
IMSAFE - If you're not safe, I'm not safe
By Lach Boyd
If you haven’t heard of IMSAFE, then you probably shouldn’t be flying yet.
What is it?
Pretty straight forward – it’s a simple self-awareness checklist designed to assess your personal physical and mental state. If you’re not fit to fly, and you decide to go anyway, not only have you reduced the safety margins of your own flight, but also the safety of everyone else around you!
It’s rather easy to identify which individuals fit into either category:
- Those that genuinely conduct an IMSAFE check and make an educated self-assessment prior to flight; or
- Those that hear an instructor say “IMSAFE” for flight and the response is “yeah yeah yeah, I’m safe.”
If you fit into Category 1, then this is perfect. Keep going with this and don’t let your standards drop.
If you fit into Category 2, then you’re staring down the barrel of negligence. Likely you haven’t actually made a simple attempt of self-assessment. In a high-consequence industry, why wouldn’t you want to do everything possible to increase safety before you’ve left the building?
The aviation community is substantial. Made up of many, whether it be those working in the sky or ATC, those enjoying a joy flight or the enthusiasts up for a private flight. Not to mention the passengers…
You owe it to yourself and your community to do your due diligence.
So, what does IMSAFE look like?
For me (and what we teach at TVSA, and throughout CASA guidance material), it’s the following:

Illness
Am I feeling sick or have I had any recent illnesses?
How your inflight performance is affected will depend on what illness you have. Having a cold or flu, for example, can be hard to manage with changes of altitude. The pressure changes can cause pain in the nasal cavity and, ideally, you wouldn’t fly in that condition.

Medication
Am I taking any medication?
Taking any prescription or non-prescription medication can present side-effects (like drowsiness). Not feeling side-effects on ground, does not mean you will not experience them with altitude. The best way to be sure and safe of your medication is to consult your DAME. The CASA website also can provide a list of some permitted and prohibited medications.
Stress
Am I under any stress or anxiety?
It is completely normal to experience stress and anxiety. Stress is a regular part of life, and stress in small amounts can actually be beneficial, but above average amounts (as well as too little stress!) can affect us negatively. There are 3 main types of stress to be aware of:
- Physiological
- Environmental
- Psychological
Always analyse your stress levels before flying and try to develop some positive coping mechanisms to deal with them.
Alcohol
How long ago did you have alcohol?
No brainer this one. Whilst CASA have particular legal requirements. It is recommended to not fly for at least 24 hours after alcohol consumption. A hangover can be very dangerous! They’re bad enough on a couch, let alone in a cockpit.
Fatigue
Have I had enough rest?
Fatigue will seriously impair your ability to respond immediately and effectively. Sleep requirements vary from one person to another, so it is important that you know what your body needs. Not enough sleep isn’t the only factor that causes fatigue. Stress is a huge factor also. It will undoubtedly take its toll on you.
My partner and I had our first born child December of 2020. Managing sleep has become really important for us and is always forefront of mind. It’s never going to be easy!

Eating / Emotions
Am I in the right frame of mind to fly? Have I had a proper meal? Am I hydrated?
Eating enough food before flight can restore energy levels for your body and keep your brain functioning at a high level.
There’s nothing to stop an individual from adding their own self checks before a flight. Everyone knows themselves better than others will. So if you are aware of something that often hinders you during flight, try to find something that will help combat this.
Remember, think about yourself but you also need to think about others.
Safe skies for all.
Cheerio,
LB