IMSAFE, are you?

Leanna Osisek • September 26, 2023

When it comes to preflight planning, we know the plane isn't the only component we need to be tip-top. Ensuring each flight lesson is as productive and impactful as possible means taking a moment to ask ourselves how we're feeling that day, and if we're up for the challenges piloting presents, expected or otherwise. An easy way to approach this responsibility is with the IMSAFE Checklist - a memory-aid tool that helps aviators touch on some essential wellness characteristics. This sub-list of the PAVE Checklist gives aviators the most thorough defense to mitigate risk, and ultimately, prioritize safety on the ground and in the air. Below, we'll dive into each area of the checklist and explore some related questions.

IMSAFE

  • Illness

    Are you getting over a cold? Do you feel one coming on? Is your throat so sore you won't be able to clearly communicate with ATC? Any of these things need to be addressed before taking to the skies - don't push yourself because you have get-there-itis or feel the need to stick to a schedule. 

    Illnesses are never convenient, but it is better to give yourself enough time to recover as needed so that any flights can be as worthwhile as possible. If you do need to cancel, maybe you can spend that time in an equally beneficial way and use it to study and/or flightplan and/or catch up on any other responsibilities needing attention.

  • Medication

    Be diligent when taking any kind of medication, even if it is one you take regularly or have taken before, you don't want to feel foggy at the controls. This means taking the medication as intended, giving it a fair amount of time to sink in, and waiting to see what kind of effect it has on you.

  • Stress

    Stress can be unfortunately sneaky; it will pay dividends if you check in with yourself before each flight to make sure you aren't shouldering any mental weight that could impact your piloting. Everyone experiences daunting amounts of stress at times, just make sure you're as proactive as possible in minimizing the affects. As they say, don't let too much of yesterday (or tomorrow, for that matter) take up today.

  • Alcohol

    14 CFR § 91.17 states that flightcrew may never have a BAC exceeding 0.04%. This is more strict than the 0.08% legal 21+ driving limit, and is a regulation that you need to know and uphold. This can easily be accomplished with some planning ahead - be ready to fly as your highest priority and commit to that decision. Alcohol can affect most aeromedical aspects, including increasing your risk of experiencing hypoxia and disorientation. 

  • Fatigue

    Take a second to think about when you last rested - and that means really rested. Are you mentally and/or physically exhausted? If your senses are dull as the result of being fatigued, you won't be able to be as alert as necessary behind the flight controls, which won't be good for anyone.

  • Eating/Emotion

    Eating - Going for that $100 burger won't be enjoyable if you didn't eat all day in anticipation. You know yourself best - take time to make sure you're fueling your body properly in preparation for flying. 

    Emotion - Did you just have a disagreement with a loved one or get in an arguement? Life happens; don't make things worse by following an undesirable social situation with an undesirable flight.

Hopefully this brief and standard look into the IMSAFE Checklist helps you make more informed decisions as you progress in your flying journey. It is a simple and straight-forward, no-nonsense method to recognizing the times you may not be at your best condition for taking to the skies. Be honest with yourself and you will thank yourself later. Remember, it’s better to be on the ground wishing you were in the air than in the air wishing you were on the ground.

Newsletter 9/29/23

29 Sep, 2023
NEW AT NSPIRE

5 Steps to Switching Careers Into Aviation

By Marcus Lansky • 29 Sep, 2023
Maybe you’ve been thinking about making a dramatic career change. If you’ve always dreamed about becoming a pilot, this could be your opportunity to make that dream a reality. By taking a certification course with NSPIRE Aviation , you can kick off a new career as a commercial pilot! Furthermore, these tips will show you how to enhance your resume to secure your first job, and even walk you through some of the requirements for starting your own aviation business. Figure Out if It’s Time for a Change When do you know that it’s time for a career change? Sometimes, looking for a new job in the same field is enough - but sometimes, you need to completely shift directions. Robert Walters Group states that if your skills do not align with your true professional interests, it may be a sign to work on breaking into a new field, where you can pour your talents into a job that you love. Get Certified as a Commercial Pilot You’re committed to making a career change, and you’re ready to take the first big step towards becoming a commercial pilot by earning your pilot’s license. You’ll need to complete a private pilot certification first, earn an instrument rating, get your necessary flight hours under your belt, and then pass a written and practical exam covering everything you’ve learned. Finally, you’ll be ready to get your commercial pilot’s license! Update Your Resume If you’re getting ready to look for your first job as a commercial pilot, you might be wondering how to create a resume . Changing up your resume when switching fields can take time, so start this process early! AVJobs states that you can include your flight times, certifications, and ratings, as well as your previous jobs. Finally, even after you’ve created a strong resume, don’t forget that you can tweak it for each job opening. For example, you might want to add different keywords to the skills section based on the job description. You can also emphasize specific accomplishments in your professional history and academic sections. Navigate the Job Hunt You’ve got your license, your resume is ready, and you’re eager to start working as a pilot. You may need to get a flight instructor certification first, as it’s much easier to find employment as a flight instructor when you have minimal experience. Research different employers in your area, and try to network with people who already work there - they might be able to give you a valuable reference that could land you an interview! Even in the aviation field, networking is often the key to getting the job you want. Consider Starting Your Own Business One day, you might want to start your own business in the commercial aviation sector. For instance, if you live in an area that attracts tourists, you might want to offer private flights to show off the aerial views of your region. If you intend to start a business, you’ll have to obtain a business license first, as well as any appropriate permits. To find out which licenses and permits you’ll need, check out the requirements in your state. By hiring a service to assemble the list of required permits and licenses for your aviation business, you’ll save hours of time! Working in commercial aviation is an exciting career choice. If you’ve been itching for a career change, it might be time to take to the skies. With these tips, you’ll be ready to pursue a certification program, spruce up your resume for job applications, and even launch your very own aviation business in the future. Ready to earn your commercial pilot certification? Turn to NSPIRE Aviation ! Fill out the contact form on their website to learn more about the certification programs. Ready to earn your commercial pilot certification? Photo via Unsplash
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