IMSAFE Checklist

Applying the IMSAFE Checklist

This IMSAFE tool helps you self-assess fitness for flying and ties directly into the ADM and GRM strategies.

Pilots must evaluate any current health issues that could impair judgment or physical performance.

Ask yourself: “Do I have symptoms (fever, congestion, dizziness) that could worsen under flight stress?”
If any illness is noted, rate the likelihood of impairment as high and treat it as a go/no-go decision point.
Tie-in: Integrate this row with the PAVE framework under “Pilot”—an unexpected illness shifts your risk matrix immediately.

Many over-the-counter and prescription drugs carry adverse effects not obvious at ground level.

List every medication you’re taking and check FAA-approved aeromedical guidance or the Drug Aeronautical Information Manual.
Consider side-effects: drowsiness, blurred vision, nausea. Even “mild” meds can raise your severity rating in the GRM matrix.
Tie-in: Use DECIDE’s “Identify” step—spot medication as a hazard, then “Evaluate” its impact on flight tasks.

High stress drains cognitive bandwidth, making you prone to errors and biased judgments.

Identify major stressors: work deadlines, family issues, financial concerns.
Rate your stress: low (manageable), medium (occasional distraction), high (constant preoccupation).
Tie-in: During your preflight GRM cost-benefit analysis, factor in stress as a multiplier on other risks—e.g., high stress + marginal weather = unacceptable risk.

FAA regulations mandate at least eight hours “bottle to throttle,” but residual effects may linger longer.

Confirm last drink time and consider residual impairment—even small amounts can reduce situational awareness.
If in doubt, treat alcohol risk as high probability until you’re absolutely certain you’re back to baseline performance.
Tie-in: Use this row to enforce personal minimums beyond regulatory minimums, strengthening your go/no-go discipline.

Fatigue undermines every phase of flight—take it as seriously as any mechanical failure.

Note hours slept in the past 24 hours, quality of rest, and recent duty periods.
If you’re below your personal rest standard, assign a high severity rating and plan to delay or cancel.
Tie-in: In real time, revisit this row at top-of-descent or halfway through your cruise—fresh fatigue checks prevent “just one more leg” syndrome.

Emotional volatility (anger, grief, excitement) can hijack rational decision-making.

Reflect on recent emotional events: conflicts, celebrations, distractions.
Rate emotional intensity: low (neutral), medium (distracted), high (volatile).
Tie-in: Call out your emotional state aloud in the cockpit and reenter the DECIDE loop—externalizing emotions stabilizes judgment.