Human Factors

Question 1

Discuss some runway and landing
illusions

Answer 1

Narrow Runway: Appears farther away, causing a low approach.

Wide Runway: Appears closer, causing a high approach.

Upsloping Runway: Feels higher, causing a low approach.

Downsloping Runway: Feels lower, causing a high approach.

Featureless Terrain (Black Hole Effect): Lack of visual references causes the illusion of being higher than you are, leading to a lower approach.

Rain or Fog: Reduces visual cues, making the runway appear farther away.

Question 2

What are the functions of Rods and Cones?

Answer 2

Rods: Sensitive to low light, provide peripheral and night vision, but cannot detect color.

Cones: Function in bright light, detect color, and provide sharp central vision.

Question 3

How do you visually scan during the day and night?

Answer 3

Day: Use a systematic scan, focusing on small segments of the sky for 1-2 seconds at a time.

Night: Use off-center viewing and scan slowly to allow rods to detect movement in low light. Avoid focusing directly on objects due to rods’ positioning.

Question 4

Give an example of illusions

Answer 4

Inversion
Coriolis
Elevator
False Horizons
Leans
Autokinesis
Graveyard spin/spiral
Somatogravic

Question 5

Give an example of a vestibular illusion

Answer 5

The Leans: Occurs when a slow, unnoticed bank is corrected, causing the sensation of banking in the opposite direction. This may lead a pilot to re-enter the original bank to “feel level.”

Question 6

Give an example of a visual illusion

Answer 6

False Horizon: Occurs when the natural horizon is obscured or a sloping cloud layer creates the appearance of a horizon, leading to misalignment of the aircraft.

Question 7

Give an example of an illusion that might be more common at night?

Answer 7

Autokinesis: A stationary light may appear to move if stared at for several seconds in darkness, leading to disorientation.

Question 8

What are some ways you can prepare yourself for night flight?

Answer 8

Conduct a thorough preflight inspection with a flashlight.

Ensure all lights (cockpit, exterior, and flashlights) are operational.

Adapt your eyes to darkness for 30 minutes before flight.

Plan for extra altitude and maintain situational awareness.

Question 9

What is hypoxia? Types?
Symptoms? Corrective action?

Answer 9

Definition: Oxygen deficiency in the body.

Types: Hypoxic (altitude), Hypemic (blood inability to carry oxygen), Stagnant (poor circulation), Histotoxic (cellular oxygen use impaired, e.g., alcohol).

Symptoms: Confusion, cyanosis, euphoria, rapid breathing, headache.
Corrective Action: Descend to lower altitude and use supplemental oxygen.

Question 10

What is an ear block? What can you do to prevent getting one in flight?

Answer 10

Definition: Blockage of the Eustachian tube during pressure changes.

Prevention: Yawning, swallowing, or using the Valsalva maneuver during climbs/descents.

Question 11

What is a sinus block? What are the symptoms? How can it be prevented?

Answer 11

Symptoms: Pain in the sinuses during ascent/descent, pressure around the face.

Prevention: Avoid flying with nasal congestion, and use a decongestant if cleared by an aviation medical examiner.

Question 12

Is it safe to take OTC medication sand fly? Explain how you would determine this in a scenario.

Answer 12

Not all OTC medications are safe. Check the FAA’s “Do Not Fly” list or consult an AME. Medications causing drowsiness or impairing cognitive function are prohibited. Wait 5x the dosing interval before flying (e.g., wait 10 hours if the dose is every 2 hours).

Question 13

What is carbon monoxide poisoning? Symptoms? Corrective action?

Answer 13

Definition: Inhalation of CO from exhaust fumes.

Symptoms: Headache, nausea, confusion, cherry-red skin (severe cases).

Corrective Action: Turn off cabin heat, open vents/windows, use supplemental oxygen, land immediately.

Question 14

Can carbon monoxide poisoning be reversed?

Answer 14

Reversal: Remove from exposure and allow time for the body to expel CO.

Question 15

What is hyperventilation?
Symptoms? Corrective actions?

Answer 15

Definition: Excessive breathing leading to low CO2 levels in the blood.

Symptoms: Dizziness, lightheadedness, tingling in extremities.

Corrective Action: Slow breathing, breathe into a bag, or talk aloud to regulate airflow.

Question 16

What is stress? What is fatigue? What are the kinds of fatigue?

Answer 16

Stress: Mental/physical strain.
Fatigue: Exhaustion from prolonged stress or activity.

Acute: Short-term, resolves with rest.
Chronic: Long-term, persistent, and dangerous.

Question 17

What are the recommendations on
flying after scuba diving? Why is it dangerous?

Answer 17

Wait 12 hours for non-decompression dives or 24 hours for decompression dives before flying.

Flying too soon can cause decompression sickness due to nitrogen bubbles in tissues.

Question 18

What is the regulation regarding alcohol consumption and operating
an aircraft?

Answer 18

Regulation: 8-hour bottle-to-throttle and a 0.04% BAC limit.

Question 19

Can you carry a passenger that is under the influence of alcohol?

Answer 19

Passenger Rule: No intoxicated passengers unless it’s an emergency.

Question 20

How do you obtain a medical certificate?

Answer 20

Schedule an exam with an FAA-authorized Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). If a medical deficiency exists, contact the FAA for special issuance procedures.

Question 21

How would you obtain a medical certificate in the event of a possible
medical deficiency?

Answer 21

Schedule an exam with an FAA-authorized Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). If a medical deficiency exists, contact the FAA for special issuance procedures.

Question 22

What is Single Pilot Resource Management? Give a practical
application of using SRM

Answer 22

Definition: Managing resources to maintain safety during solo flight.

Example: Using the “5P Model” (Plan, Plane, Pilot, Passengers, Programming) to assess risk before and during flight.

Question 23

What is Aeronautical Decision Making?

Answer 23

Definition: A systematic approach to risk management in aviation.

Question 24

Name a model you use when practicing effective ADM

Answer 24

Model: Use the DECIDE
Model (Detect, Estimate, Choose, Identify, Do, Evaluate) to address in-flight issues.

Question 25

What are the hazardous attitudes?
What are the antidotes?

Answer 25

Anti-authority (“Don’t tell me!”): Follow the rules; they are usually right.

Impulsivity (“Do it quickly!”): Not so fast; think first.

Invulnerability (“It won’t happen to me!”): It could happen to you.

Macho (“I can do it!”): Taking chances is foolish.

Resignation (“What’s the use?”): I’m not helpless; I can make a difference.

Question 26

Define risk management?

Answer 26

Definition: A systematic process to identify, assess, and mitigate risks during flight operations.

Question 27

What is a method you use to manage risk?

Answer 27

Method: Use the PAVE Model (Pilot, Aircraft, Environment, External Pressures) to identify potential hazards.

Question 28

Explain the use of personal
minimums

Answer 28

Explanation: A pilot’s self-imposed safety buffer above legal minimums, such as minimum weather conditions or fuel reserves. They help manage risk and decision-making.

Question 29

Define CFIT and list some techniques or actions you use to avoid a CFIT
accident

Answer 29

Controlled Flight Into Terrain

Definition: Accidental collision with terrain during controlled flight, often due to loss of situational awareness.

Avoidance: Use terrain awareness systems, stay disciplined in IMC, avoid complacency, and maintain proper planning and route awareness.

Question 30

When is a good time to use sterile cockpit procedure?

Answer 30

When to Use:
During critical phases of flight like taxi, takeoff, landing

Question 31

What are some other procedures or habits you use for Runway Incursion
avoidance?

Answer 31

Techniques:

Always read back taxi instructions.

Use airport diagrams and brief taxi routes before moving.

Avoid distractions during taxi.

Visually confirm runway entries and hold short points.

Turn on all available lights when crossing or entering a runway.