Plan, Plane, Pilot, Passengers, Programming

A risk-management review applied at key decision points in a flight — typically preflight, pre-takeoff, at the hourly cruise checkpoint, pre-descent and before the approach:

• Plan — the mission: route, weather, terrain, timing
• Plane — airworthiness, fuel, systems, equipment
• Pilot — fitness and currency (see IMSAFE)
• Passengers — comfort, expectations, external pressure
• Programming — avionics setup and automation management

Source FAA Risk Management Handbook (FAA-H-8083-2) · checked 2026-08-25