Grease the Journey
Safety first, badges second
Never rush a maneuver, flight, or milestone to earn a badge. Only attempt a maneuver or task when you are trained and ready, and talk it over closely with your flight instructor first. Your CFI decides when you're ready, not this app. A badge can always wait; safety can't. If something doesn't feel right, the right call is to wait, turn back, or stay on the ground, and that earns a Good Call badge, not a lost one.
Never rush a badge. Fly only what you're trained and ready for, and plan it with your instructor. Safety first.
Checks pilots use
These names come from the FAA Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (FAA-H-8083-25) and Risk Management Handbook (FAA-H-8083-2). They are teaching aids. Your CFI decides when you are ready. This page is the same on Free, Base, and Premium.
IMSAFE
Personal fitness check before every flight
- IIllness
- MMedication
- SStress
- AAlcohol
- FFatigue
- EEmotion
PAVE
Identify risks
- PPilot
- AAircraft
- VenVironment
- EExternal pressures
3P
Ongoing risk management
- PPerceive
- PProcess
- PPerform
DECIDE
Decision-making when something changes
- DDetect
- EEstimate
- CChoose
- IIdentify
- DDo
- EEvaluate
5P
Check at key decision points in a flight
- PPlan
- PPlane
- PPilot
- PPassengers
- PProgramming
Aviate, Navigate, Communicate
Priorities in any abnormal situation
- AFly the airplane first
- NKnow where you are and where you're going
- CThen talk
Before a flight badge is logged
Maneuver, skill, emergency, approach, solo, hour, and fun-flying badges stay unlogged until you check: I was trained and ready, and discussed this with my instructor. There is no countdown and no nudge to fly before you are ready. Waiting, turning back, or staying on the ground can be logged as Good Call.