IMSAFE

IMSAFE is a mnemonic used by some aircraft pilots to assess their fitness to fly.^[1]

Definition

The mnemonic is interpreted as:

• Illness - Is the pilot suffering from any illness or symptom of an illness which might affect them in flight,
• Medication - Is the pilot currently taking any drugs (prescription or over-the-counter),
• Stress - Psychological or emotional factors which might affect the pilot's performance,
• Alcohol - Although legal limits vary by jurisdiction (20 mg/mL blood in the UK^[2], four times less than for driving), the pilot might want to consider their alcohol consumption within the last 8 to 24 hours,
• Fatigue - Has the pilot had sufficient sleep and rest in the recent past, and
• Emotion - Is the pilot emotionally upset.

This is from the FAA Risk Management Handbook FAA-H-8083-2

References

1. ^ "Flight Fitness: The "I'm Safe" Checklist". FAA Medical Certification. Pilot Medical Solutions, Incorporated. http://www.leftseat.com/imsafe.htm. Retrieved 20 December 2011. 
2. ^ Implementation of the Railways and Transport Safety Act 2003, section 2.3