Lesson 33

PAVE, IMSAFE, and DECIDE

Ensuring safe and responsible drone operations involves adhering to key principles such as PAVE (Pilot, Aircraft, enVironment, and External pressures), IMSAFE (Illness, Medication, Stress, Alcohol, Fatigue, and Emotion), and DECIDE (Detect, Estimate, Choose, Identify, Do, and Evaluate) to promote comprehensive risk management and decision-making for drone pilots.

Lesson Contents:

PAVE: Assess and Manage Risks
IMSAFE: Maintain heightened awareness of physical / mental conditions
DECIDE: Make informed decisions in real-time flight operations

Note: When to contact an Aviation Medical Examiner:

As a remote pilot-in-command, you have the final responsibility for determining whether you (or a crewmember) is fit to fly. If advice is needed concerning possible flight with an illness, you should contact an Aviation Medical Examiner.

P.A.V.E.

Assess and Manage Risks

By using the PAVE acronym, Remote PICs can systematically assess and manage the risks associated with a particular sUAS operation.

It helps them make informed decisions, prioritize safety, and ensure that all aspects of the flight, including the pilot’s qualifications, the condition of the aircraft, environmental factors, and external pressures are considered when planning and executing a mission.

P

Pilot-in-command:

Refers to the Remote Pilot in Command (Remote PIC) who is responsible for the sUAS operation.

The Remote PIC’s qualifications, experience, and decision-making skills are essential factors in assessing the overall safety of the flight.

A

Aircraft:

Refers to the small unmanned aircraft itself.

Evaluating the aircraft includes ensuring it is in an airworthy condition, conducting pre-flight checks, and verifying that all components and systems are functioning correctly.

V

Vegetation and Environment:

Encompasses the environmental factors and vegetation conditions in which the sUAS operation will take place. This includes considering weather conditions, airspace restrictions, obstacles, terrain, and any other environmental factors that may affect the safety of the flight.

E

External Pressures:

External pressures represent external influences or factors that may exert pressure on the Remote PIC to take risks or deviate from safe operating practices. These can include client demands, time constraints, and other external factors that might compromise safety.

I.M.S.A.F.E.

Maintain Heightened Awareness of Physical and Mental Conditions

Using the IMSAFE checklist helps drone pilots maintain a heightened awareness of their physical and mental condition. It reminds pilots to prioritize safety and make informed decisions based on their fitness for flight.

I

Illness:

Assess your physical health. Ensure you are not experiencing any illness or medical conditions that could impair your ability to operate the sUAS safely.

M

Medication:

Consider any medications you may be taking and their potential side effects. Some medications can cause drowsiness or other impairments.

S

Stress:

Evaluate your stress level. High stress levels can affect decision-making and performance.

A

Alcohol:

Avoid alcohol consumption before or during sUAS operations. Alcohol impairs judgment and coordination.

F

Fatigue:

Examine your level of fatigue. Fatigue can impair your cognitive and physical abilities.

E

Emotion:

Assess your emotional state. High emotional stress or distractions can affect your focus and decision-making.

Consider the following when planning your flight:

  • Do not take any unnecessary or elective medications.
  • Make sure you eat regular balanced meals.
  • Bring a snack.
  • Maintain good hydration – bring plenty of water.
  • Ensure adequate sleep the night prior to the flight.
  • Stay physically fit.

D.E.C.I.D.E.

Make Informed Decisions in Real-Time During Flight Operations

The DECIDE framework is a valuable tool for small UA operators to make informed decisions in real-time during flight operations. It emphasizes the importance of detecting, assessing, and responding to changes or problems in a systematic and organized manner, ultimately contributing to safer and more successful missions.

D

Detect:

Detect the fact that a change or a problem exists. Pay attention to any cues or indications that may suggest a change in the operational environment or conditions.

E

Estimate:

Estimate the significance or implications of the change or problem. Assess the potential impact of the situation on your flight, safety, and mission objectives.

C

Choose:

Choose a course of action. Based on your assessment of the situation, select a course of action that addresses the issue and promotes safety. Consider available options and their consequences.

I

Identify:

Identify the outcomes of your chosen action. Determine what results or effects your selected course of action is likely to have on the situation.

D

Do:

Implement the chosen course of action. Act on your decision promptly and effectively. Execute the plan and monitor its progress.

E

Evaluate:

Continuously evaluate the effectiveness of your chosen action. Assess whether the action is producing the desired results and whether the situation is improving or worsening.

PAVE, IMSAFE, and DECIDE

1 / 8

What does the "P" in PAVE stand for in the context of risk management for sUAS operations?

2 / 8

What should be assessed under the "A" in the PAVE checklist?

3 / 8

What does the PAVE acronym stand for in the context of risk management for sUAS operations?

4 / 8

What does the "S" in IMSAFE remind drone pilots to assess?

5 / 8

According to the IMSAFE checklist, what should pilots avoid before or during sUAS operations?

6 / 8

What does the IMSAFE acronym remind pilots to evaluate before operating a sUAS?

7 / 8

In the DECIDE framework, what does the "D" represent when initially recognizing a problem?

8 / 8

What does the DECIDE acronym stand for in the context of making informed decisions during flight operations?

Your score is

The average score is 62%

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questionn 2 the correct answer is B but it’s configured as wrong, need to fix.

questionns 3 – 8 aren’t enabled to choose an annswer