Human Factors Flashcards
What is hypoxia?
a state of oxygen deficiency in the body sufficient to impair function of the brain and other organs
Where does hypoxia usually occur?
Night vision deterioration can occur as low as 5,000. Other effects usually do not occur until 12,000ft. From 12,000 - 15,000, other significant effects begin to occur and only get worse when higher than 15,000ft.
What factors can make a pilot more susceptible to hypoxia?
Carbon monoxide, lowered hemoglobin, certain medication, alcohol and other drugs, extreme heat or cold, fever, and anxiety
How can hypoxia be avoided?
enrich inspired air with oxygen from an approved oxygen system, and by maintaining cabin pressure. Use supplemental oxygen above 10,000 ft during the day and 5,000 at night
What is hyperventilation?
abnormal increase in volume of air breathed through the lungs. Results in a significant decrease in the CO content of the blood
What symptoms can a pilot expect from hyperventilation?
symptoms such as light-headedness, suffocation, drowsiness, tingling, coolness.
How can a hyperventilating condition be reversed?
Conditions can be reversed after the rate and depth of breathing are consciously brought back to normal
What is carbon monoxide poisoning?
CO is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas contained in exhaust fumes. When inhaled, can significantly and quickly reduce ability of the blood to carry oxygen.
How does carbon monoxide poisoning occur and what symptoms should a pilot be alert for?
Most heaters in light aircraft work by air flowing over the manifold, where CO can escape into the cabin. Pilots should be alert for headache, drowsiness, or dizziness while using heater.
What action should be taken if a pilot suspects CO poisoning?
Immediately shut off heaters and open air vents
What is the cause of motion sickness, and what are the symptoms?
Motion sickness is caused by continued stimulation of the inner ear, which controls the sense of balance. Symptoms are progressive and include loss of appetite, saliva collecting in the mouth, nausea, disorientation, headaches, and possible vomiting.
What action should be taken if a pilot or his passenger suffers from motion sickness?
open up air vents, loosen the clothing, use supplemental oxygen, and keep eyes on a point outside the airplane.
What is ear block?
Basically, it’s what happens when your ears pop during a steep climb or descent due to the difference in pressure. It can cause severe pain and loss of hearing that can last from several hours to several days.
What action can be taken to prevent ear block in flight?
Yawning, swallowing, tensing muscles in the throat or the combination of closing the mouth, pinching the nose and attempting to blow through the nostrils.
What are the regulations for flight after alcohol consumption and blood alcohol level?
No flying until 8 hours after alcohol consumption
Must have a level of 0.04 or less.
For a pilot who has been taking an over-the counter cold medication, how do the various environmental factors the pilot is exposed to inflight after the drug’s physiological impact on the pilot?
Even if a drug doesn’t affect someone on the ground, it can still affect them at relatively low altitudes due to the changes in concentration of atmospheric gases in blood.
What regulations apply and what common sense should prevail concerning use of drugs and medication?
Regulation prohibit pilots from performing crewmember duties while using any medication that affects the faculties in any way contrary to safety. Only fly with medication if the medication had been approved by the FAA.
Discuss the effects of nitrogen excess during scuba diving upon a pilot passenger in flight.
Decompression sickness can occur if you do not wait before flying
Flight altitudes up to 8,000
- Wait at least 12 hours after diving not in a controlled ascent
- Wait at least 24 hours after diving in a controlled ascent
Flight altitudes above 8,000ft
- Wait at least 24 hours after any dive
If you are sick and receive prescribed meds, can you resume flying, or first see an FAA Airman Medical Examiner?
14 CFR Part 61.53 requires that all pilots voluntarily self-ground anytime:
a. They know or have reason to know of any medical condition that would deem them unable to meet the requirements for a medical certificate.
b. They are taking a medication or receiving other treatment for a medical condition that would result in being unable to meet the requirements for a medical certificate.
Can you operate an aircraft while taking OTC medications for an ongoing condition?
The safest rule is to take no medication while flying, except with the advice of your AME
Define “single-pilot resource management” (SRM)
the art and science of managing all resources available to a single pilot to ensure that the successful outcome of the flight is never in doubt.
What are examples of the skills necessary for effective SRM?
concepts of aeronautical decision making (ADM), risk management (RM), task management (TM), automation management (AM), controlled flight into terrain (CFIT), awareness, and situational awareness (SA).
What practical application provides a pilot with an effective method to practice SRM?
The “FIVE P” checklist:
The Plan, the Plane, the Pilot, the Passengers, and the Programming
Based on the idea that the pilot has essentially five variables that impact his or her environment that influences a pilots decision making
Explain the use of the “FIVE P” model
Plan - weather, route, publications, ATC reroutes/delays, fuel onboard/remaining
Plane - mechanical status, automation status, database currency, backup systems
Pilot - illness, medication, stress, alcohol, fatigue, eating
Passengers, pilots/nonpilots, nervous or quiet, experienced or new, business or pleasure
Programming - autopilot, GPS, MFD/PFD; anticipate likely reroutes/clearances.
When is the use of the “FIVE P” checklist recommended?
concept relies on the pilot to adopt a scheduled review of the critical variables at points in flight where decisions are most likely to be effective, such as preflight, pre-takeoff, etc. Can also be used in emergency situations.
Define “aeronautical decision making”
ADM is the systematic approach to the mental process used by aircraft pilots to consistently determine the best course of action in response to a given set of circumstances