Human Factor Flashcards
Corrective action for Hypoxia
To remedy some affects of hypoxia, the pilot should fly at lower altitudes and use supplemental oxygen
At what altitude (MSL) does the average person begin to feel Hypoxia?
Begin to feel the affects of hypoxia at 10,000’
for some, hypoxia can cause impairment with altitudes as low as 5,000
What is hypoxia insidious?
It sneaks up on you, blinding you to the feeling that something is wrong
initial symptoms such as a care free feeling can provide false sense of security
the human body does not give reliable signals at the onset of hypoxia
medication that depress the nervous system (sleep aids) or antihistaminic (allergy) make pilots more susceptible
Hypoxia Symptoms
Varies from person to person
first symptom is generally feeling euphoric/carefree
headache, increased reaction time, decreased response to stimuli, impaired judgment, visual impairment, drowsiness, light headed/dizzy, tingling in extremities, numbness, tunnel vision
(tunnel vision usually kicks in as hypoxia worsens, instrument interpretation becomes difficult
Hypemic Hypoxia
occurs when the blood is not available to take up and transport a sufficient amount of oxygen to the cells of the body “not enough blood”
result of oxygen deficiency in blood
a common cause is CO poisoning
Hypoxic Hypoxia
A result of insufficient oxygen available to the body as a whole.
can be cause from a blocked airway
as aircraft rise during flight there are fewer available molecules at the pressure required for them to pass through the membrane of the respitory system
Stagnant Hypoxia
“not flowing” results when the )2 rich blood in the lungs is not moving to the tissue that needs it
can result from shock or heart failing to pump
excessive Gs in flight
cold temperatures can slow circulatory flow
Histotoxic
“toxic” the inability of the cells to effectively use oxygen
can be caused by alcohol or drug such as narcotics
1oz alcohol= 2,000 of physiological altitude
Symptoms of hypoxia
Very from individual but common ones are:
cyanosis (blue finger tips or lips), headaches, decreaased stimuli response and delayed reaction time, impared judgment, euphoria, drowsiness, tingling fingers/toes, light headed/dizzy, numbness, visual imparement
Hyperventilation
The excessive rate and depth of respiration leading to abnormal loss of CO2 from the blood.
Common symptoms include:rapid breathing, visual impairment, light headed or dizzy sensation, tingling sensation, hot / cold sensation, muscle spasms, unconsciousness
What can cause hyperventilation?
Hyperventilation can be cause by:
The body reacting to stressful situations
Flying higher altitudes a pilot may have a tendency to breath more rapidly than normal.
Corrective action for hyperventilation
Breathing normally is the best prevention and the best cure for hyperventilation
breathing into a bag also helps
once normal breathing is restored, hyperventilation rapidly subsides
*sing/talking
Middle ear sinus problems
Sinus Block
AN upper respiratory infection, such as a cold or sinusitis, or a nasal allergy condition can produce enough congestion around an opening to slow equalization. As the difference in pressure between the sinuses and flight deck increases, congestion may plug the opening. This “sinus block” occurs most frequently during descent.
Sinus block can be avoided by not flying with upper respiratory infection or nasal allergy conditions
What is the middle ear?
What is the inner ear?
Middle ear is a small cavity located in the bone of the skull, right on the inside of the ear drum
Inner ear is the portion of the ear located on the inside of the eardrum
in houses organs that make up the vestibular system “the semicircular canals”
Ear Block
When the Eustachian tube is blocked and unable to equalize pressure during climbs and descents
can cause severe ear pain and hearing loss that can lost hours/days
can also lead to ruptured wardrum/ infections
Why do descents inflict more discomfort on eardrums than climbs?
Equalizing lower pressure air inside the middle ear through the Eustachian tube becomes more difficult due to the fact that the partial vacuum tends to constrict the walls of the tube.
This vacuum effect on the Eustachian tube does not happen in climbs
Optical Illusions
Various terrain features and atmospheric conditions can create optical illusions primarily associated with landing. The major illusions leading to errors are:
Runway width illusions - may seem higher
Featureless terrain Illusion - may seem higher
Water refraction - may seem higher
Haze - may seem higher or farther
Fog - may seem like pitching up
Runway/terrain slope Illusion - may seem higher
ground lighting illusion - road light may seem like runway/also may make runway appear closer than reality
Spatial Disorientation
Lack of orientation with regard to position, attitude, or movement of the airplane in space.
the body uses 3 integrated systems to ascertain orientation and movement in space;
-vestibular system- organ found in the inner ear that sense position by the way we are balanced
-somatosensory system - nerves in the skin, muscles, and joints that, along with hearing, sense position based on gravity, feeling and sounds
-visual system - eyes, which sense position based on what is seen
What causes spatial disorientation?
our three sensory systems providing conflicting information to the brain - this gives an unclear idea of where and how the body is moving
The leans illusion
an abrupt correction of a banked attitude which has been entered too slowly to stimulate the motion sensing system in the ear, can create the illusion of banking in opposite direction
How can you prevent potentially hazardous illusion
to prevent hazardous illusions use the vasi or papi or electronic glide slopes is available
anticipate illusions: use chart supplements for info on runway slope, terrain, lighting
Make frequent references to altimeter
corrective action for motion sickness
starting with shorter flights or flying in less turbulent conditions is a good measure to take to prevent motion sickness
opening fresh air vents/windows, focusing on objects outside the airplane, and avoiding unnecessary head movement may alleviate some discomfort
Motion sickness
motion sickness or air sickness is caused by the brain receiving conflicting messages about the state of the body
common symptoms
discomfort
nausea
dizziness
paleness
sweating
vomiting
carbon monoxide poisoning CO
colorless odorless gas produced by internal combustion
prevents hemoglobin from carrying oxygen to cells
if strong exhaust odors are present, assume CO is present
some CO poisoning symptoms are: headache, dizziness, drowsiness, loss of muscle power, blurred vision
