| I | llness | Are you physically well? | |
| M | edication | Are you free from the effects of drugs? | |
| S | tress | Are you free from significant stress? | |
| A | lcohol | Are you free from the effects of alcohol? | |
| F | atigue | Are you adequately rested? | |
| E | ating | Have you eaten properly so you can work effectively? | |
| Don’t fly if you’re not safe | |||
A quick, honest self-check before every flight. Use the IMSAFE checklist to assess your personal readiness. Don’t fly if you’re not safe.
IMSAFE self-check
I — Illness
Are you physically well?
M — Medication
Are you free from the effects of any drugs (prescription, over-the-counter, or recreational)?
S — Stress
Are you free from significant stress, anxiety, or distraction?
A — Alcohol
Are you free from the effects of alcohol and in full compliance with all limits?
F — Fatigue
Are you adequately rested and alert?
E — Eating
Have you eaten and hydrated properly so you can perform effectively?
Don’t fly if you’re not safe.
How to use this checklist
- Complete IMSAFE before every flight (and re-check if conditions or your state change).
- Answer each item honestly: Yes = safe, No/Unsure = don’t fly.
- If any answer is No or you’re unsure, pause the flight and address the issue first.
If you answer “No”
- Illness: Postpone flying. Seek medical advice if needed.
- Medication: Check with a DAME or pharmacist and confirm suitability for flying.
- Stress: Resolve the source, brief another pilot, or delay until you can focus.
- Alcohol: Comply with all legal and organisational limits—when in doubt, don’t fly.
- Fatigue: Rest, re-evaluate duty time, and consider workload reduction or postponement.
- Eating/Hydration: Fuel your body—eat a balanced meal/snack and hydrate before departure.
Instructor & student notes
- Build IMSAFE into pre-flight briefings and student solo releases.
- Encourage written self-declarations for added accountability.
- Revisit IMSAFE after long duty periods, hot weather, or demanding sorties.
Remember
Good airmanship starts with you. Aircraft and weather may be within limits, but pilot fitness is just as critical. If you’re not 100%—don’t fly.