Human Factors Flashcards
Hypoxia
Lack of Oxygen
Symptoms: headache, drowsy, blue fingernails/lips, sense well being
Cause: insufficient oxygen in blood, low pressure at altitude
Remedy: use of supplemental oxygen, descend to lower altitude, land as soon as practicable
Hyperventilation
Symptoms: increased breathing rate, dizziness, tingling fingers/toes, visual impairment
Cause: abnormal loss of carbon dioxide in blood, from rapid breathing, can be a reaction to stress
Remedy: return breathing to normal, breathe into a plastic bag, talk out loud
Spatial Disorientation
Cause: no visual references. Illusions caused by motion (centrifugal force, gravity, small velocity changes)
Symptoms: Brain can’t determine orientation based on normal senses. Vertigo
Remedy: training, rely on instruments
Motion Sickness
Cause: Vestibular system in conflict with vision
Symptoms: nausea, warm, sick to stomach
Remedy: fresh air, focus on something in the distance, slow breathing, limit fast head movement, close eyes
Stress/Fatigue
Cause: over worked, lack of sleep, stressful situations
Symptoms: poor decision making
Remedy: rest
Dehydration
Cause: loss of water from the body, hot cockpit
Symptoms: headache, fatigue, cramping, dizziness
Remedy: drink fluids, keep hydrated
Carbon Monoxcide Poisoning
Cause: Odorless gas. Smelling exhaust gas is a good sign.
Symptoms: headache, drowsiness, dizziness, tightness in forehead
Can significantly reduce the ability of the blood to carry oxygen
Effects of Hypemic Hypoxia can occur
Remedy: Open windows, turn off heater
Alcohol/Drugs Regulations
- Cannot drink less than 8 hours before you fly
- Cannot have more .04% BAC before flying
- Not under the influence (hungover)
- Conviction of Alcohol or Drug use while driving: written report to FAA Civil Aviation Security Division no later than 60 days after conviction. Cert. May be suspended or revoked
Aeronautical Decision Making
A systematic approach to the mental process used by pilots to consistently determine the best course of action in response to a given set of circumstances
5 Hazardous Attitudes
Anti-Authority Impulsivity Invulnerability Macho Resignation
Anti-Authority
“Don’t tell me what to do”
Antidote: Follow the rules. They are usually right
Impulsivity
“Do it quickly”
Antidote: Not so fast. Think first
Invulnerability
“It won’t happen to me”
Antidote: It could happen to me
Macho
“I can do it”
Antidote: Taking chances is foolish
Resignation
“What’s the use”
Antidote: I’m not helpless, I can make a difference
Alcohol Effects
As little as 1oz liquor, 1 bottle of beer, 4oz of wine can impair flying skills. Alcohol also renders a pilot more susceptible to disorientation and hypoxia.
IMSAFE
Illness: Medication Stress Alcohol Fatigue Emotion
PAVE
Pilot
Aircraft
EnVironment
External Factors
Positive Aircraft Control
I’m controlling the aircraft, the aircraft isn’t controlling me.
Hypoxic Hypoxia
Not enough oxygen in your surroundings. Decrease in the number of oxygen molecules at lower pressure altitudes can lead to hypoxic Hypoxia.
Hypemic Hypoxia
Think “anemia” or blood issues, blood cannot transport a sufficient amount of oxygen to the cells in the body. “Not enough blood”
Stagnant Hypoxia
“Not flowing” A blood circulation issue to the tissues. Leg falling asleep. Can be from G-Forces.
Histotoxic Hypoxia
The organ/tissue/cells themselves cannot use the oxygen efficiently. Could be Alcohol related.
Middle ear and sinus problems
Vestibular system, organs found in the inner ear that sense position by the way we are balanced
