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IM SAFE! but just how safe are you?
An explanation in to the IMSAFE acronym
Updated:
15 October 2004
As a pilot you are required to be responsible for
your fitness to fly on any given day. Of course, we all have our off
days and sometimes it would be better to stay at home. A useful mnemonic
to remember the problems that may arise is IM SAFE:
Make sure you carry out the IM SAFE checklist each
time before you fly. Perhaps place it on your aircraft pre take off
checks so that you will never forget it.
Illness
Even a minor illness suffered in day-to-day living can seriously degrade
performance of many piloting tasks vital to safe flight. The safest rule
is not to fly while suffering from any illness. If this rule is
considered too stringent for a particular illness, the pilot should
contact an Aviation Medical Examiner for advice.
If you’re ill or under the weather don’t fly.
You’ll feel worse in the air.
Medication
Pilot performance can be seriously degraded by both prescribed and
over-the-counter medications, as well as by the medical conditions for
which they are taken.
Many drugs, either prescribed, over the counter or
illicit will make you unfit to fly. Make sure your doctor knows you are
a pilot.
Stress
Stress from everyday living can impair performance, often in very subtle
ways. Stress and fatigue (lack of adequate rest) can be an extremely
hazardous combination.
Alcohol
Extensive research has provided a number of facts about hazards of
alcohol consumption and flying. As little as one measure of spirit, one
bottle of beer or a glass of wine can impair flying skills dramatically.
Leave at least 8 hours between consuming even small
quantities of alcohol and flying.
Fatigue
Fatigue and lack of adequate sleep continue to be some of the most
treacherous hazards to flight safety, as it may not be apparent to a
pilot until serious errors are made.
Do not fly if you’re tired or have not had enough
sleep.
Emotion and Eating
The emotions of anger, depression, and anxiety may lead to taking risks
that border on self-destruction. If you were planning a three hour
flight at 1400 and you hadn't eaten or drunk anything since 8:00, then
be warned: Being low on hydration and having low blood-sugar levels will
result in poor performance indeed.
Eat sensibly and don’t miss meals. Take something
to eat and drink on a long flight. It is vital to guard against
dehydration. Remember that donating blood will make you temporarily unfit
to fly.
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