Management of external pressure is the single most important key to risk management because it is the one risk factor category that  can cause a pilot to ignore all the other risk factors. External pressures put time-related pressure on the pilot and figure into a majority  of accidents.  The use of personal standard operating procedures (SOPs) is one way to manage external pressures. The goal is to supply a release  for the external pressures of a flight. These procedures include but are not limited to:  The key to managing external pressure is to be ready for and accept delays. Remember that people get delayed when traveling on  airlines, driving a car, or taking a bus. The pilot’s goal is to manage risk, not create hazards.$_{ }$ During each flight, decisions should be made regarding events involving interactions between the four risk elements—PIC, aircraft,  environment, and external pressures. The decision-making process involves an evaluation of each of these risk elements to achieve an  accurate perception of the flight situation.  [Figure 1-2]  As mentioned earlier, one of the best ways that single pilots can identify risk associated with physical and mental readiness for flying  is to use the IMSAFE checklist acronym.  [Figure 1-3]  IMSAFE Checklist  Figure 1-2.  One of the most important decisions that the pilot in command makes is the go/no-go decision. Evaluating each of these  risk elements can help the pilot decide whether a flight should be conducted or continued.  1-7 ⦁ $_{Eliminate pressure to return home, even on a casual day flight, by carrying a small overnight kit containing }$ prescriptions, contact lens solutions, toiletries, or other necessities on every flight.  ⦁ $_{Manage passengers’ expectations. Make sure passengers know that they might not arrive on a firm}$$_{ }$ schedule, but if they need to arrive by a certain time, they may make alternative plans.  ⦁ $_{Advise those who are waiting at the destination that the arrival may be delayed. Know how to notify them }$ when delays are encountered.  ⦁ $_{For important trips, plan to leave early enough so that there would still be time to drive to the destination. }$ ⦁ $_{Have alternate plans for a late arrival or make backup airline reservations for must-be-there trips. }$ ⦁ $_{Allow time on a trip for an extra fuel stop or to make an unexpected landing because of weather. }$