I llness— Do I have any symptoms? M edication —Have I been taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs? S tress —Am I under psychological pressure from  the job? Worried about financial matters, health  problems, or family discord? A lcohol —Have I been drinking within 8 hours? Within 24 hours? F atigue —Am I tired and not adequately rested? E motion —Am I emotionally upset? I'M SAFE CHECKLIST y y p g gp p j , p y g p g p , y g Stressors Environmental Conditions associated with the environment, such as  temperature and humidity extremes, noise, vibration, and lack  of oxygen. Physiological Stress Physical conditions, such as fatigue, lack of physical fitness,  sleep loss, missed meals (leading to low blood sugar levels),  and illness. Psychological Stress Social or emotional factors, such as a death in the family, a  divorce, a sick child, or a demotion at work. This type of stress  may also be related to mental workload, such as analyzing a  problem, navigating an aircraft, or making decisions. Figure 3-4.  System stressors have a profound impact, especially  during periods of high workload. Figure 3-3. IMSAFE checklist. While the regulations list medical conditions that require  grounding, stress is not among them. The pilot should  consider the effects of stress on performance.  serious hazard. Yet, if the cabin door opened in instrument  meteorological conditions (IMC), the stress level would  be much higher despite little difference between the two  scenarios. Therefore, one can conclude that our perception  of problems (and the stress they create) is related to the  environment in which the problems occur.  Another example is that mechanical problems always seem  greater at night, a situation that all pilots have experienced.  The key to stress management is to stop, think, and analyze  before jumping to a conclusion. There is usually time to think  before drawing conclusions.  There are several techniques to help manage the accumulation  of life stress, and prevent stress overload. For example, to  help reduce stress levels, set aside time for relaxation each  day or maintain a program of physical fitness. To prevent  stress overload, learn to manage time more effectively to  avoid pressures imposed by getting behind schedule and not  meeting deadlines.  Everyone is stressed to some degree almost all of the time. A  certain amount of stress is good since it keeps a person alert  and prevents complacency. Effects of stress are cumulative  and, if the pilot does not cope with them in an appropriate  way, they can eventually add up to an intolerable burden.  Performance generally increases with the onset of stress,  peaks, and then begins to fall off rapidly as stress levels  exceed a person’s ability to cope. The ability to make  effective decisions during flight can be impaired by stress.  There are two categories of stress—acute and chronic. These  are both explained in Chapter 16, Aeromedical Factors, of  the Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge. Factors  referred to as stressors can affect decision-making skills and  increase a pilot’s risk of error in the flight deck.  [Figure 3-4]. For instance, imagine a cabin door that suddenly opens in  flight on a Bonanza climbing through 1,500 feet on a clear  sunny day? It may startle the pilot, but the stress would  wane when it became apparent that the situation was not a  What about the aircraft? What limitations will the aircraft  impose upon the trip? Ask yourself the following questions: • Is this the right aircraft for the flight? •  Am I familiar with and current in this aircraft?  Aircraft performance figures and the aircraft flight  manual (AFM) are based on a new aircraft flown by  a professional test pilot, factors to keep in mind while  assessing personal and aircraft performance. • Is this aircraft equipped for the flight? Instruments?  Lights? Are the navigation and communication  equipment adequate? 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—Have I experienced any emotionally  upsetting event? A = Aircraft  Stress Management 3-4