Human Performance and Limitations
The pilot as a system
Understand the senses used in flight and where they mislead. The vestibular system cannot distinguish acceleration from gravity, producing somatogravic and somatogyral illusions. In a sustained acceleration without visual reference, a pilot may believe the aircraft is climbing steeply and push forward - a classic question. Spatial disorientation is countered by trusting instruments and by proficiency in instrument cross-check, not by "flying by feel".
Hypoxia and hyperventilation
Know the signs of hypoxia - euphoria, tingling, impaired judgement, cyanosis - and that judgement fails before consciousness. Learn the time of useful consciousness at altitude and the role of supplemental oxygen. Hyperventilation produces similar tingling and dizziness but is relieved by controlled breathing, whereas hypoxia requires oxygen and descent. The exam trap is choosing hyperventilation for a case that clearly describes altitude exposure.
Fatigue, stress and decision-making
Distinguish acute fatigue from chronic fatigue, and know that fatigue degrades vigilance and increases reaction time before the pilot notices. Understand the hazardous attitudes (anti-authority, impulsivity, invulnerability, machismo, resignation) and their antidotes. Crew resource management applies even to single-pilot operations through checklists and personal briefings.
Worked rule of thumb
For night vision, allow about 30 minutes for full dark adaptation, protect it with dim red light, and remember that scanning should use off-centre viewing because the fovea is poor in low light. If a question asks why an object disappears at night when looked at directly, the answer is the blind spot of the fovea.
Fitness and medical
Know the effects of alcohol, medication and carbon monoxide, and the rules on flying after scuba diving. When in doubt about fitness, the correct exam answer is almost always to not fly.