CPL Human Factors study plan
CPL Human Factors · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 6 hours per week
Human Factors
Define human factors as applied to aviation and explain why it is a mandatory CPL knowledge area
List and describe the SHELL model components and give one aviation example of each interface
Explain the error chain concept and identify at least five links that commonly appear in accident sequences
Describe the dirty dozen and match each to a realistic cockpit or maintenance scenario
Set up a personal error log template to record reasoning slips during practice questions
Your checkpoint
A one-page SHELL diagram with a written aviation example for each interface and a dirty-dozen matching table scored at least 11 of 12 correct
Human Factors
Compare the information-processing model stages from sensation through response selection
Distinguish between slips, lapses, mistakes and violations and classify ten given examples
Explain the Swiss cheese model and how defences in depth interact
Describe how fatigue and stress degrade attention and decision quality
Answer 40 practice questions on error models and record every incorrect item with its root cause
Your checkpoint
A classification log of 20 error scenarios sorted into slip, lapse, mistake or violation with a one-line justification for each
Human Factors
Describe the physiology of hypoxia and identify its early subtle signs versus late obvious signs
State the time of useful consciousness at typical cabin altitudes and explain the effect of rapid decompression
Explain hyperventilation and how to differentiate it from hypoxia in flight
Describe spatial disorientation illusions including somatogravic, somatogyral and the leans
Outline the correct recovery actions for each of these conditions
Your checkpoint
A comparison table of hypoxia versus hyperventilation symptoms and a written recovery drill for four disorientation illusions
Human Factors
Explain the effects of positive and negative g and the role of anti-g straining manoeuvres
Describe night vision physiology, dark adaptation and the correct use of off-centre viewing
Explain the causes and countermeasures for noise-induced hearing loss and vibration effects
Describe the physiology of decompression sickness and its prevention
Complete a timed 30-question quiz on flight physiology and score the result
Your checkpoint
A scored 30-question flight physiology quiz with a written correction note for every missed question
Human Factors
Explain the components of situational awareness and the three levels of SA
Identify the common precursors to loss of situational awareness and describe recovery techniques
Describe the decision-making models used in aviation and apply one to a worked scenario
Explain how stress, fatigue and workload influence judgement under time pressure
List hazardous attitudes and the corresponding antidotes with a personal example of each
Your checkpoint
A written case study of 400 words applying a decision model to a deteriorating-weather scenario, including at least three SA recovery cues
Human Factors
Explain the purpose and structure of crew resource management
Describe communication barriers and techniques to overcome authority gradient
Explain assertiveness, briefing and the role of challenge and response in the cockpit
Describe leadership styles and the effects of automation on monitoring and complacency
Practise delivering a departure briefing aloud and self-assess against a checklist
Your checkpoint
A recorded or written departure briefing plus a self-assessment scoring at least eight of ten CRM criteria
Human Factors
Describe the causes, signs and countermeasures for fatigue and circadian rhythm disruption
Explain the effects of dehydration, nutrition and smoking on pilot performance
Describe the effects of common over-the-counter and prescription medications on fitness to fly
Explain the role of the personal minimums checklist and the IMSAFE framework
Answer 50 mixed practice questions across all human factors subtopics and log weak areas
Your checkpoint
A personal IMSAFE and fitness-to-fly checklist plus an error log identifying the three weakest subtopics from the 50-question set
Human Factors
Review every logged error from weeks one to seven and rewrite each as a corrected rule
Re-attempt all previously missed questions and confirm improvement
Complete two full timed mock exams under exam conditions
Recite the key definitions and models from memory without notes
Finalise a one-page summary sheet for last-minute revision
Your checkpoint
Two completed timed mock exams with scores recorded and a one-page revision sheet covering all models and mnemonics
Milestones
Week 2: Score at least 75 percent on a 30-question set covering error models and the SHELL and Swiss cheese frameworks
Week 4: Score at least 75 percent on a timed 30-question flight physiology quiz and explain every missed item aloud
Week 6: Deliver a departure briefing meeting at least eight of ten CRM criteria and explain three SA recovery techniques without notes
Week 8: Score at least 80 percent on both full timed mock exams and show a written correction for every remaining missed item