FAA Task H: Human Factors Flashcards
Hypoxia
All, cyanosis and euphoria shortness of breath.
Hypoxic Hypoxia: Interupts flow of O2 to lungs
Hypemic Hypoxia: Blood can’t carry the oxygen (like carbon monoxide poisoning or anemia).
Histotoxic Hypoxia: Cells can’t use the oxygen they receive (due to toxins like alcohol or drugs).
Stagnant Hypoxia: Blood is not circulating properly, so oxygen isn’t being delivered to tissues. Age or poor health.
Hyperventilation
Breathing too fast makes you have too little carbon dioxide.
Causes in Aviation:
Anxiety or stress
Talk aloud or breath into a bag.
Middle ear and sinus problems
Symptom: Ear pain, dizziness, sinus pressure, difficulty equalizing
Cause: Blocked Eustachian tube or sinuses due to congestion, allergies, or illness
Effect: Severe pain, possible eardrum rupture, vertigo affecting flight performance
Corrective Action: Avoid flying when congested, use the Valsalva maneuver, chew gum, or take decongestants if medically approved
Spatial disorientation
Spatial disorientation is a condition where a pilot’s perception of their position, motion, or altitude is distorted, often due to the lack of external visual references.
Motion sickness
Motion sickness happens when the brain receives conflicting signals from the eyes, inner ear, and body. To manage it, I focus on the horizon, avoid sudden head movements, and maintain steady breathing.
Carbon monoxide poisoning
If you or a passenger begin to show signs of CO poisoning (e.g., headache, dizziness, confusion), it’s important to immediately suspect carbon monoxide.
Stress
Acute Stress:
This is short-term stress that occurs in response to specific events or situations, such as a sudden change in weather, emergency situations, or tight deadlines.
Chronic Stress:
This is long-term stress that builds up over time, often due to ongoing issues such as personal problems, work pressure, or fatigue.
Fatigue
Fatigue can significantly affect my performance as a pilot by reducing my reaction time, attention span, and judgment.
Hypothermia
Hypothermia is a serious risk, particularly in cold environments or high altitudes, and can severely impair a pilot’s physical and mental abilities.
Symptoms range from mild shivering and fatigue to severe disorientation and unconsciousness.
Dehydration and nutrition
Dehydration symptoms include fatigue, dizziness, headaches, and poor concentration.
Dehydration and poor nutrition can seriously impair a pilot’s performance, affecting both physical and cognitive functions.
Dissolved nitrogen in the bloodstream after scuba dives
Dissolved nitrogen from scuba diving can form bubbles in the bloodstream if flying too soon after a dive, causing decompression sickness (DCS).
Decompression sickness symptoms include joint pain, dizziness, fatigue, and potentially serious neurological effects.
Regulations regarding use of alcohol and drugs.
91.17
8 hours, bottle to throttle, .04 BAC.
Effects of alcohol, drugs, and over-the-counter medications.
Prescription and illegal drugs can significantly impair cognitive and physical functions.
Aeronautical Decision-Making (ADM) to include using Crew Resource Management (CRM) or Single-
Pilot Resource Management (SRM), as appropriate.
D: Detect
E: Estimate
C: Choose
I: Identify
D: Do
E: Evaluate
SRM, autopilot?
CRM: ATC?
Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
Aviate, Navigate, Communicate. Rely on your instruments.
Confirmation and expectation bias.
Confirmation Bias: The tendency to seek or interpret information in a way that confirms preexisting beliefs, leading to unsafe decisions.
Expectation Bias: The tendency to perceive what you expect to see, which can result in missed cues or misinterpreted data.
