FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot (UAG)OperationsMedium

A remote pilot in command uses a structured self-assessment before every flight that evaluates the Plan, the Plane (aircraft), the Pilot, the Payload/Passengers, and the Programming (automation) involved in the mission to identify hazards. This risk-management tool is best described as which model?

  1. AThe 5 P's checklist
  2. BThe PAVE checklist
  3. CThe DECIDE model
  4. DThe IMSAFE checklist
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: A. The 5 P's checklist

The 5 P's (Plan, Plane, Pilot, Passengers/Payload, Programming) is an aeronautical decision-making tool from FAA risk management guidance used to systematically evaluate all elements of a flight before and during operations.

Why the other options are wrong

  • B. PAVE assesses Pilot, Aircraft, enVironment, External pressures—different categories.
  • C. DECIDE is a six-step process (Detect, Estimate, Choose, Identify, Do, Evaluate), not five P categories.
  • D. IMSAFE assesses pilot fitness only, not the whole mission.

5 P's Model

An ADM tool evaluating Plan, Plane, Pilot, Passengers/Payload, and Programming to catch hazards before and during flight.

  • Used repeatedly: preflight, before takeoff, and en route
  • Complements other risk tools like PAVE and IMSAFE
  • Encourages continuous reassessment, not a one-time checklist

Memory trick: 'Five P's keep the flight free of surprise.'

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