6 Aeromedical Factors and Aeronautical Decision Making
13. A state of temporary confusion resulting from misleading information being sent to the brain by various sensory organs is defined as A. spatial disorientation. B. hyperventilation. C. hypoxia.
Answer (A) is correct. DISCUSSION: A state of temporary confusion resulting from misleading information being sent to the brain by various sensory organs is defined as vertigo (spatial disorientation). Put simply, the pilot cannot determine his or her relationship to the earth's horizon. Answer (B) is incorrect. Hyperventilation causes excessive oxygen and/or a decrease in carbon dioxide in the bloodstream. Answer (C) is incorrect. Hypoxia occurs when there is insufficient oxygen in the bloodstream.
8. A pilot experiencing the effects of hyperventilation should be able to restore the proper carbon dioxide level the body by A. slowing the breathing rate, breathing into a paper bag, or talking aloud. B. breathing spontaneously and deeply or gaining mental control of the situation. C. increasing the breathing rate in order to increase lung ventilation.
Answer (A) is correct. DISCUSSION: A stressful situation can often lead to hyperventilation, which results from an increased rate and depth of respiration that leads to an abnormally low amount of carbon dioxide in the bloodstream. By slowing the breathing rate, breathing into a paper bag, or talking aloud, a pilot can overcome the effects of hyperventilation and return the carbon dioxide level in the bloodstream to normal. Answer (B) is incorrect. Breathing deeply further aggravates the effects of hyperventilation. Answer (C) is incorrect. Increasing the rate of breathing will further aggravate the effects of pelchyperventilation. be
21. Susceptibility to carbon monoxide poisoning increases as A. altitude increases. B. altitude decreases. C. air pressure increases.
Answer (A) is correct. DISCUSSION: Carbon monoxide poisoning results in an oxygen deficiency. Since there is less oxygen available at higher altitudes, carbon monoxide poisoning can occur with lesser amounts of carbon monoxide as altitude increases. Answer (B) is incorrect. There is more available oxygen at lower altitudes. Answer (C) is incorrect. There is more available oxygen at higher air pressures.
26. What often leads to spatial disorientation or collision with ground/obstacles when flying under Visual Flight Rules (VFR)? A. Continual flight into instrument conditions. B. Getting behind the aircraft. C. Duck-under syndrome.
Answer (A) is correct. DISCUSSION: Continuing VFR flight into instrument conditions often leads to spatial disorientation or collision with graund/obstacles due to the loss of outside visual references. It is even more dangerous if the pilot is not instrument qualified or current. Answer (B) is incorrect. Getting behind the aircraft results in allowing events or the situation to control your actions, rather than the ather way around. Answer (C) is incorrect. Duck-under syndrome is the tendency to descend below minimums during an approach based on the belief that there is always a fudge factor built in; it occurs during IFR, not VFR, flight.
15. Which technique should a pilot use to scan for traffic the right and left during straight-and-level flight? A. Systematically focus on different segments of the sky for short intervals. B. Concentrate on relative movement detected in the peripheral vision area. C. Continuous sweeping of the windshield from right to left.
Answer (A) is correct. DISCUSSION: Due to the fact that eyes can focus only on a narrow viewing area, effective scanning is accomplished with a series of short, regularly spaced eye movements that bring successive areas of the sky into the central vision field. Answer (B) is incorrect. It concerns scanning for traffic at night. Answer (C) is incorrect. A pilot must continually scan successive, small portions of the sky. The eyes can focus only on a narrow viewing area and require at least 1 sec. to detect a faraway object.
23. Effects of carbon monoxide poisoning include A. dizziness, blurred vision, and loss of muscle power. B. sweating, increased breathing, and paleness. C. motion sickness, tightness across the forehead, and drowsiness.
Answer (A) is correct. DISCUSSION: Effects of CO poisoning include headache blurred vision, dizziness, drowsiness, and loss of muscle control Answer (B) is incorrect. Sweating, increased breathing, and paleness are symptoms of motion sickness, not CO poisoning. Answer (C) is incorrect. Motion sickness is not an effect or characteristic of carbon monoxide poisoning.
29. In the aeronautical decision making (ADM) process, what is the first step in neutralizing a hazardous attitude? A. Recognizing hazardous thoughts. B. Recognizing the invulnerability of the situation. C. Making a rational judgment.
Answer (A) is correct. DISCUSSION: Hazardous attitudes, which contribute to poor counteracted by redirecting pilot judgment, can be effectively that hazardous attitude so that appropriate action can be taken Recognition of hazardous thoughts is the first step in neutralizing them in the ADM process. Answer (B) is incorrect. Invulnerability is a hazardous attitude. The first step in neutralizing a hazardous attitude is to recognize it. Answer (C) is incorrect. Before a rational judgment can be made, the hazardous attitude must be recognized then redirected so that appropriate action can be taken.
5. Rapid or extra deep breathing while using oxygen can cause a condition known as A. hyperventilation B. aerosinusitis. C. aerotitis.
Answer (A) is correct. DISCUSSION: Hyperventilation occurs when an excessive amount of carbon dioxide is passed out of the body and too much oxygen is retained. This occurs when breathing rapidly and especially when using oxygen. Answer (B) is incorrect. Aerosinusitis is an inflammation of the sinuses caused by changes in atmospheric pressure. Answer (C) is incorrect. Aerotitis is an inflammation of the inner ear caused by changes in atmospheric pressure.
6. When a stressful situation is encountered in flight, an abnormal increase in the volume of air breathed in and out can cause a condition known as A. hyperventilation. B. aerosinusitis. C. aerotitis.
Answer (A) is correct. DISCUSSION: Hyperventilation occurs when an excessive amount of carbon dioxide is passed out of the body and too much oxygen is retained. This occurs when breathing rapidly and especially when using oxygen. Answer (B) is incorrect. Aerosinusitis is an inflammation of the sinuses caused by changes in atmospheric pressure. Answer (C) is incorrect. Aerotitis is an inflammation of the inner ear caused by changes in atmospheric pressure.
7. Which would most likely result in hyperventilation? A. Emotional tension, anxiety, or fear. B. The excessive consumption of alcohol. C. An extremely slow rate of breathing and insufficient oxygen.
Answer (A) is correct. DISCUSSION: Hyperventilation usually occurs when one becomes excited or undergoes stress, which results in an increase in one's rate of breathing. Answer (B) is incorrect. Hyperventilation is usually caused by some type of stress, not by alcohol. Answer (C) is incorrect. The opposite is true: Hyperventilation is an extremely fast rate of breathing that produces excessive oxygen.
27. What is one of the neglected items when a pilot for repetitive relies on short and long term memory tasks? A. Checklists. B. Situational awareness. C. Flying outside the envelope.
Answer (A) is correct. DISCUSSION: Neglect of checklists, flight planning, preflight inspections, etc., indicates a pilot's unjustified reliance on his or her short- and long-term memory for repetitive flying tasks. Answer (B) is incorrect. Situational awareness suffers when a pilot gets behind the airplane, which results in an inability to recognize deteriorating circumstances and/or misjudgment on the rate of deterioration. Answer (C) is incorrect. Flying outside the envelope occurs when the pilot believes (often in error) that the aircraft's high-performance capability meets the demands imposed by the pilot's (often overestimated) flying skills.
19. The best method to use when looking for other traffic at night is to A. look to the side of the object and scan slowly. B. scan the visual field very rapidly. C. look to the side of the object and scan rapidly.
Answer (A) is correct. DISCUSSION: Physiologically, the eyes are most effective at seeing objects off-center at night. Accordingly, pilots should scan slowly to permit off-center viewing. Answer (B) is incorrect. Scanning should always be done slowly and methodically. Answer (C) is incorrect. Scanning should always be done slowly and methodically.
25. What is it often called when a pilot pushes his or her capabilities and the aircraft's limits by trying to maintain visual contact with the terrain in low visibility and ceiling? A. Scud running. B. Mind set. C. Peer pressure.
Answer (A) is correct. DISCUSSION: Scud running refers to a pilot pushing his or limits by trying to maintain visua her capabilities and the aircraft's contact with the terrain while flying with a low visibility or ceiling Scud running is a dangerous (and often illegal) practice that may lead to a mishap. This dangerous tendency must be identified and eliminated. Answer (B) is incorrect. Mindset may produce an inability to recognize and cope with changes in the situation requiring actions different from those anticipated or planned. Answer (C) is incorrect. Peer pressure may produce poor decision making based on an emotional response to peers rather than an objective evaluation of a situation.
12. A lack of orientation with regard to the position, attitude, or movement of the aircraft in space is defined as A. spatial disorientation. B. hyperventilation. C. hypoxia.
Answer (A) is correct. DISCUSSION: Spatial disorientation is a state of temporany confusion resulting from misleading information being sent to the enbrain by various sensory organs. Thus, the pilot should ignore sensations of muscles and the inner ear and kinesthetic senses (those that sense motion), especially during flight in IMC when outside visual cues are taken away. Answer (B) is incorrect. Hyperventilation occurs when an excessive amount of carbon dioxide is passed out of the body and too much oxygen is retained. This occurs whenw eicbreathing rapidly and especially when using supplemental oxygen. Answer (C) is incorrect. Hypoxia is the result of an oxygen deficiency in the bloodstream and may cause lack enof clear thinking, fatigue, euphoria, and, shortly thereafter, unconsciousness.
11. If a pilot experiences spatial disorientation during flight in a restricted visibility condition, the best way to overcome the effect is to A. rely upon the aircraft instrument indications. B. concentrate on yaw, pitch, and roll sensations. C. consciously slow the breathing rate until symptoms clear and then resume normal breathing rate.
Answer (A) is correct. DISCUSSION: The best way to overcome the effects of spatial disorientation is to rely entirely on the aircraft's instrument indications and not upon body sensations. Sight of the horizon also overrides inner ear sensations. Thus, in areas of poor Visibility, especially, such bodily signals should be ignored. Answer (B) is incorrect. Yaw, pitch, and roll sensations should be ignored. Answer (C) is incorrect. A decrease in breathing rate is the proper treatment for hyperventilation, not spatial disorientation.
28. Hazardous attitudes occur to every pilot to some degree at some time. What are some of these hazardous attitudes? A. Antiauthority, impulsivity, macho, resignation, and invulnerability. B. Poor situational awareness, snap judgments, and lack of a decision making process. C. Poor risk management and lack of stress management.
Answer (A) is correct. DISCUSSION: The five hazardous attitudes addressed in the ADM process are antiauthority, impulsivity, invulnerability, macho, and resignation. Answer (B) is incorrect. Poor situational awareness and snap judgments are indications of the lack of a decision-making process, not hazardous attitudes. Answer (C) is incorrect. Poor risk management and lack of stress management lead to poor ADM and are not considered hazardous attitudes.
1. Which statement best defines hypoxia? A. A state of oxygen deficiency in the body. B. An abnormal increase in the volume of air breathed. C. A condition of gas bubble formation around the joints or muscles.
Answer (A) is correct. DISCÚSSION: Hypoxia is oxygen deficiency in the bloodstream and may cause lack of clear thinking, fatigue, euphoria and, shortly thereafter, unconsciousness. Answer (B) is incorrect. An abnormal increase in the volume of air breathed describes a cause of hyperventilation. Answer (C) is incorrect. A condition of gas bubble formation around the joints or muscles describes decompression sickness after scuba diving.
3. Which of the following is a correct response to counteract the feelings of hypoxia in flight? A. Promptly descend to a lower altitude. B. Increase cabin air flow. C. Avoid sudden inhalations.
Answer (A) is correct. DISCÚSSION: The correct response to counteract feelings of hypoxia is to descend to a lower altitude or use supplemental oxygen, if the aircraft is so equipped. Answer (B) is incorrect. Increasing the amount of air flowing inside an aircraft will not help counteract hypoxia. Because of the reduction of partial pressure at higher altitudes, there is less oxygen in the air to draw from. Answer (C) is incorrect. Breathing deeply or suddenly will not counteract feelings of hypoxia.
20. Large accumulations of carbon monoxide in the human body result in A. tightness across the forehead. B. loss of muscular power. C. an increased sense of well-being.
Answer (B) is correct. DISCUSSION: Carbon monoxide reduces the ability of the blood to carry oxygen. Large accumulations result in loss of muscular power. Answer (A) is incorrect. Tightness across the forehead describes an early symptom, not the effect of large accumulations. Answer (C) is incorrect. Euphoria is a result of the lack of sufficient oxygen, not specifically an accumulation of carbon monoxide.
18. What is the most effective way to use the eyes during night flight? A. Look only at far away, dim lights. B. Scan slowly to permit off-center viewing. C. Concentrate directly on each object for a few seconds.
Answer (B) is correct. DISCUSSION: Physiologically, the eyes are most effective at seeing objects off-center at night. Accordingly, pilots should scan slowly to permit off-center viewing. Answer (A) is incorrect. Pilots must look at their gauges and instruments, which are 2 ft. in front of them. Answer (C) is incorrect. Peripheral (off-center) vision is more effective at night.
10. Pilots are more subject to spatial disorientation if A. they ignore the sensations of muscles and inner ear. B. body signals are used to interpret flight attitude. C. eyes are moved often in the process of cross- checking the flight instruments.
Answer (B) is correct. DISCUSSION: Spatial disorientation is a state of temporary confusion resulting from misleading information being sent to the brain by various sensory organs. Thus, the pilot should ignore sensations of muscles and the inner ear and kinesthetic senses (those that sense motion). Answer (A) is incorrect. Ignoring the sensations of muscles and the inner ear will help overcome spatial disorientation. Answer (C) is incorrect. Cross-checking the flight instruments will help prevent spatial disorientation.
9. Pilots are more subject to spatial disorientation if A. they ignore the sensations of muscles and inner ear. B. visual cues are taken away, as they are in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). C. eyes are moved often in the process of cross checking the flight instruments.
Answer (B) is correct. DISCUSSION: Spatial disorientation is a state of temporary confusion resulting from misleading information being sent to the nbrain by various sensory organs. Thus, the pilot should ignore sensations of muscles and the inner ear and kinesthetic senses (those that sense motion), especially during flight in IMC when outside visual cues are taken away. Answer (A) is incorrect. Ignoring the sensations of muscles and the inner ear will help overcome spatial disorientation. Answer (C) is incorrect. Cross-checking the flight instruments will help prevent spatial disorientation.
32. What is the antidote when a pilot has the hazardous attitude of "Invulnerability"? A. It cannot be that bad. B. It could happen to me. C. It will not happen to me.
Answer (B) is correct. DISCUSSION: The antidote to counteract the attitude of invulnerability is thinking or saying, "It could happen to me." Answer (A) is incorrect. "It cannot be that bad" describes the hazardous macho attitude, not invulnerability. Answer (C) is incorrect. "It will not happen to me" describes the hazardous attitude of invulnerability. It is not the antidote.
14. The danger of spatial disorientation during flight in poor visual conditions may be reduced by A. shifting the eyes quickly between the exterior visual field and the instrument panel. B. having faith in the instruments rather than taking a chance on the sensory organs. C. leaning the body in the opposite direction of the motion of the aircraft.
Answer (B) is correct. DISCUSSION: Various complex motions and forces and certain visual scenes encountered in flight can create illusions of motion and position. Spatial disorientation from these illusi can be prevented only by visual reference to reliable fixed po- on the ground and horizon or to flight instruments. Answer (A) is incorrect. In poor visual conditions, reliable exterior references are not available. Answer (C) is incorrect. To avoid spatial disorientation, the pilot should avoid undue head and body movements and rely totally on the flight instruments. By moving the body in response to perceived motion, the conflicting signals reaching the brain will cause spatial disorientation.
33. What is the antidote when a pilot has a hazardous attitude, such as "Macho"? A. I can do it. B. Taking chances is foolish. C. Nothing will happen.
Answer (B) is correct. DISCUSSION: When you recognize a hazardous thought, you should correct it by stating the corresponding antidote. The antidote for the macho ("I can do it") hazardous attitude is "Taking chances is foolish." Answer (A) is incorrect. "I can do it" is an example of the macho hazardous attitude, not its antidote. Answer (C) is incorrect. "Nothing will happen" is an example of the invulnerability hazardous attitude, not an antidote to the macho attitude.
4. A pilot should be able to overcome the symptoms or avoid future occurrences of hyperventilation by A. closely monitoring the flight instruments to control the airplane. B. slowing the breathing rate, breathing into a bag, or talking aloud. C. increasing the breathing rate in order to increase lung ventilation.
Answer (B) is correct. DISCÚSSION: To recover from hyperventilation, the pilot should slow the breathing rate, breathe into a bag, or talk aloud. Answer (A) is incorrect. Closely monitoring the flight instruments is used to overcome vertigo (spatial disorientation). Answer (C) is incorrect. Increased breathing aggravates hyperventilation.
35. Who is responsible for determining whether a pilot is fit to fly for a particular flight, even though he or she holds a current medical certificate? A. The FAA. B. The medical examiner. C. The pilot.
Answer (C) is correct. DISCUSSION: A number of factors, from lack of sleep to illness, can reduce a pilot's fitness to make a particular flight. It is the responsibility of the pilot to determine whether (s)he is fit to make a particular flight, even though (s)he holds a current medical certificate. Additionally, 14 CFR 61.53 prohibits a pilot who possesses a current medical certificate from acting as pilot in command, or in any other capacity as a required pilot flight crewmember, while the pilot has a known medical condition or an aggravation of a known medical condition that would make the pilot unable to meet the standards for a medical certificate. Answer (A) is incorrect. The pilot, not the FAA, is responsible for determining whether (s)he is fit for a particular flight. Answer (B) is incorrect. The pilot, not the medical examiner, is responsible for determining whether (s)he is fit for a particular flight.
16. What effect does haze have on the ability to see traffic or terrain features during flight? A. Haze causes the eyes to focus at infinity. B. The eyes tend to overwork in haze and do not detect relative movement easily. C. All traffic or terrain features appear to be farther away than their actual distance.
Answer (C) is correct. DISCUSSION: Atmospheric haze can create the illusion of being at a greater distance and height from traffic or terrain than you actually are. The pilot who does not recognize this illusion will fly a lower approach. Answer (A) is incorrect. In haze, the eyes focus at a comfortable distance, which may be only 10 to 30 ft. outside of the flight deck. Answer (B) is incorrect. In haze, the eyes relax and tend to stare outside without focusing or looking for common visual cues.
37. What antidotal phrase can help reverse the hazardous attitude of impulsivity? A. Do it quickly to get it over with. B. It could happen to me. C. Not so fast, think first.
Answer (C) is correct. DISCUSSION: Impulsivity is the attitude of people who frequently feel the need to do something, anything, immediately. They do not stop to think about what they are about to do. They do not select the best alternative but instead do the first thing that comes to mind. They should recognize this attitude and state the antidote, "Not so fast. Think first," before taking action. Answer (A) is incorrect. "Do it quickly to get it over with" is the hazardous attitude of impulsivity, not the antidote. Answer (B) Is incorrect. "t could happen to me" is the antidote for the hazardous attitude of invulnerability.
36. What is the one common factor which affects most preventable accidents? A. Structural failure. B. Mechanical malfunction. C. Human error.
Answer (C) is correct. DISCUSSION: Most preventable accidents, such as fuel starvation or exhaustion, VFR flight into IFR conditions leading to disorientation, and flight into known icing, have one common factor: human error. Pilots who are involved in accidents usually know what went wrong. In the interest of expediency, cost savings, or other often irrelevant factors, the wrong course of action (decision) was chosen. Answer (A) is incorrect. Most preventable accidents have human error, not structural failure, as a common factor. Answer (B) is incorrect. Most preventable accidents have human error, not mechanical malfunction, as a common factor.
17. What preparation should a pilot make to adapt the eyes for night flying? A. Wear sunglasses after sunset until ready for flight. B. Avoid red lights at least 30 minutes before the flight. C. Avoid bright white lights at least 30 minutes before the flight.
Answer (C) is correct. DISCUSSION: Prepare for night flying by letting your eyes adapt to darkness, including avoiding bright white light for at least 30 minutes prior to night flight. Answer (A) is incorrect. Preparation does not involve wearing sunglasses but rather avoiding bright white lights. Answer (B) is incorrect. White, not red, lights impair night vision.
24. Risk management, as part of the aeronautical decision making (ADM) process, relies on which features to reduce the risks associated with each flight? A. Application of stress management and risk element procedures. B. The mental process of analyzing all information in a particular situation and making a timely decision on what action to take. C. Situational awareness, problem recognition, and good judgment.
Answer (C) is correct. DISCUSSION: Risk management is that part of the ADM process that relies on situational awareness, problem recognition, and good judgment to reduce risks associated with each flight. Answer (A) is incorrect. Risk management relies on situational awareness, problem recognition, and good judgment, not the application of stress management and risk-element procedures, to reduce the risks associated with each flight. Answer (B) is incorrect. Judgment, not risk management, is the mental process of analyzing all information in a particular situation and making a timely decision on what action to take.
22. What is a correct response if an exhaust leak were to be detected while in flight? A. Increase altitude so the effects of CO would be decreased. B. Take deep breaths so as to inhale more oxygen. C. Open air vents or windows.
Answer (C) is correct. DISCUSSION: Taking corrective steps such as turning off the heater, opening air vents or windows, and using supplemental oxygen are the correct responses if a pilot smels gas fumes or otherwise detects increased amounts of CO. Answer (A) is incorrect. An increase in altitude increases the susceptibility of CO poisoning because of the decreased orygen available. Answer (B) is incorrect. Inhaling more CO-tainted air would be detrimental to a pilot's health and is not a positive corrective action.
30. What is the antidote when a pilot has a hazardous attitude, such as "Antiauthority"? A. Rules do not apply in this situation. B. I know what I am doing. C. Follow the rules.
Answer (C) is correct. DISCUSSION: When you recognize a hazardous thought, you should correct it by stating the corresponding antidote. The antidote for the antiauthority ("Do not tell me!") hazardous attitude is "Follow the rules. They are usually right." Answer (A) is incorrect. "Rules do not apply in this situation" is an example of the antiauthority hazardous attitude, not its antidote. Answer (B) is incorrect. "I know what I'm doing" is an example of the macho hazardous attitude, not an antidote to the antiauthority attitude.
31. What is the antidote when a pilot has a hazardous attitude, such as "Impulsivity"? A. It could happen to me. B. Do it quickly to get it over with. C. Not so fast, think first.
Answer (C) is correct. DISCUSSION: When you recognize a hazardous thought, you should correct it by stating the corresponding antidote. The antidote for the impulsivity ("Do something quickly!") hazardous attitude is "Not so fast. Think first." Answer (A) is incorrect. "It could happen to me" is the antidote for the invulnerability, not impulsivity, hazardous attitude. Answer (B) incorrect. "Do it quickly and get it over with" is an example of the impulsivity hazardous attitude, not its antidote.
34. What is the antidote when a pilot has a hazardous attitude, such as "Resignation"? A. What is the use? B. Someone else is responsible. C. I am not helpless.
Answer (C) is correct. DISCUSSION: When you recognize a hazardous thought, you should correct it by stating the corresponding antidote. The antidote for the resignation ("What is the use?") hazardous attitude is "I am not helpless. I can make a difference. Answer (A) is incorrect. "What is the use?" is an example of the resignation hazardous attitude, not its antidote. Answer (B) is incorrect. "Someone else is responsible" is an example of the resignation hazardous attitude, not its antidote.
2. Which is not a type of hypoxia? A. Histotoxic. В. Нурохiс. C. Hypertoxic.
Answer (C) is correct. DISCÚSSION: There is no such thing as hypertoxic hypoxia. The four types of hypoxia are histotoxic, hypoxic, hypemic, and stagnant hypoxia. Answer (A) is incorrect. The four types of hypoxia are histotoxic, hypoxic, hypemic, and stagnant hypoxia. Answer (B) is incorrect. The four types of hypoxia are histotoxic, hypoxic, hypemic, and stagnant hypoxia.
