Fit to Fly

Fit to Fly refers to the self-assessment and regulatory requirement that pilots must be physically and mentally capable of safely operating an aircraft before each flight. This encompasses both regulatory medical certification and day-of-flight fitness.

• Medical certificate: Class 1 (airline pilots), Class 2 (private pilots), or Class 3 (controllers) — renewed periodically
• IMSAFE checklist: Illness, Medication, Stress, Alcohol, Fatigue, Eating/Emotion
• Alcohol: '8 hours bottle to throttle' rule (many airlines require 12+ hours)
• Blood Alcohol: Maximum 0.04% BAC (most jurisdictions) or zero tolerance
• Medication: Many common medications (antihistamines, sedatives) are disqualifying
• Pilots have a legal obligation to self-ground if not fit to fly