PAVE Checklist(New)

The PAVE checklist is a critical risk management tool used by pilots to assess and mitigate risks. It divides risks into four categories: Pilot, Aircraft, enVironment, and External Pressures. This document integrates the PAVE checklist with additional tools, including:

• IMSAFE: A personal health checklist for pilots.
• AAVIATES: Ensures aircraft airworthiness and maintenance compliance.
• SPARROW: Ensures the required documents are onboard the aircraft.
• NWKRAFT: Covers essential pre-flight planning items.
• The 5 P's: A structured framework for evaluating risks and managing pressures during all phases of flight.
• DECIDE: A model for in-flight decision-making (ADM).

By using these tools, pilots can make informed decisions, enhance situational awareness, and prioritize safety throughout their flight operations.

P - Pilot

The pilot is a critical component of flight safety. Pilots must ensure they are physically, mentally, and legally prepared for the flight. Consider the following:

IMSAFE Checklist

Use the IMSAFE checklist to evaluate personal fitness for flight:

• Illness: Do I have any symptoms that could impair my ability to fly?
• Medication: Am I taking any medications that could affect my performance?
• Stress: Am I under physical or emotional stress?
• Alcohol: Have I consumed alcohol within 8 hours or am I under its influence?
• Fatigue: Am I rested and alert?
• Emotion: Am I emotionally stable?

A - Aircraft

Ensuring aircraft airworthiness is critical for safe flight. Pilots must verify that the aircraft meets all regulatory and operational requirements before flying.

SPARROW

Ensure required documents are onboard to confirm airworthiness:

• Supplements
• Placards
• Airworthiness Certificate
• Registration
• Radio License (if international)
• Operating Handbook (POH/AFM)
• Weight and Balance

Aircraft Airworthiness

An aircraft may lose its airworthiness under the following conditions:

• 30 Days After Death: If the registered owner of the aircraft dies, the aircraft’s airworthiness is affected after 30 days.
• Foreign Registry: The aircraft is registered in a foreign country, invalidating U.S. airworthiness certification.
• Transfer of Ownership: If ownership of the aircraft is transferred, the airworthiness certificate must be revalidated.
• Destroyed: If the aircraft is destroyed or scrapped, it is no longer airworthy.
• U.S. Citizenship Revoked: If the aircraft’s owner is no longer a U.S. citizen, airworthiness can be affected.
• Canceled: The FAA can cancel an aircraft’s airworthiness certificate, rendering it ineligible for flight.

AAVIATES

Ensure the aircraft is airworthy by checking these inspection and maintenance items:

• Annual Inspection: Every 12 calendar months.
• Airworthiness Directives: Comply with mandatory ADs.
• VOR Check: Every 30 days if flying IFR.
• Inspections: 100-hour inspections for hire.
• Altimeter/Pitot-Static System: Every 24 calendar months for IFR flight.
• Transponder: Every 24 calendar months.
• ELT (Emergency Locator Transmitter): Inspected every 12 months, with battery replacement when required.
• Static System: Check every 24 months for IFR operations.

V - enVironment

Environmental factors can significantly impact a flight. Consider the following:

NWKRAFT

Pre-flight planning should include:

• NOTAMs: Review Notices to Airmen.
• Weather: Analyze current and forecasted weather.
• Known ATC Delays: Check for any expected delays.
• Runway Lengths: Ensure sufficient runway for takeoff and landing.
• Alternatives: Plan alternate airports in case of diversion.
• Fuel Requirements: Ensure adequate fuel for the flight and reserves.
• Takeoff and Landing Distances: Verify aircraft performance capabilities.

E - External Pressures

External pressures can lead to poor decision-making. To manage these pressures effectively, use the 5 P’s and the DECIDE model.

The 5 P’s

• Plan: Includes weather, route, fuel, and other mission-critical elements. Avoid rushing to meet schedules or deadlines.
• Plane: Ensure the aircraft is airworthy and capable of handling the mission.
• Pilot: Use the IMSAFE checklist to ensure you are physically, mentally, and legally prepared for the flight.
• Passengers: Consider passenger needs, experience, and potential distractions. Avoid letting passengers influence unsafe decisions.
• Programming: Manage avionics, GPS, and autopilot systems effectively. Ensure you’re familiar with programming to prevent distractions during critical phases of flight.

DECIDE Model

The DECIDE model is a structured framework for making decisions during flight:

• D: Detect a change or hazard.
• E: Estimate the impact of the change or hazard.
• C: Choose a course of action.
• I: Identify the best solution.
• D: Do the necessary action.
• E: Evaluate the results of the action.

Conclusion

The PAVE checklist, combined with tools like IMSAFE, AAVIATES, SPARROW, NWKRAFT, the 5 P’s, and the DECIDE model, creates a comprehensive framework for safe flight operations. By addressing risks systematically and using structured tools, pilots can make informed decisions, enhance situational awareness, and prioritize safety at every stage of flight.