Knowing when to cancel or delay a flight is a skill every pilot develops over time and with experience.
Weather—usually the first factor to consider:
- Visibility and ceilings: Are they above your personal minimums?
- Wind: Are crosswinds within your comfort zone?
- Thunderstorms: they can escalate quickly especially in the spring and summer.
Even if you’re legal to fly, think about whether you’re comfortable handling unexpected changes.
Personal Readiness—your skills and mental state matter just as much as the weather:
- Fatigue or illness can impair judgment.
- Currency: If you haven’t flown recently, challenging conditions toward the edge of your personal minimums may not be the best first flight back.
- Stress: Flying while distracted or emotionally unsettled increases risk.
Listen to Your Gut—sometimes your instincts are the best guide. Many CFIs share stories of pilots who almost took off in questionable conditions but chose to wait—and avoided a potentially dangerous situation.
CFI Tip: Canceling or delaying a flight is not a sign of failure—it’s a sign of good judgment and professionalism.
