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Lesson 9.3 – Personal Minimums & Go/No-Go Decisions
Personal minimums are limits you set for yourself that are more restrictive than the regulatory minimums. They are one of the most practical tools for managing risk and making consistent go/no-go decisions. This concept is emphasized in FAA training materials and is evaluated on the practical test.
Reference:
FAA Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (PHAK), Chapter 2
Risk Management Handbook
FAA Personal Minimums guidance
What Are Personal Minimums?
What Are Personal Minimums?
Personal minimums are self-imposed limits based on your experience, proficiency, aircraft performance, and risk tolerance. They act as a safety buffer above the legal minimums.
Examples of personal minimums:
Ceiling and visibility higher than basic VFR requirements
Maximum crosswind component lower than the aircraft’s demonstrated capability
Minimum runway length greater than the calculated requirement
Maximum density altitude for takeoff
Minimum recent experience (e.g., landings in the last 30 days)
Limits based on fatigue, stress, or night currency
Why Personal Minimums Matter
Why Personal Minimums Matter
Regulations set the absolute legal floor. Personal minimums set a practical safety floor for you. Many accidents occur when pilots operate legally but outside their personal comfort and proficiency level.
Once you establish personal minimums, the go/no-go decision becomes clearer and less emotional.
Establishing Personal Minimums
Establishing Personal Minimums
Consider:
Your total and recent experience
The aircraft you fly and its performance
The types of airports and terrain you use
Your typical weather comfort level
Fatigue, stress, and external pressures
Write them down. Review and adjust them as your experience grows, but never lower them under pressure.
The Go/No-Go Decision
The Go/No-Go Decision
A structured go/no-go decision combines:
Regulatory requirements (legal minimums)
Aircraft performance and fuel requirements
Weather and NOTAMs
Your personal minimums
PAVE and IMSAFE assessment
If any element falls outside your personal minimums or creates unacceptable risk, the decision should be no-go or a modified plan (different route, different day, different destination).
Practice Questions (FAA Knowledge-Test Style)
Practice Questions (FAA Knowledge-Test Style)
1. Personal minimums are best described as:
A. The legal weather minimums found in 14 CFR Part 91
B. Self-imposed limits that are more restrictive than the regulatory minimums
C. The minimum fuel reserve required for VFR flight
D. The aircraft’s published performance limitations
2. A pilot sets a personal minimum of 5 miles visibility for cross-country flights even though basic VFR only requires 3 miles. This is an example of:
A. Ignoring the regulations
B. Using personal minimums as a risk-management tool
C. An anti-authority hazardous attitude
D. A regulatory requirement
3. Which of the following is the most common reason pilots ignore their personal minimums?
A. Aircraft performance limitations
B. External pressures such as “get-there-itis”
C. Incorrect altimeter setting
D. Lack of a current medical certificate
4. When evaluating a go/no-go decision, the pilot should consider:
A. Only the regulatory minimums
B. Regulatory minimums, aircraft performance, weather, and personal minimums
C. Only the destination weather forecast
D. Only the opinions of passengers
5. A pilot who continues a flight in marginal weather because “I have to be at the meeting” is most likely influenced by:
A. The IMSAFE checklist
B. External pressures
C. Proper use of personal minimums
D. The 3P model
Answer Key:
B
B
B
B
B
Key Points for the Written Exam and Practical Test
Key Points for the Written Exam and Practical Test
Personal minimums are self-imposed limits more restrictive than the regulations.
They help remove emotion from the go/no-go decision.
External pressures (“get-there-itis”) are a common reason pilots ignore personal minimums.
A good preflight risk assessment includes both regulatory requirements and personal minimums.
The safest decision is often the decision not to go.
Links:
Intro to Aviation & Airplanes
Airfoils, Lift & Angle of Attack
Stalls, Critical Angle of Attack & Spin Awareness
Primary Flight Controls & the Three Axis
Stability, Controllability & Adverse Yaw
Engine Instruments & System Monitoring
Pilot Certification & Privileges
Medical Certificates & BasicMed
Flight Rules (Part 91 Highlights)
Airport Marking, Signs, & Lighting
Traffic Patterns & Airport Operations
Special Use Airspace & Other Airspace Areas
Airport Facility Directory & Chart Reading
The Atmosphere & Atmospheric Pressure
Airmasses, Fronts & Weather Patterns
Thunderstorms, Turbulence, Icing & Other Hazards
Weather Reports, Forecasts & Charts
Common Weak Areas & How to Fix Them
Private Pilot Privileges & Limitations
Lesson 11.2
Currency Requirements
Medical Certification & Basic Med After the Check ride
Continuing Education & Proficiency
Engine Failure & Forced Landings
In-Flight Fires & Electrical Problems
System and Instrument Failures
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