Chapter 10: Aeronautical Decision-Making and Judgment  Mitigating Risk The PAVE Checklist Risk assessment is only part of the equation.  One of the best ways single pilots can mitigate risk is to use the IMSAFE checklist to determine  physical and mental readiness for flying: Another way to mitigate risk is to perceive hazards. By incorporating the PAVE checklist into  preflight planning, the pilot divides the risks of flight into four categories:  P ilot-in-command (PIC),  A ircraft, en V ironment, and  E xternal pressures (PAVE) which form part of a pilot’s decision-making  process. With the PAVE checklist, pilots have a simple way to remember each category to examine for risk  prior to each flight. Once a pilot identifies the risks of a flight, he or she needs to decide whether the risk, or  combination of risks, can be managed safely and successfully. If not, make the decision to cancel the  flight. If the pilot decides to continue with the flight, he or she should develop strategies to mitigate  the risks. One way a pilot can control the risks is to set personal minimums for items in each risk  category. These are limits unique to that individual pilot’s current level of experience and  proficiency.  What limitations will the aircraft impose upon the trip? Ask the following questions: The pilot is one of the risk factors in a flight. The pilot must ask, “Am I ready for this flight?” in  terms of experience, recency, currency, physical, and emotional condition. The IMSAFE checklist  provides the answers. P = Pilot-in-Command (PIC) A = Aircraft  • Is this the right aircraft for the flight? • Am I familiar with and current in this aircraft? • Can this aircraft carry the planned load? 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. While the regulations list  medical conditions that require grounding, stress is not among them. The pilot should  consider the effects of stress on performance. 4. Alcohol—Have I been drinking within 8 hours? Within 24 hours? As little as one ounce of  liquor, one bottle of beer, or four ounces of wine can impair flying skills. Alcohol also renders  a pilot more susceptible to disorientation and hypoxia. 5. Fatigue—Am I tired and not adequately rested? Fatigue continues to be one of the most  insidious hazards to flight safety, as it may not be apparent to a pilot until serious errors are  made. 6. Emotion—Am I emotionally upset? Remote Pilot – Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Study Guide  55