FAA Sport Pilot Airplane (SPA)Human Factors and ADMEasy
A pilot feels pressured to complete a cross-country flight because friends are waiting at the destination for a scheduled event. Which element of the PAVE checklist addresses this type of risk?
- AExternal Pressures
- BPilot
- CenVironment
- DAircraft
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. External Pressures
External pressures, the 'E' in PAVE, include social or schedule-driven pressures such as passengers waiting, which can push a pilot toward risky decisions.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Pilot refers to the pilot's own fitness and experience, not outside pressure.
- C. enVironment covers weather, terrain, and airport conditions.
- D. Aircraft covers mechanical condition and performance, not scheduling stress.
PAVE Checklist
A risk-management framework dividing flight risks into four categories: Pilot, Aircraft, enVironment, and External pressures.
- Helps pilots systematically assess risk before flight
- External pressures include get-there-itis and social obligations
- Each category should be evaluated individually before departure
Memory trick: Pilots Always Value Every risk category.