BAK Flashcards
(21 cards)
What are the basic principles of Threat and Error Management (TEM)?
Identify threats, manage them to prevent errors and avoid undesired aircraft states.
What is the TEM process for single-pilot operations?
Identify threats → assess risk → plan → avoid.
Define a ‘threat’ in aviation.
Any situation that could cause an undesirable aircraft state.
Give examples of threats.
Wildlife, passengers, traffic, weather, equipment, pilot.
What is an example of a committed error and how to mitigate it?
Incorrect weight calculation → cross-check with another opinion and use checklists.
How do checklists and SOPs help prevent errors?
Prevent memory lapses, assist with workload management, and help identify threats.
What is the relationship between stress and arousal in pilots?
Moderate arousal = peak performance; too low or too high = reduced performance.
Name 5 stressors in aviation.
Heat, cold, noise, vibration, lack of sleep.
What are environmental stressors that affect performance?
Excessive heat, cold, noise, vibration, discomfort.
What are symptoms of stress?
Reduced concentration, memory issues, irritability.
What are coping strategies for fatigue?
Quality sleep, relaxation, fitness and diet.
Difference between acute and chronic fatigue?
Acute = short-term; Chronic = long-term and cumulative.
Which sensory systems maintain body equilibrium in flight?
Eyes, inner ear (vestibular), and proprioceptive system (‘seat of the pants’).
Why are these sensory systems unreliable in flight?
They can mislead perception, especially in poor visibility or without external reference.
What is the ‘leans’ illusion?
Sensation of banking when in level flight—caused by inner ear.
What are autokinetic illusions?
A stationary light appears to move when stared at in the dark.
What is the somatogravic illusion?
Acceleration feels like a nose-up pitch → pilot may push nose down.
How can environmental perspective cause illusions?
Hazy = object appears farther; clear = object appears closer.
What illusions result from false horizons?
Misjudging the aircraft’s attitude → risk of unintentional bank or descent/climb.
How can depth perception be affected in flight?
Over water, snow, or desert → reduced texture = poor height estimation.
What illusion can windscreen curvature cause?
Distorted vision → affects judgment of angles and distance.
