Human Factors Flashcards
What regulations apply to medical certification?
Part 67—Medical Standards and Certification
As a flight crewmember, you discover you have high blood pressure. You are in possession of a current medical certificate. Can you continue to exercise the privileges of your certificate? (AIM 8-1-1)
No; the regulations prohibit a pilot who possesses a current medical certificate from performing crewmember duties while the pilot has a known medical condition or an increase of a known medical condition that would make the pilot unable to meet the standards for the medical certificate.
Are flight crewmembers allowed the use of any medications while performing required duties? (AIM 8-1-1)
The regulations prohibit pilots from performing crewmember duties while using any medication that affects the faculties in any way contrary to safety. The safest rule is not to fly as a crewmember while taking any medication, unless approved to do so by the FAA.
Are there any over-the-counter medications that could be considered safe to use while flying? (AIM 8-1-1)
No; pilot performance can be seriously degraded by both prescribed and over-the-counter medications, as well as by the medical conditions for which they are taken. Many medications have primary effects that may impair judgment, memory, alertness, coordination, vision, and the ability to make calculations. Also, any medication that depresses the central nervous system can make a pilot more susceptible to hypoxia.
What are several factors that may contribute to impairment of a pilot’s performance? (AIM 8-1-1)
I llness
M edication
S tress
A lcohol
F atigue
E motion
What is hypoxia? (AIM 8-1-2)
Hypoxia is a state of oxygen deficiency in the body sufficient to impair functions of the brain and other organs.
Give a brief explanation of the four forms of hypoxia. (FAA-H-8083-25)
Hypoxic—the result of insufficient oxygen available to the body as a whole. The reduction in partial pressure of oxygen at high altitude is an example for pilots.
Hypemic—the blood is unable to transport a sufficient amount of oxygen to the cells; the result of oxygen deficiency in the blood, rather than a lack of inhaled oxygen, CO2 poisoning is an example.
Stagnant—this results when the oxygen-rich blood in the lungs is not moving. It can result from shock, the heart failing to pump blood effectively, a constricted artery, and with excessive acceleration of gravity (Gs).
Histotoxic—inability of the cells to effectively use oxygen; it can be caused by alcohol and other drugs.
Where does hypoxia usually occur, and what symptoms should one expect? (AIM 8-1-2)
Although a deterioration in night vision occurs at a cabin pressure altitude as low as 5,000 feet, other significant effects of altitude hypoxia usually do not occur in the normal healthy pilot below 12,000 feet. From 12,000 feet to 15,000 feet of altitude, judgment, memory, alertness, coordination, and ability to make calculations are impaired, and headache, drowsiness, dizziness and either a sense of well-being or belligerence occur.
What factors can make a pilot more susceptible to hypoxia? (AIM 8-1-2)
a. Carbon monoxide inhaled in smoking or from exhaust fumes
b. Anemia (lowered hemoglobin)
c. Certain medications
d. Small amounts of alcohol
e. Low doses of certain drugs (antihistamines, tranquilizers, sedatives, analgesics, etc.)
Also, extreme heat or cold, fever, and anxiety increase the body’s demand for oxygen, and hence its susceptibility to hypoxia.
How can hypoxia be avoided? (AIM 8-1-2, FAA-H-8083-25)
Hypoxia is prevented by heeding factors that reduce tolerance to altitude, by enriching the inspired air with oxygen from an appropriate oxygen system, and by maintaining a comfortable, safe cabin pressure altitude. For optimum protection, pilots are encouraged to use supplemental oxygen above 10,000 feet during the day, and above 5,000 feet at night. If supplemental oxygen is not available, a fingertip pulse oximeter can be very useful in monitoring blood O2 levels.
What is hyperventilation? (AIM 8-1-3)
Hyperventilation is an abnormal increase in the volume of air breathed in and out of the lungs, and it can occur subconsciously when a stressful situation is encountered in flight. This results in a significant decrease in the carbon dioxide content of the blood. Carbon dioxide is needed to automatically regulate the breathing process.
What symptoms can a pilot expect from hyperventilation? (AIM 8-1-3)
As hyperventilation “blows off” excessive carbon dioxide from the body, a pilot can experience symptoms of lightheadedness, suffocation, drowsiness, tingling in the extremities, and coolness, and react to them with even greater hyperventilation. Incapacitation can eventually result from uncoordination, disorientation, and painful muscle spasms. Finally, unconsciousness can occur
How can a hyperventilating condition be reversed? (AIM 8-1-3)
The symptoms of hyperventilation subside within a few minutes after the rate and depth of breathing are consciously brought back to normal. The buildup of carbon dioxide in the body can be hastened by controlled breathing in and out of a paper bag held over the nose and mouth.
What is “ear block”? (AIM 8-1-2)
As the aircraft cabin pressure decreases during ascent, the expanding air in the middle ear pushes open the Eustachian tube and escapes down to the nasal passages, thereby equalizing in pressure with the cabin pressure. But this is not automatic during descent, and the pilot must periodically open the Eustachian tube to equalize pressure. An upper respiratory infection or a nasal allergic condition can produce enough congestion around the Eustachian tube to make equalization difficult. Consequently, the difference in pressure between the middle ear and aircraft cabin can build to a level that holds the Eustachian tube closed, making equalization difficult if not impossible. An ear block produces severe pain and loss of hearing that can last from several hours to several days.
How is ear block normally prevented from occurring? (AIM 8-1-2)
Ear block can normally be prevented by swallowing, yawning, tensing muscles in the throat or, if these do not work, by the combination of closing the mouth, pinching the nose closed and attempting to blow through the nostrils (Valsalva maneuver). It is also prevented by not flying with an upper respiratory infection or nasal allergic condition
What is spatial disorientation? (FAA-H-8083-15)
What causes spatial disorientation? (FAA-H-8083-15)
What is the cause of motion sickness, and what are its symptoms? (FAA-P-8740-41)
Motion sickness is caused by continued stimulation of the inner ear, which controls the pilot’s sense of balance. The symptoms are progressive. First, the desire for food is lost. Then, saliva collects in the mouth and the person begins to perspire freely. Eventually, the person becomes nauseated and disoriented, and may have a headache and a tendency to vomit. If the air sickness becomes severe enough, the pilot may become completely incapacitated.
What action should be taken if a pilot or passenger suffers from motion sickness? (FAA-P-8740-41)
If suffering from airsickness while piloting an aircraft, open up the air vents, loosen clothing, use supplemental oxygen, and keep the eyes on a point outside the airplane. Avoid unnecessary head movements. Then cancel the flight and land as soon as possible.
What regulations apply, and what common sense should prevail, concerning the use of alcohol? (AIM 8-1-1)
The regulations prohibit pilots from performing crewmember duties within 8 hours after drinking any alcoholic beverage or while under the influence of alcohol. However, due to the slow destruction of alcohol, a pilot may still be under its influence 8 hours after drinking a moderate amount of alcohol. Therefore, an excellent rule is to allow at least 12 to 24 hours from “bottle to throttle,” depending on the amount of alcoholic beverage consumed.
What is carbon monoxide poisoning? (AIM 8-1-4)
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas contained in exhaust fumes. When breathed, even in minute quantities over a period of time, it can significantly reduce the ability of the blood to carry oxygen. Consequently, effects of hypoxia occur.
How does carbon monoxide poisoning occur, and what symptoms should a pilot be alert for? (AIM 8-1-4)
Most heaters in light aircraft work by air flowing over the manifold. Use of these heaters while exhaust fumes are escaping through manifold cracks and seals is responsible for several nonfatal and fatal aircraft accidents from carbon monoxide poisoning each year. A pilot who detects the odor of exhaust or experiences symptoms of headache, drowsiness, or dizziness while using the heater should suspect carbon monoxide poisoning.
What action should be taken if a pilot suspects carbon monoxide poisoning? (AIM 8-1-4)
A pilot who suspects this condition exists should immediately shut off the heater and open all air vents. If symptoms are severe, or they continue after landing, the pilot should seek medical treatment.
Discuss the effects of nitrogen excesses from scuba diving upon a pilot or passenger in flight. (AIM 8-1-2)
pilot or passenger who intends to fly after scuba diving should allow the body sufficient time to rid itself of excess nitrogen absorbed during diving. If not, decompression sickness due to evolved gas can occur during exposure to low altitude and create a serious inflight emergency. The recommended waiting times before flight are as follows:
Flight altitudes up to 8,000 feet:
a. Wait at least 12 hours after a dive that did not require a controlled ascent.
b. Wait at least 24 hours after a dive in which a controlled ascent was required.
Flight altitudes above 8,000 feet:
a. Wait at least 24 hours after any scuba dive.
Note: The recommended altitudes are actual flight altitudes above mean sea level and not pressurized cabin altitudes. This takes into consideration the risk of decompression of the aircraft during flight.
For a pilot who has been taking an over-the-counter (OTC) cold medication, how do the various environmental factors the pilot is exposed to in flight affect the drug’s physiological impact on the pilot? (FAA-H-8083-25)
Drugs that cause no apparent side effects on the ground can create serious problems at relatively low altitudes. Even at typical general aviation altitudes, the changes in concentrations of atmospheric gases in the blood can enhance the effects of seemingly innocuous drugs and result in impaired judgment, decision-making, and performance.
Define the term “single-pilot resource management.” (FAA-H-8083-9)
Single-pilot resource management (SRM) is the art and science of managing all the resources (both on board the aircraft and from outside sources) available to a single pilot (prior to and during flight) to ensure that the successful outcome of the flight is never in doubt. SRM helps pilots learn to execute methods of gathering information, analyzing it, and making decisions.
What practical application provides a pilot with an effective method to practice SRM? (FAA-H-8083-9)
The “Five P” checklist consists of “the Plan, the Plane, the Pilot, the Passengers, and the Programming.” It is based on the idea that the pilot has essentially five variables that impact his or her environment and that can cause the pilot to make a single critical decision, or several less critical decisions, that when added together can create a critical outcome.
Explain the use of the “Five P” model to assess risk associated with each of the five factors. (FAA-H-8083-2)
At key decision points, application of the 5P checklist should be performed by reviewing each of the critical variables:
Plan—weather, route, publications, ATC reroutes/delays, fuel onboard/remaining
Plane—mechanical status, automation status, database currency, backup systems
Pilot—illness, medication, stress, alcohol, fatigue, eating
Passengers—pilots/non-pilots, nervous or quiet, experienced or new, business or pleasure
Programming—autopilot, GPS, MFD/PFD; anticipate likely reroutes/clearances; questions to ask—What is it doing? Why is it doing it? Did I do it?
