Human Performance and Threat and Error Management
The human in the loop
This domain covers situational awareness, workload management, fatigue, spatial disorientation, and the threat and error management model. Candidates must understand the difference between a threat (an external condition), an error (a deviation from intention), and an undesired aircraft state, and how countermeasures such as briefings, checklists, and cross-monitoring reduce risk. Know the signs of spatial disorientation and the correct response: trust the instruments, not sensations.
Traps
Questions often present a scenario where the pilot "feels" a climb or bank and ask what to do; the answer is to rely on instruments and cross-check. Another trap is confusing fatigue with complacency, or assuming that automation reduces workload in all phases. Watch for questions on the sterile flight deck and on the role of the pilot monitoring.
Worked example
During a night departure in IMC, a pilot senses a right bank despite a level attitude indicator. The correct action is to cross-check the attitude indicator against the turn coordinator and altimeter, then correct smoothly using instruments. Sensation is not evidence.
Rule of thumb
Threats are managed before flight, errors are trapped after they occur, and undesired states require immediate recovery.