Introduction to Glider Flying > Introduction to Glider Flying > Factors Affecting Decision Making > Pilot Self-Assessment

The pilot in command of an aircraft is directly responsible for, and is the final authority as to, the o p e r a t i o n of that aircraft. In order to effectively exercise that responsibility and make effective decisions regarding the outcome of a flight, you must have an understanding of your limitations. Your per-formance during a flight is affected by many fac-tors, such as health, recency of experience, knowledge, skill level, and attitude.

Figure 1-9. The three types of stressors that can affect a pilot’s performance.

yet do not evaluate their own fitness for flight. Just as a checklist is used when preflighting an aircraft, a personal checklist based on such factors as experience, currency, and comfort level can help determine if you are prepared for a particular flight. Specifying when refresher training should be accomplished and designating weather mini-mums, which may be higher than those listed in Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 91, are elements that may be included on a personal checklist. In addition to a review of personal limitations, you should use the I’M SAFE Checklist to further evaluate your fitness for flight. [Figure 1-6]