Human Factors Flashcards
What is Hypoxia, what does it result from, symptoms, cures?
Oxygen deficiency in your body. Results from flying at higher altitudes without supplemental oxygen. Subtle. Symptoms are blue fingernails, lips, ears, decreased skill capability. Cured by using supplemental oxygen at 10,000 feet during day and 5,000 at night.
What is hyperventilation? Results from? Symptoms? Cures?
Medical condition in which there is too little carbon monoxide in your body. Caused by excessive breathing, emotional tension, fear, excitement. Symptoms: Lightheadedness, A feeling of suffocation, drowsiness, tingling sensation in fingers and toes. Overcome by deliberately slowing breathing rate, breathing into a bag, talking aloud, singing
What are middle ear and sinus problems?
During climbs the pressure in your body will escape through your nasal cavaities. During descents sometimes the Eustachian Tube will be blocked and the pressure can’t escape. Ear Block is painful and can cause severe hearing loss for a few hours to a few days. Yawning, swallowing, pinching your nose and blowing out, tensing jaws in the throat will open the Eustachian tube and relieve the pressure.
What is ear block?
Occurs when you have an upper respiratory infection and causes equalization of pressure within the Eustachian tube to be difficult. Results in serious ear pain and loss of hearing and can potentially rupture ear drum. Can be prevented by not flying. Don’t take oral decongestations . they will impair flying skills.
What is sinus block?
When the sinuses are blocked by upper respiratory infection like a cold, or nasal allergic condition. Don’t fly.
What is spatial disorientation?
Lack of orientation in regards to the position, altitude, and movement of the airplane in space. Best counter measure is prevention, and trusting your instruments in the scenario.
What is motion sickness?
The brain receiving conflicting messages about the state of the body. Symptoms include general discomfort, nausea, dizziness, paleness, sweating and vomiting. Open air vents, focus on objects outside the plane, avoid unncessary head movements.
What is carbon monoxide poisoning? Symptoms? Cures?
Tasteless, colorless, odorless gas. By product of burning fuel in the engine. Results in hypoxia, Enters cabin through cabin heat system if theres a crack in the shroud of the exahust. May smell exahust in the cabin. Symptoms= Difficulty breathing, blurred vision, headache, Dizziness. Shut off all heat. Open all windows and vents, Land as soon as practical at nearest airport.
What is stress and fatigue?
Not getting enough rest & sleep, not eating or drinking properly. excessive physical or mental strain. Poor coordination and lack of alertness. An inability to remember. Avoid high stress situations before flying. Get adequate sleep and food before flying.
Dehydration
Lack of water in the body. Headaches, Decreased blood pressure, dizziness or fatigue. Drink water, avoid dehydrating foods. (Soft drinks, coffee, dry food.)
Hypothermia
Body is too cold to function normally. Most common sign is shivering. Increased breathing rate and cold extremities. Can lead to death. Wear warm clothes and bring extra warm gear with you. Blankets, etc.
Scuba Diving
Residual nitrogen may stay in your bloodstream for up to 24 hours. Wait 24 hours before flying.
Alcohol Rules
.04 blood content and 8 hours bottle to throttle
Drugs
“No person may act or attempt to act as a crewmember of a civil aircraft while using any drug that affects the persons faculties in any way contrary to safety.”
Any drug related questions
Contact your local aviation medical examiner (AME)
