The IMSAFE checklist is a great tool for ensuring a pilot considers all factors when "clearing himself for flight".  While Marc started off tonight's show discussing common mistakes pilots make when it comes to maintaining their medical, he quickly moved on to the equally compelling discussion of the fitness for flight of the airplane itself.  

 

When there is an indication (gauge, warning light, etc), by the airplane that there is a problem, and you are convinced it is not a problem, do you decide to depart?  Even if it is a problem, do you make a determination that it is ultimately not going to affect the safety of the flight?  Go or No Go?  Where is the line?  How do you make that decision?  And what do you require of yourself as a back up plan, .... if any?  And what about if there is no indication that anything is wrong, but you are sure that something is different from normal, but can't identify it.  Or as happened to Marc, all indications were that all was good, but he felt the annunciators were not lighting as they normally did.  The aircraft acted normally and all indications were that there were no electrical issues, but was surprised he couldn't get the alternator annunciator to light, even when turning the Alternator off?  The manufacturer says he is wrong, but after flying an airplane for over 10 years, he knows when something is not "normal".  Go or No Go?

 

What would you do?  Please let us know by writing Marc at [email protected] or navigate to http://www.simpleflight.net/radio.html and fill out the form at the bottom of the page.

 

Thanks for listening.

 

Blue Skies and Tailwinds!