Human factors Flashcards
How does smoking affect pilot performance?
CO in cigarette smoke reduces the bloods oxygen carrying capacity, thus a moderate to heavy smoker is several thousand feet higher than their actual level. Smokers brain suffers the effects of oxygen deprivation at a lower level than a non-smokers.
Effect of upper respiratory tract infection on pilot performance.
Having a cold, flu or hay fever can cause the mucus membrane to swell and block the venting action, causing a build up of pressure within the sinus cavity which can be greatly aggravated by changes in outside air pressure associated with climbing/descending in unpressurised aircraft. Pain resulting can impair pilots concentration.
Effect of food poisoning on pilot performance.
Can lead to pilot incapacitation during flight. Avoid prepared hot foods that are kept for some time before sale, and seafood, choose fresh fruit or vegetables and freshly cooked meals.
Effect of pregnancy on pilot performance, when to stop flying and impact on cockpit ergonomics.
A normal pregnancy will not be affected by flying. A DAME or obstetrician should be consulted if there is any reason to believe that the pregnancy will not be normal. Generally recommended that flying should stop after the 6th month. Pre-flight checks involve bending and climbing, there may be some degree of restriction to full and free operation of controls.
Effect of injury on pilot performance.
You should advise CASA or DAME asap if suffering from an injury, you should not fly until you meet medical standards. Injury will decrease pilot performance.
Effect of age on pilot performance.
Effects of aging are mainly deterioration of hearing, long sightedness which can decrease pilot performance and ability to focus. Must remain above the minimum standards.
Effects of alcohol on pilot performance.
Decreases judgement and reason, some individuals exhibit a degree of destabilising of the balance mechanism of the middle ear long after the blood alcohol level have fallen below the legal limit.
Effect of blood donations on pilot performance.
In some individuals a blood donation can cause tiredness and a lowering of blood pressure.
Effects of dehydration on pilot performance.
Dehydration eventually leads to a malfunction of almost every bodily process including emotional disturbances and irrational decision making.
Emotional considerations for pilot performance.
Anxiety, depression or fear only become destructive when there is no rational reason for such emotions. A pilot who continuously experiences feelings of anxiety, depression or fear that have no foundation in the real world is not in a fit emotional state to fly.
Signs of hyperventilation.
The reduction in the acidity of the blood due to loss of carbon dioxide produces light-headedness, dizziness, sweating, rapid heartbeat and tingling or numbness in the hands and feet. Fainting sometimes occurs.
How to combat hyperventilation.
The simplest way to treat the condition is to make a conscious effort to slow down the breathing rate.
Define hyperventilation and recall its causes.
Hyperventilation is a state of over breathing usually brought about by fear, excitement or anxiety. It is accompanied by a panicky feeling of suffocation that leads to deep, rapid breathing. Hyperventilation can be brought on by anxiety or fear associated with an in-flight emergency, or by overcompensating for a perceived lack of oxygen and breathing more deeply and frequently.
Explain the purpose of the eustachian tube and effects of atmospheric/cabin pressure changes.
Ventilation passage (eustachian tube) connects the middle ear to the back of the nose. This tube is normally closed but during yawning or swallowing can open to equalise pressure on both sides of the eardrum.
Recall the factors which are conducive to mid-air collisions and describe techniques for visual ‘scanning’.
Assess the traffic situation from radio reports. After take-off, continue to scan to ensure that there will be no obstacles to your safe departure. During the climb and descent beware of the blind spot under the nose – manoeuvre the aircraft so that you can check.
Especially during climb or descent, listen to radio exchanges between air traffic and other aircraft and form a mental image of the traffic situation and positions of aircraft on opposing and intersecting headings, anticipating further developments.
