Personal Preparation  Chapter Summary The most important single element in preflight preparation is  the pilot. A pilot anticipating a flight should do a quick self- analysis to ensure that he or she is mentally and physically  capable and competent to perform. It is not uncommon to see  pilots and crews drive all night to get to an event, and, without  sleep or perhaps suffering from a cold or other ailment, go  ahead and fly. Allow enough time and resources to remain  healthy, rested, and focused enough to make wise flight  preparations and decisions that maximize flight safety.  It is a good policy to do an individual “preflight,” using the  “I’M SAFE” evaluation checklist as illustrated in Chapter 1,  Introduction to Balloon Flight Training,  Figure 1-5 .  Flying a hot air balloon requires extensive preflight planning  which depends upon a knowledge of meteorology applied to  local weather conditions, the ability to navigate using charts  and maps, familiarity with the equipment used in ballooning, a  good support ground crew, and a dash of common sense. Safe  flight experiences for a pilot in ballooning or any other aircraft  depend upon continuing education and experience. 3-13