In the movie Apollo 13, Houston control is seen meticulously working through prelaunch checks, ensuring every aspect of the spacecraft, environment, and crew is ready before giving the final “Go” to launch. Dozens, if not hundreds, of engineers and experts participate in this process, identifying and managing risks before the Saturn V rocket hurls three astronauts into space. Their methodical approach to risk assessment and mitigation is a lesson in discipline, preparation, and safety—principles that we can apply to our own flights.
As pilots, we are our own mission control. Every flight requires a “Go/No-Go” decision, a deliberate process of assessing whether conditions are safe to proceed. The stakes are high—not just for ourselves but also for our passengers and loved ones who trust our judgment.
Identifying and Managing Risk
The fundamental principle of risk management in general aviation mirrors NASA’s approach—identify hazards, assess risk, mitigate threats, and make an informed decision. Pilots should methodically evaluate three critical areas before every flight:
- The Aircraft – Is the aircraft airworthy? Have the preflight checks been thorough? Is there any maintenance discrepancy that could affect flight safety? A rushed or incomplete inspection could mean overlooking a crucial issue.
- The Environment – What are the weather conditions? Are they within personal and legal limits? Are there alternate routes or airports available? Consider not just the departure and destination conditions but en route weather and potential diversions.
- The Human Factor – Am I physically and mentally prepared for this flight? Fatigue, illness, stress, and external pressures can degrade decision-making ability. The IMSAFE checklist (Illness, Medication, Stress, Alcohol, Fatigue, and Emotion) is a powerful tool to assess readiness.
The IMSAFE and PAVE Checklists
Two essential tools for assessing risk before a flight are the IMSAFE and PAVE checklists:
IMSAFE:
- Illness – Am I suffering from any condition that could impair my ability to fly?
- Medication – Am I taking any medications that could affect my cognitive function or alertness?
- Stress – Am I experiencing stress that could interfere with my concentration?
- Alcohol – Have I consumed alcohol within the last 8 hours? Am I under its effects?
- Fatigue – Am I well-rested and alert?
- Emotion – Am I emotionally stable and clear-headed for the flight?
PAVE:
- Pilot – Am I fit to fly? (Using the IMSAFE checklist)
- Aircraft – Is the aircraft in proper condition and within weight and balance limits?
- enVironment – What are the weather conditions, NOTAMs, and potential hazards?
- External Pressures – Are there any external pressures (schedule, passengers, personal commitments) influencing my decision-making?
A Case Study in Poor Go/No-Go Decision-Making
On April 19, 2018, a Cirrus SR22 took off under questionable conditions and suffered tragic consequences. The probable cause was cited as: “The pilot’s failure to obtain an updated weather briefing before the flight and his subsequent loss of airplane control due to spatial disorientation while maneuvering in instrument meteorological conditions during a diversion to an alternate airport after encountering forecast icing conditions.”
Had the PAVE and IMSAFE checklists been properly utilized, this accident might have been avoided. Weather briefings, personal fitness, and understanding environmental conditions are crucial elements of a thorough preflight risk assessment.
The Power of Saying “No-Go”
The pressure to “go” is real. External factors—such as schedule commitments, passenger expectations, or perceived inconvenience—can create a subtle yet dangerous push toward launching when conditions aren’t ideal. However, seasoned pilots recognize that the ability to say “No” is just as critical as the ability to take off. A delayed or canceled flight may be inconvenient, but it is always preferable to a poor outcome.
A successful flight begins with sound decisions on the ground. The next time you’re preparing for a flight, take a moment to step back and evaluate the situation through the lens of a NASA flight director. Are all conditions optimal? Have all risks been thoroughly considered and mitigated? If not, making the call to delay or cancel isn’t a failure—it’s a demonstration of sound judgment and professionalism.
