One of the best ways pilots can mitigate risk is a self- evaluation to ensure they are in good health. 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 mental readiness for flying and  provides a good overall assessment of the pilot’s well being.  unique to that individual pilot’s current level of experience  and proficiency.  One of the most important concepts that safe pilots  understand is the difference between what is “legal” in terms  of the regulations, and what is “smart” or “safe” in terms of  pilot experience and proficiency. The pilot in command (PIC)  [Figure 3-2]  is one of the  risk factors in a flight. The pilot must ask, “Am I ready for  this trip?” in terms of experience, currency, physical, and  emotional condition.  The Pilot’s Health P = Pilot in command  1. Illness—Am I sick? Illness is an obvious pilot risk. 2. Medication—Am I taking any medicines that might  affect my judgment or make me drowsy? 3. Stress—Am I under psychological pressure from the  job? Do I have money, health, or family problems?  Stress causes concentration and performance  problems.  Pilot External Pressures Environment Aircraft Figure 3-2.  The highest risk for the pilot is self, and requires special introspective analysis.  3-3