The 5 Ps check
5 Ps check: scheduled review of five variables shaping a flight, to catch risk in time to act (PHAK ch.2).
| P | Covers | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Plan | Mission: cross-country planning, weather, route, fuel, publications currency | Updated throughout flight. Delayed takeoff, fast-moving weather, short-notice TFR can change it |
| Plane | Usual mechanical and cosmetic issues | Advanced-avionics aircraft add: database currency, automation status, emergency backup systems |
| Pilot | Pilot's own fitness, checked against IMSAFE | Late nights, fatigue, sustained flight above 5,000 ft: less discerning, less critical of information, less decisive, more compliant and accepting, right as the most critical part of the flight arrives |
| Passengers | Their need to make a connection or a meeting enters pilot's decision loop | Give them tasks. Describe risk factually. Non-pilots may not read risk like a pilot. SRM means risk management, not risk elimination |
| Programming | GPS, autopilot, electronic displays | Cut workload but can hold attention for long stretches. Decide in advance when programming (approaches, route changes, airport information) is done and when not |
Run the check at five scheduled points:
- Preflight
- Pretakeoff
- Hourly or at the midpoint of the flight
- Pre-descent
- Just prior to the final approach fix (VFR: just prior to entering the traffic pattern)
Trap: 5 Ps is one of three ADM frameworks in PHAK, alongside 3P model (PAVE, CARE, TEAM) and DECIDE. Same purpose, different framework.
References
- PHAK ch.2