Aeromedical Factors

Question 1

Which regulations pertain to medical certification?

Answer 1

14 CFR Part 67

Question 2

What is the IMSAFE checklist?

Answer 2

Illness
Medication
Stress
Alcohol
Fatigue
Emotion

Question 3

What is hypoxia?

Answer 3

Oxygen deficiency which impairs brain/body function

Question 4

At what altitudes is hypoxia likely to occur?

Answer 4

Above 12000’, however it can occur as low as 5000’

Question 5

What are some symptoms of hypoxia?

Answer 5

Judgment, memory, alertness, coordination are impaired
Headache
Drowsiness
Dizziness
Euphoria
Belligerence

Question 6

What factors can make a pilot more susceptible to hypoxia?

Answer 6

Carbon monoxide (smoking, exhaust fumes, etc.)
Anemia
Certain medications
Small amounts of alcohol
Extreme heat or cold
Fever
Anxiety

Question 7

How can hypoxia be avoided?

Answer 7

Use oxygen above 10000’ during the day, and 5000’ at night

Question 8

What is hyperventilation?

Answer 8

Abnormal increase in breathing in and out, caused by stress

Results in decrease in CO2 in bloodstream

Question 9

What are the symptoms of hyperventilation?

Answer 9

Lightheadedness
Suffocation
Drowsiness
Tingling in extremities
Coolness

Question 10

How can hyperventilation be reversed?

Answer 10

Slow breathing rate

Breathe in and out of a paper bag

Question 11

What is the location and functions of the rods in the eye?

Answer 11

In a ring around the cones
Peripheral and night vision
When adjusted to darkness, rods are 100,000 times more sensitive to light than cones

Question 12

What is the location and function of cones in the eye?

Answer 12

Located in the center of the retina
Detect color, detail, faraway objects
After adjusted to darkness, cones are 100 times more sensitive

Question 13

What can you do to improve effectiveness of vision at night?

Answer 13

Adapt eyes prior to flight (30 minutes)
Use oxygen
Close one eye when exposed to bright light
Do not wear sunglasses
Move eyes more slowly
Blink if eyes become blurred
Concentrate on seeing objects
Force the eyes to view off center
Maintain good physical health, no drinking, smoking, drugs, etc.

Question 14

What is ear block?

Answer 14

Caused by difference in pressure in middle ear and cabin

Question 15

How is ear block normally prevented?

Answer 15

Swallowing, yawning, tensing muscles in throat

Valsalva method-pinching nose and attempting to exhale through nostrils

Question 16

What is spatial disorientation?

Answer 16

Lack of orientation with regard to position in space and to other objects

Question 17

What causes spatial disorientation?

Answer 17

Forces of flight affect visual, vestibular (inner ear), and postural senses, providing misleading information to the brain

Question 18

What causes motion sickness?

Answer 18

Continued stimulation of the portion of the inner ear that regulates balance

Question 19

What actions should be taken if a pilot or passenger is experiencing motion sickness?

Answer 19

Open air vents
Loosen clothing
Use supplemental oxygen
Keep eyes on point outside the airplane

Question 20

What regulations/best practices apply to the use of alcohol?

Answer 20

8 hours-bottle to throttle

Pilots should wait 12-24 hours after consuming alcohol before flying

Question 21

What is carbon monoxide poisoning?

Answer 21

CO reduces the ability of the blood to carry oxygen

Symptoms of hypoxia occur

Question 22

What actions should be taken if carbon monoxide poisoning is suspected?

Answer 22

Shut off heater
Open fresh air vents
Obtain medical treatment if symptoms are severe, or continue after landing

Question 23

How long should a pilot wait after scuba diving to fly at cabin pressures less than 8000’?

Answer 23

12 hours, if dive did not require a controlled ascent

24 hours, if dive required a controlled ascent