Chapter 16 - Hazards of Aviation Flashcards
What are the 3 types of accelaration?
Linear
Angular
Radial
What is defined as a short duration accelaration?
less than 1 second
What is defined as a long duration accelaration?
More than 1 second
What are the different G force axes?
Gx - linear (front to back +ve)
Gy - lateral (right to left +ve)
Gz - vertical (head to foot +ve)
What affects the physiological conditions due to G forces/accelarations?
Duration under G
G onset rate
Magnitude of G
Direction of G
What effect does an increase in positive Gz have on the hydrostatic variation of blood pressure?
It increases it.
What are the different stages of +Gz?
Grey out (3-4G) - Rods and cones need a disproportionate amount of oxygen causing tunnel vision, where peripheral vision cells are starved of oxygen.
Black out (5G) - fatigue, imparied thinking, loss of conciousness
What is the affect of -Gz on hydrostatic variation of blood pressure and what other condition is associated with -Gz?
It decreases it and causes “red out”
What factors reduce tolerance to G forces?
Hypoxia; Hyperventillation; Hypotension; Stress; Fatigue; Heat; Low blood sugar; Smoking; Obesity; Alcohol.
What factors increase tolerance to G forces?
Body postion; Straining; Shouting; Tensing leg muscles; Anti G suits;
What are the human limits to withstanding long duration G with assistance?
+3-5G relaxed
+7-8G use anti G straining techniques
What are the human limits to withstanding short duration G?
-3G
+25G in vertical axis
+45G in fore/aft axis
What are the 4 types of barotrauma?
Otic (ear)
Sinus
Aerodentalgia (teeth)
Gastrointestinal
What might an Otic barotrauma cause?
Pain from temples
Temporary deafness
Pressure vertigo
Tinnitus
Rupture & bleed of eardrum
can cause deafness in extreme cases.
What does sinus barotrauma cause, when is it worst, and how do you treat it?
Pain in the eyes and temples, which can be so severe that it is difficult to maintrain control of the aircraft.
It is just as bad in the climb as it is in descent.
To treat return to the altitude at which there was no pain and then land ASAP but descend slowly.
What causes gatro-intestinal barotrauma, what does it cause and how can you treat it?
Caused by expanding gases in the small intestine.
Causes discomfort and sometimes pain is severe.
passing wind can eleviate it.
What is aerodontalgia, and where it is most common?
A type of barotrauma that causes gases to expand in fillings or absesses, causing severe pain.
It is most common in the climb.
When it comes to hazrdous and toxic materials, what must the operator ensure?
Personal have had enough training in handling.
There are procedures in place to ensure safe handling.
They must ensure that all documentation is complete and correct.
What things count as hazardous materials?
Fuels, lubricant and propellants
Anti icing fluid
Fire extinguishing agents
Agricultural chemicals
Mercury
Batteries
What must be done if skin is exposed to fuels, lubricants or propellants?
It must be washed with warm water WITHOUT soap.
Why is mercury spillage so bad?
It is highly corrosive and when it reacts with aluminium it releases toxic fumes.
What should you do it exposed to toxic materials?
Seek medical assistance ASAP.
What is the effect of ozone (O3) on humans?
It is highly toxic when inhaled.
Causes:
Severe headaches; Impaired vision; Emphysema (irreversible damage to elestic lung tissue.)
Where is ozone a potential danger and what protection do we have against it?
40000-75000ft and we have ozone converters.
What is cosmic radiation and where is it’s intensity highest?
it is radiation form space.
intensity increases with altitude up to 66000ft (20km) and with latitude up to 50deg where is constant.
What are the risk factors regarding cosmic radiation?
Altitude
Latitude
Solar cycle
Length of exposure
What are the 2 types of cosmic radiation, and when do we keep records of it?
Galactic cosmic radiation
Solar radiation
For flights above 49000ft
What are the characteristics of galactic cosmic radiation?
Comes from outside the solar system
Is predictable, steady, and increases with altitude
It consists of high energy particles
Due to the atmosphere being thicker there is more protection at the equator than at the poles
It damages cells causing cancer and possible birth defects.
What are the characteristics of solar radiation?
They come from solar flares
They are intense & unpredictable
Lower energy particles
Affects the CNS & damages organs
Can cause cancer (mainly of the skin - melenoma)
What is the effect of a solar storm on cosmic radiation?
they decrease it due to the solar flar deflecting galactic cosmic radiation away from earth.
