Brunei DCA CPL(A) Human Performance study guide
Brunei DCA CPL(A) Human Performance · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The Human Performance examination is one of the knowledge subjects a candidate must pass to obtain a Commercial Pilot Licence (Aeroplane) issued by the Brunei Department of Civil Aviation. It is aimed at trainee commercial pilots who already hold, or are working towards, a Private Pilot Licence and are building the theoretical knowledge foundation for professional flying. The Brunei DCA CPL(A) Human Performance study guide has 10 sections and about 3,426 words.
01Human Factors Foundations and Aviation Psychology
The aircraft is reliable; the human is the variable. Human factors study the fit between people, machines, procedures and environment.
308 words, about 2 min02Basic Aviation Physiology and the Body's Response to Flight
Flight exposes the body to reduced barometric pressure, reduced oxygen partial pressure, cold, vibration, noise, low humidity and acceleration. The body responds through respiration, circulation and thermoregulation.
280 words, about 1 min03The Nervous System and Sensory Illusions
The central nervous system integrates vision, hearing, the vestibular system and somatosensory input. Vision dominates, but peripheral vision detects motion while central vision gives detail.
288 words, about 1 min04Hypoxia, Hyperventilation and Cabin Atmosphere
The four types are hypoxic (reduced oxygen partial pressure, the aviation type), hypaemic (reduced oxygen-carrying capacity, e.g. carbon monoxide or anaemia), stagnant (poor circulation) and histotoxic (cells cannot use oxygen, e.g.
247 words, about 1 min05Decompression Sickness and Pressure-Related Disorders
When ambient pressure falls, dissolved nitrogen can come out of solution as bubbles in blood and tissue. In aviation this follows rapid decompression or flying soon after diving.
277 words, about 1 min06Barotrauma and Pressure-Related Disorders
Barotrauma occurs when a gas-filled cavity cannot equalise with changing ambient pressure. On descent, external pressure rises and gas contracts, causing squeeze; on ascent, gas expands and may cause overpressure.
288 words, about 1 min07Acceleration and Its Effects
Acceleration is described along three axes: Gz (head-to-foot, the usual seating axis), Gy (back-to-chest) and Gx (chest-to-back). Positive Gz pushes blood away from the head; negative Gz pushes it toward the head.
250 words, about 1 min08Spatial Disorientation and Motion Sickness
Spatial disorientation is a failure to perceive correctly position or motion relative to the earth. Type I is unrecognised, the most dangerous; Type II is recognised but the pilot cannot correct it; Type III is recognised and corrected.
265 words, about 1 min09Fatigue, Sleep and Circadian Rhythms
Fatigue is a state of reduced physical or mental performance. Acute fatigue follows short sleep or long duty; chronic fatigue accumulates over days.
268 words, about 1 min10Stress, Workload and Arousal
Stress is the body's response to demand. Short-term stress can sharpen performance, but prolonged stress impairs judgement, sleep and health.
955 words, about 5 min