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What percentage of aviation accidents have significant “human” causal factors?
75%
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Name 5 inherent limitations of human vision in the aviation environment.
- The blind spot
- The time lag
- The seeing and focusing mechanism
- Empty visual field blindness
- Visual illusions
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Why is it important to develop a scanning technique to maximise your LOOKOUT?
The process of looking, seeing, and recognising takes about 1½ seconds. Allowing for limited angle of accurate vision, and the time lag, the area to be scanned should be divided into 20° sectors, and allow sufficient time in each sector. Allowing for glare, luminance, and contrast, 2 seconds per 20° sector is recommended.
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2 ways to combat empty visual field blindness?
- Periodically focus on a distant cloud or land feature
- Focus on the wing tip from time to time.
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Name 4 effects of “g” forces on vision
- grey out
- tunnel vision
- blurring
- loss of vision (“black out”)
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Name 4 aspects of vision that will be affected by hypoxia
- Visual acuity (sharpness)
- peripheral vision
- colour perception
- visual brightness
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Above what altitude should supplemental oxygen be used?
10,000 ft. or 8,000 ft if there for a long time.
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Name 11 general symptoms and effects of hypoxia, other than relating to vision.
- Euphoria
- Target fixation
- Personality changes
- Loss of judgement
- Fuzziness (not dizziness)
- Amnesia
- Lethargy
- Confusion
- Sensitivity to heat/cold
- Cyanosis (bluing of extremities)
- Unconsciousness and Death
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Name 5 areas of the human body where gases can be trapped as an aircraft ascends / descends.
- Stomach
- Intestines
- Middle ear
- Sinuses
- Teeth
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What is the recommended method for unblocking Eustachian tubes on aircraft descent?
Swallowing, moving the jaw, or by using the valsalva manoeuvre.
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Name the 3 elements of the balance and orientation systems of the human body.
- The visual system
- The “balance” organs
- The pressure/stretch/position nerve system
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Why is motion sickness more common among passengers and trainee pilots than among experienced pilots?
- Prolonged unaccustomed motion upsets the orientation system.
- Aggravated by anxiety and low activity levels.
- Alleviated by gaining further air experience, reducing anxiety and building self-confidence.
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List 5 precautions against heatstroke / heat stress.
- Drink plenty of fluids (not alcohol or caffein)
- Wear a hat
- Wear loose fitting clothing
- Wear sunproof clothing
- Keep cool by ventilation or shading.
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List 13 symptoms of heat stress / heatstroke.
- Heat rash
- Cramps
- Headache / nausea (and vomiting)
- Dryness of mouth, nose and eyes
- General dehydration
- Poor concentration
- Drowsiness
- Weakness
- Lethargy
- Slurred speech
- Confusion / Disorientation
- Hallucinations
- Collapse / death
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What is the amount of fluid intake recommended for pilots flying on particularly hot days?
500 to 600 ml’s per hour.
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Name 6 psychological traits of a ‘good’ pilot
- Common sense
- Adopts sound practices and high standards
- Confident, consistent, and calm
- Dependable with good decision-making skills
- Willing to assist others
- Stays out of trouble
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List 3 impairments to proper mental performance
- Overload of activity or information
- Stress
- Fatigue
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What is the major risk associated with overload of activity or information?
Load-shedding, resulting in some information or tasks being neglected.
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Describe some direct stressors a glider pilot may experience.
Glare, turbulence, weather, time delays, unexpected mechanical or navigation problems, temperature extremes, dehydration, hypoxia, visual illusions, disorientation, fatigue, lack of fitness to fly, or ergonomic factors.
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Describe some indirect stressors a glider pilot may experience.
Indirect stressors relate to personal, family or relationship problems, financial concerns, or job concerns.
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7 ways to reduce stress.
- Keep physically fit and healthy
- Good lifestyle (eat, rest, relax, sleep)
- Stay within personal limits
- Think and plan ahead
- Be organised, prioritise, don't procrastinate
- Delegate and load shed
- Seek assistance where necessary
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11 signs and symptoms of fatigue.
- Reduced vision
- Drowsy
- Channelised attention
- Easily distracted, pre-occupied or forgetful
- Poor judgment
- Careless and risk-taking
- Lost sense of timing
- Poor coordination
- Slow reaction times
- Illusions
- Irritability
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3 ways of dealing with fatigue.
- Resolve underlying workload or stress problems
- Adequate rest and sleep.
- Adopt stress management techniques
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List 5 adverse medical factors for a glider pilot.
- Illicit drugs and alcohol
- Blood sugar levels (low & high)
- Colds and flu
- Hay fever
- Medication (side effects)
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Name 6 effects alcohol would have on a pilot’s performance
- Disorientation
- Dehydration
- Increased susceptibility to “g” forces
- Increased susceptibility to hypoxia
- Increased susceptibility to DCS
- Interference with body temperature regulation
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2 Reasons why flying with a cold is not recommended
- May prevent clearing the ears or sinuses.
- May cause headaches or other distracting symptoms.
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