FAA Private Pilot Helicopter (PRH)Human FactorsEasy
While completing a preflight self-assessment using the IMSAFE checklist, a helicopter pilot realizes that a recent job loss and mounting bills have been weighing heavily on his mind for days. Which IMSAFE factor should this pilot specifically evaluate before flying?
- AIllness
- BEating
- CMedication
- DStress
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Stress
The IMSAFE checklist item 'Stress' covers psychological or emotional pressures such as financial or personal problems that can distract a pilot and degrade decision-making and performance.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Illness refers to physical sickness, not emotional strain.
- B. Eating refers to nutrition/blood sugar, unrelated to job loss.
- C. Medication concerns drugs, prescribed or OTC, not financial worry.
IMSAFE Checklist
A personal preflight self-assessment checklist pilots use to evaluate their physical and mental fitness to fly.
- Stands for Illness, Medication, Stress, Alcohol, Fatigue, Eating
- Should be reviewed before every flight
- Stress includes psychological, financial, or family pressures
Memory trick: I'M SAFE to fly if I check all six boxes.