Human Performance and Limitations
Human performance questions test the physiology and psychology of flight. Understand hypoxia: symptoms, time of useful consciousness with altitude, and the difference between hypoxic, hypemic, stagnant and histotoxic hypoxia. Know the effects of hyperventilation and how it differs from hypoxia. Learn the significance of cabin altitude and the oxygen requirements above 10,000 ft.
Understand spatial disorientation: the somatogravic and somatogyral illusions, the leans, and why instrument reference is essential. Know the vestibular system's limitations and the role of the semicircular canals.
Crew resource management questions test communication, leadership, situational awareness, workload management and decision-making. Understand the meaning of a sterile cockpit, and the error chain.
Traps: assuming hypoxia always produces obvious symptoms; confusing hyperventilation with hypoxia; and forgetting that night vision deteriorates first with altitude.
Worked rule of thumb: time of useful consciousness at 35,000 ft is roughly 30–60 seconds; at 25,000 ft roughly 3–5 minutes; at 18,000 ft roughly 20–30 minutes. Use these to answer "how long do I have" questions.
Remember that fatigue, alcohol and medication degrade performance and judgement before they degrade skill.