance—pilots should postpone the flight to allow for , such as through brief relaxation techniques or rescheduling. This proactive rating helps identify when might compromise safe operations, ensuring decisions align with standards.

Alcohol

Alcohol consumption poses significant risks to pilot performance and aviation safety, as outlined in the IMSAFE checklist's "Alcohol" component, which prompts pilots to assess recent intake before flight. The (FAA) enforces strict regulations to mitigate these risks, including the "bottle to " rule prohibiting alcohol consumption within eight hours of operating an and a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.04% for pilots in flight. These measures stem from evidence that even low levels of impair cognitive and functions critical for flying. Physiologically, alcohol affects pilots by reducing , slowing reaction times, and diminishing decision-making abilities, with impairments persisting well beyond the point of . Studies indicate that a single can equate to a performance decrement similar to operating at 1,500 to 2,000 feet higher altitude, due to alcohol's depressive effects on the . Coordination and fine motor skills remain compromised for up to 24-48 hours after consumption, as alcohol metabolites continue to disrupt neural pathways even after BAC returns to zero. Hangover symptoms further exacerbate these dangers, with and headaches often mimicking the effects of , leading to disorientation and reduced alertness in the . The FAA emphasizes that such residual effects can impair spatial and interpretation, increasing error rates in complex flight scenarios. When combined with , alcohol's lingering impacts can compound to severely degrade overall pilot readiness, underscoring the need for extended periods.

Fatigue

Fatigue in the IMSAFE checklist refers to physical exhaustion resulting from , overexertion, or disruptions to the body's natural sleep-wake cycles, particularly relevant in where pilots must assess their before flight. This component emphasizes evaluating whether recent sleep has been sufficient and restorative, as inadequate rest can compromise and operational safety. Common causes of fatigue among aviators include from crossing multiple time zones, extended duty periods, and irregular schedules that misalign with circadian rhythms. Circadian disruptions occur when flight operations shift sleep patterns, such as during night flights or rapid time-zone changes, leading to desynchronization between the body's internal clock and external . In under FAA Part 91 operations, there are no mandatory duty time limits, requiring pilots to self-regulate and typically aim for 8-10 hours to mitigate risks, unlike stricter regulations in operations. The impacts of fatigue are profound, manifesting as microsleeps—brief, involuntary episodes of sleep lasting seconds—that can occur without awareness and lead to lapses in control. It also reduces , impairing the ability to monitor instruments, detect hazards, and respond effectively. Research equates the cognitive impairment from 17 hours of wakefulness to a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.05%, a level associated with notable performance deficits. To mitigate fatigue, NASA recommends countermeasures such as strategic napping, where pilots take short, controlled rests during layovers or low-workload periods to restore alertness without deep sleep inertia. These can include 10-20 minute naps timed to align with circadian dips, enhancing subsequent performance. Additionally, maintaining personal sleep logs helps pilots track patterns, identify deficiencies, and adjust schedules proactively for better rest management.

Emotion

In the IMSAFE checklist, the "E" for Emotion prompts pilots to evaluate whether their current psychological state could compromise aeronautical decision-making (ADM) by biasing judgment or reducing situational awareness. Emotions such as anger, grief, or excitement arising from recent events—like a heated argument, the death of a family member, or personal triumph—can diminish alertness and foster impulsive actions or fixation on non-essential details. For instance, unresolved anger may lead to hasty decisions during critical phases of flight, while grief can result in emotional preoccupation that distracts from monitoring instruments or weather changes. A prominent aviation risk tied to emotional states is "get-there-itis," an intense drive to reach a destination that overrides safety protocols, often manifesting as plan continuation bias despite deteriorating conditions. This emotional fixation, exacerbated by overconfidence, has contributed to accidents where pilots ignore personal minimums or external cues, such as pressing VFR flight into (IMC). The (FAA) integrates emotional self-assessments into ADM training to counteract hazardous attitudes, including invulnerability ("It won't happen to me"), which promotes unwarranted -taking, and impulsivity ("Do it quickly without thinking"), both of which can stem from heightened emotional arousal. Pilots are advised to apply antidotes, such as affirming "It could happen to me, changing the hazardous attitude," to restore objective evaluation before flight. Although the primary focus of the component is affective states, some interpretations of IMSAFE substitute or include "" to address how poor might indirectly influence mood through conditions like , which impairs cognitive function and judgment. Emotional episodes can interact briefly with stress by amplifying immediate pressures, but pilots must distinguish acute feelings from prolonged stressors during .

Application and Usage

Integration into Preflight Checklists

The IMSAFE is embedded in standard preflight routines as a structured tool to evaluate the pilot's fitness for flight, typically performed after completing the walkaround and briefing to ensure personal readiness follows of the and environmental conditions. This placement allows pilots to integrate personal health evaluation into the broader process without disrupting operational flow. As part of the Five P's framework—Plan, Plane, Pilot, Passengers, and Programming—IMSAFE specifically addresses the "Pilot" element, where aviators review their physical and mental state to identify potential impairments before proceeding with passenger considerations or navigation programming. The assessment follows a sequential self-questioning format, prompting pilots to reflect on each factor individually, such as "Am I currently suffering from any illness?" or "Have I been subjected to any unusual stresses recently?" to systematically detect risks like fatigue or emotional distress. Pilots commonly use practical aids like laminated checklist cards for on-the-spot reference during preflight or digital apps integrated into electronic flight bags for efficient recall and documentation. In commercial operations governed by FAR Part 121, IMSAFE can serve as a supplementary tool that complements mandatory , fatigue mitigation, and requirements.

Practical Examples in Flight Operations

In one illustrative scenario from operations, a pilot scheduled for a (VFR) cross-country flight awoke with symptoms of a recent , including and mild , which could impair spatial due to changes in flight. Compounding this illness was acute from an impending work deadline, potentially clouding judgment and increasing error risk during the flight. Recognizing these factors through the IMSAFE , the pilot elected to delay the departure until fully recovered and stress mitigated, opting instead for ground transportation to ensure safety. Another practical application occurred following a pilot's attendance at a social event where wine was consumed the previous evening. Although no apparent impairment was felt, the Federal Aviation Administration's 8-hour "bottle to throttle" rule (14 CFR § 91.17) prohibited flight, necessitating rescheduling of a planned training session. Additionally, residual fatigue from a recent red-eye commercial flight reduced the pilot's alertness, further justifying the postponement to avoid diminished reaction times and decision-making capabilities. These examples highlight the IMSAFE checklist's role in proactive decision-making to mitigate risks from personal impairments.

Impact and Effectiveness

Contributions to Accident Prevention

The IMSAFE checklist has played a key role in by enabling pilots to proactively identify and mitigate personal impairments that contribute to , which accounts for approximately 75-80% of accidents according to analyses. By integrating self-assessment into preflight routines, IMSAFE promotes conservative decision-making, such as deferring flights when factors like fatigue or stress are present, thereby reducing the likelihood of impairment-related incidents. This approach aligns with the Federal Aviation Administration's emphasis on aeronautical decision-making tools to prevent errors before they escalate. Implementation of self-assessment tools like IMSAFE, alongside broader strategies, has correlated with substantial declines in accident rates since their widespread adoption in the 1990s. For instance, general aviation fatal rates have fallen by about 55% since the early 1990s, a trend partly attributed to enhanced human factors training that includes IMSAFE. Specifically, IMSAFE helps avert (CFIT) and loss-of-control (LOC) events—common outcomes of impaired judgment—by encouraging pilots to evaluate physiological and psychological readiness, leading to fewer flights under suboptimal conditions. In the broader context of aviation safety evolution, IMSAFE forms an integral part of (CRM) principles, which emphasize resource utilization to minimize errors. Originally developed for multi-crew operations, CRM has extended to single-pilot environments through tools like IMSAFE, fostering self-reliant hazard mitigation and improving overall operational resilience. This integration has supported a cultural shift toward proactive , contributing to sustained reductions in pilot-related incidents across diverse flight operations.

Evidence from Aviation Studies

A seminal study on aeronautical (ADM) training, which incorporates the IMSAFE as a core self-assessment tool, demonstrated its value in enhancing pilot impairment recognition. Conducted by the in 1987 and referenced in subsequent FAA publications, the research compared pilots trained in ADM techniques against a control group in simulator scenarios; trained pilots made 10-50% fewer judgment errors related to and personal fitness evaluation. This finding underscores IMSAFE's role in improving pilots' ability to identify impairments, with the serving as a practical framework within ADM curricula to mitigate human factors risks during flight preparation. Additional empirical support emerges from operational implementations of and IMSAFE-integrated training. For instance, a major operator logging 400,000 flight hours annually reported a 54% reduction in its accident rate after incorporating ADM materials, including IMSAFE self-checks, into recurrent training programs. These results highlight the checklist's contribution to broader enhancements, particularly in where decision errors often stem from unaddressed personal conditions. Data from the Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS) provides further quantitative insight into IMSAFE-related incidents. Analysis of over 2,000 pilot reports revealed that —a primary IMSAFE factor—was implicated in 3.8% of cases, with nearly 6,000 total reports referencing across the database through the early 2000s. has been estimated to account for 15-20% of in fatal accidents, based on reviews prior to 2020. Despite these benefits, limitations in IMSAFE's application are evident in research. Self-reporting bias inherent to voluntary systems like ASRS can underrepresent incidents, as pilots may hesitate to disclose impairments due to professional repercussions. A 2018 (EASA) review emphasized training gaps in human factors, noting challenges in non-commercial operations. These challenges suggest the need for enhanced global standardization and objective validation methods to maximize IMSAFE's efficacy.

References

  1. [1]
    [PDF] Chapter 17: Aeromedical Factors - Federal Aviation Administration
    A great mnemonic, covered in Chapter 2 on Aeronautical Decision-Making, is IMSAFE, which stands for Illness, Medication, Stress,. Alcohol, Fatigue, and Emotion.
  2. [2]
    [PDF] Advisory Circular AC 91-92 - Federal Aviation Administration
    Mar 15, 2021 · 4.10 IMSAFE Checklist. A self-assessment checklist to assist pilots in determining their physical and mental health as part of planning ...
  3. [3]
    [PDF] Single-Pilot Crew Resource Management | FAA Aviation Safety
    A structured approach to SRM helps pilots learn to gather information, analyze it, and make sound decisions on the conduct of the flight. Five-P Approach to SRM.
  4. [4]
    Fitness for Flight - Federal Aviation Administration
    All pilots except those flying gliders and free air balloons must possess valid medical certificates in order to exercise the privileges of their airman ...
  5. [5]
    Tool: I'M SAFE Checklist | Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
    The I'M SAFE checklist assesses safety using Illness, Medication, Stress, Alcohol/Drugs, Fatigue, and Eating/Elimination, to assess ability to perform safely.<|control11|><|separator|>
  6. [6]
    [PDF] Risk Management Handbook - Federal Aviation Administration
    Use of and careful consideration of the IMSAFE checklist (illness, medication, stress, alcohol, fatigue, emotion) reduces aeromedical risk. Mitigating Aircraft ...
  7. [7]
    [PDF] Aeronautical Decision-Making - Federal Aviation Administration
    When dealing with pilot risk, it is always best to consult the “IMSAFE” checklist (see page 2-6). The combination of late nights, pilot fatigue, and the ...
  8. [8]
    [PDF] Are You Fit to Fly?
    Oct 20, 2023 · Similar to an annual or 100-hour inspection, most pilots are required to have periodic medical examinations to assess their health and overall.
  9. [9]
    Role of Human Factors in the FAA
    Human error has been identified as a factor in two-thirds to three-fourths of recent aviation accidents and incidents, including several recent high-profile ...
  10. [10]
    [PDF] Human Error and Commercial Aviation Accidents
    Although percentages vary, most would agree that somewhere between 60-80% of aviation accidents are due, at least in part, to human error (Shappell & Wieg- ...
  11. [11]
    [PDF] Human Factors - FAA Safety
    Human factors, like fatigue and stress, contribute to aviation accidents, with 80% of maintenance errors involving them. Human error is a major cause of  ...
  12. [12]
    [PDF] Workshop on Aeronautical Decision Making (ADM). Volume ... - DTIC
    This report presents Aeronautical Decision Making. (ADM) training accomplishments, limitations and future.Missing: origins | Show results with:origins<|control11|><|separator|>
  13. [13]
    AC 60-22 - Aeronautical Decision Making
    Document Information ; Office of Primary Responsibility: AFS-800 ; Description: Provides introductory material, background information, and reference material on ...
  14. [14]
    [PDF] Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (25B)
    Jan 31, 2001 · The Pilot's Handbook provides basic knowledge essential for pilots, introducing them to the broad spectrum of knowledge needed for training.
  15. [15]
    [PDF] 2024 Recommendations for Accident Prevention - IATA
    Feb 25, 2025 · With the IATA Aviation Safety Culture Survey (I-ASC), airlines can accurately measure and benchmark safety culture, as recommended by ICAO Annex.
  16. [16]
    Airman Education Programs | Federal Aviation Administration
    Jul 21, 2015 · Pilots may experience hypoxic hypoxia when flying at altitude in an unpressurized aircraft. With increasing altitude, the molecules of ...
  17. [17]
    Airman Education Programs | Federal Aviation Administration
    Nov 18, 2010 · For those who have experienced a sinus block (barosinusitis), to some degree it is not a pleasant experience. My personal experience occurred ...
  18. [18]
    [PDF] IMSAFE Checklist - FAA Safety
    This IMSAFE tool helps ... - List every medication you're taking and check FAA-approved aeromedical guidance or the Drug Aeronautical Information Manual.
  19. [19]
    Pharmaceuticals (Therapeutics) - Federal Aviation Administration
    Aug 5, 2024 · Pilots must carefully consider both medication(s) use and the underlying medical condition(s) as either can compromise safety of flight. The ...
  20. [20]
    [PDF] Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications Reference Guide
    Aug 28, 2024 · DNF - pilots should NOT fly until these medications are stopped and a period of time has elapsed.
  21. [21]
    [PDF] do not issue (dni) medications
    Jun 28, 2023 · AMEs should caution pilots on use and provide additional No Fly wait times where applicable. If applicant is using the following medications ...
  22. [22]
    [PDF] over-the-counter (otc) medications - Federal Aviation Administration
    May 29, 2024 · 1. INITIAL observation time (also known as “ground trial”): ▪ 48 hours after taking a new medication for the first time ▪ If the ground trial ...
  23. [23]
    Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners | Federal Aviation Administration
    Mar 11, 2025 · Uses of beta-adrenergic blockers ARE allowed with insulin, meglitinides, or sulfonylureas. Acceptable HTN Medications (when certification ...
  24. [24]
    Training and Safety Tip: Stress awareness - AOPA
    May 9, 2023 · The FAA's Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge breaks down stress into two types: acute and chronic. The latter is overwhelming long-term ...
  25. [25]
    [PDF] Effects of Acute Stress on Aircrew Performance: Literature Review ...
    We do not argue that stress necessarily directly caused the accident pilots' errors, but that the stressful conditions made these errors more likely to occur.
  26. [26]
    Fatigue in Aviation: Safety Risks, Preventive Strategies and ...
    Possible causes of fatigue include sleep loss, extended time awake, circadian phase irregularities and work load. Despite regulations limiting flight time and ...
  27. [27]
    [PDF] AC 120-100 - Advisory Circular
    Jun 7, 2010 · (1) Jet lag, resulting from crossing multiple time zones is another challenge in aviation operations, even for experienced flightcrews. 53.
  28. [28]
    Aircrew and Jet Lag | Aviation - CDC
    Sep 11, 2024 · Aircrew members may experience circadian rhythm disruption (specifically “jet lag”) as they work. Research has found associations between circadian disruption ...
  29. [29]
    [PDF] Circadian Rhythm Disruption and Aviation
    Other Symptoms: Fatigue, insomnia, disorientation, headaches, digestive problems, lightheadedness. Jet lag is more evident if you fly from west to east because.
  30. [30]
    What are the crewmember flight and duty time and rest requirements?
    General aviation operations conducted under 14 CFR Part 91 are not subject to flight and duty time and rest requirements, except flight instruction (14 CFR ...
  31. [31]
    Asleep at the Yoke?. Fighting Fatigue in General Aviation - Medium
    Jul 1, 2020 · Like drugs or alcohol, fatigue slows reaction time, decreases awareness, and impairs judgment. Consider the example of an in-flight engine ...
  32. [32]
    Fatigue Prevention for Pilots: Training Program | NIOSH - CDC
    Aug 5, 2022 · Being awake for 17 hours is similar to having a BAC of 0.05%. • Being awake for 24 hours is similar to having a BAC of 0.10%. You'll note ...Missing: equivalent | Show results with:equivalent
  33. [33]
    [PDF] Fatigue Countermeasures in Aviation - Aerospace Medical Association
    Pilot fatigue is a significant problem in modern aviation operations, largely because of the unpredictable work hours, long duty periods, cir- cadian ...
  34. [34]
    Mitigating fatigue on the flight deck: how is controlled rest used in ...
    Controlled Rest (CR) refers to a short, unscheduled, voluntary nap opportunity taken by pilots on the flight deck as a countermeasure to unanticipated fatigue ...
  35. [35]
    [PDF] Fatigue in Aviation Brochure
    Get plenty of rest and minimize stress before a flight. If problems preclude a good night's sleep, rethink the flight and postpone it accordingly. Page 2 ...Missing: logs | Show results with:logs
  36. [36]
    Check yourself - AOPA
    Jun 7, 2019 · The FAA has recognized a handy acronym to help pilots focus on the critical elements of their personal preparation: IMSAFE is a checklist that ...Missing: documents | Show results with:documents<|separator|>
  37. [37]
    [PDF] FITS Generic Commercial Pilot Syllabus Airplane Single Engine Land
    Jul 25, 2007 · This practical application is called the “Five P's (5P's)” The. 5P's ... The traditional “IMSAFE” checklist is a good start. However ...
  38. [38]
    [PDF] I.M.S.A.F.E. - Civil Air Patrol
    IMSAFE is a checklist ensuring pilots are safe to fly, avoiding illness, medication, stress, alcohol, fatigue, and emotions.
  39. [39]
    Checklist - ForeFlight
    Edit built-in templates or create and edit your own customized collection of checklists. A template for the IMSAFE pilot checklist is also available – don't ...
  40. [40]
    IMSAFE Checklist Acronym Explained - Pilot Institute
    Jan 7, 2025 · Aviation professionals use IMSAFE as an acronym to help pilots assess their physical and mental fitness before a flight.
  41. [41]
    IM SAFE Checklist | Angle of Attack
    The IM SAFE checklist assesses a pilot's physical and mental condition before flight, including Illness, Medication, Stress, Alcohol, Fatigue, and Emotion.
  42. [42]
    GA safer than ever despite recent accidents - AOPA
    Apr 17, 2025 · Since the early 1990s, the accident rate has dropped 45 percent, and the rate of fatal accidents has fallen even more—55 percent.”
  43. [43]
    [PDF] The Evolution of Crew Resource Management Training in ...
    The attitudes that have been measured to assess the impact of CRM were ones identified as playing a role in air accidents and incidents (Helmreich & Foushee, ...
  44. [44]
    [PDF] Risk Management Handbook - FAA Safety
    A standardized method used in evaluating health employs the IMSAFE checklist. [Figure 3-3] It can easily and effectively be used to determine physical and ...
  45. [45]
    Fatigue Manifestations (OGHFA BN) | SKYbrary Aviation Safety
    Specific factors such as night flights, jet lag and successive early wake-ups contribute to increased fatigue. For SRF, time pressure, number of legs per day ...<|separator|>
  46. [46]
    [PDF] 'I'MSAFE' - Incidents from ASRS
    The ASRS Database Online (DBOL) provides a report set of Air Carrier (FAR 121) Fatigue Incidents that can be downloaded at http://asrs.arc.nasa. gov/search ...
  47. [47]
    16 Plane Crashes Caused By Fatigued Aircrew - Predictive Safety
    Apr 5, 2023 · Although aviation accidents are rare and when they do occur, 80% are a result of human error and of those, 15-20% are caused by pilot fatigue.<|separator|>
  48. [48]
    ASRS Database Online - Aviation Safety Reporting System
    The ASRS database is the world's largest repository of voluntary, confidential safety information provided by aviation's frontline personnel.
  49. [49]
    [PDF] 2018 - EASA
    Nov 17, 2017 · EASA would like to welcome you to the 2018 version of the EASA Annual Safety Review. The review has been published since 2005 and is now in ...Missing: IMSAFE underuse