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Personal Minimums
Pilot-specific limits that are more restrictive than legal weather, altitude, or aircraft limits — such as ceiling, visibility, crosswind, fuel reserves, or an oxygen-use altitude. Written personal minimums keep go/no-go and equipment decisions consistent under schedule or passenger pressure.
Related Terms
- PIC (Pilot in Command)The pilot designated as the final authority and directly responsible for the operation and safety of the flight. The PIC has the authority to deviate from any rule in an emergency to the extent required to meet the emergency.
- PIREP (Pilot Weather Report)An observation of weather conditions reported by a pilot in flight. PIREPs describe conditions such as turbulence, icing, cloud bases and tops, visibility, and wind shear, giving other pilots timely evidence to compare against forecasts.
- Pitot-Static SystemThe system of pressure-sensing instruments that includes the airspeed indicator, altimeter, and vertical speed indicator. It works by comparing ram air pressure (from the pitot tube) with static atmospheric pressure (from static ports).
- Preflight InspectionA thorough visual and physical inspection of the aircraft performed by the pilot before each flight. The preflight checks fuel quantity and quality, oil level, control surfaces, tires, lights, and overall aircraft condition using the manufacturer's checklist.