Don't Fly Unless You Use This Checklist!

Before each flight, you do a preflight inspection of the aircraft that you are going to fly in. You make sure that it is airworthy, legal and safe to take to the skies. This is a very important step that you should never, ever skip.

Another item to check is one that might not be in your aircraft checklist. That item is you. Make sure that before each flight you go over the "I'M SAFE" checklist. This will ensure that you are just as airworthy and safe as your plane.

I – Illness: Make sure that you are not sick. You don't want to fly with a headache or other illness that will impair your flying ability.

M – Medication: You don't want to be taking any medicines that will make you drowsy or weaken your decision making capability.

S – Stress: When you are flying, stress is dangerous. Don't ever fly after a breakup, demotion at work, family problems, or anything that will take your mind off of the task at hand.

A – Alcohol: 8 hours – bottle to throttle. You can't legally fly within eight hours of consuming alcohol, or if your BAC (blood alcohol content) is greater than 0.04

F – Fatigue: If you are falling asleep at the wheel on your way to the airport… this is a sign to not get in the airplane. In other words, don't fly if you are too tired. This should be a no-brainer.

E – Emotion: Similar to stress, make sure that you aren't depressed or otherwise emotionally unable to act as pilot in command of your aircraft.

Another thing that is very, very important to avoid is "get there-itis." This is a disease that plagues many pilots. I'll tell you now, there is NOTHING worth risking your life over just to make a flight on time. Too many pilots feel that they just have to get there and they feel invincible and take great unnecessary risks. If flying conditions (weather especially) are too much for you to handle, find alternate means of travel, and enjoy your life.

Remember, if you are thinking about becoming a pilot, do it now. Now is the best time to learn to fly. Too many students regret waiting as long as they did to get their license. Each one is glad they didn't wait a minute longer. Good luck!

Matt Tanner is an experienced flight instructor in the Atlanta, Georgia area. He has been training private pilots throughout the United States for many years. Matt has compiled his extensive flying experience and advice into a book for people who want to learn to fly at http://www.privatepilotguide.com.