Human Performance and Limitations
Human Performance and Limitations
Human Performance tests the pilot as a system: hypoxia, hyperventilation, spatial disorientation, fatigue, stress, vision, hearing, information processing and crew resource management. The exam expects practical recognition and countermeasures, not medical theory.
Core rules
- Hypoxia is oxygen deficiency. Symptoms include euphoria, confusion, headache and poor judgement; the pilot may not notice them. Use supplemental oxygen when required, descend, and do not rely on feeling well.
- Hyperventilation causes dizziness, tingling and chest tightness; it can be confused with hypoxia. Slowing breathing helps, but if symptoms persist or altitude is high, treat as hypoxia and use oxygen.
- Spatial disorientation occurs when visual or vestibular cues conflict. Trust the instruments and use a disciplined scan; avoid sudden head movements in IMC.
- Fatigue and stress degrade attention, risk assessment and communication. Alcohol, drugs, smoking and dehydration worsen performance. Crew resource management uses clear briefings, assertiveness and workload sharing.
Worked example
A pilot at 10,000 ft cabin altitude feels light-headed and tingling after rapid breathing. The safe response is to slow the breathing, use oxygen, descend if symptoms do not resolve, and land if necessary. The reasoning: hyperventilation and hypoxia can present similarly, and the risk of unconsciousness is too high to continue the flight without treatment.
Traps
- Assuming euphoria means good performance.
- Treating hyperventilation as harmless without considering hypoxia.
- Continuing after a night with little sleep because the flight is short.
- Ignoring subtle incapacitation in a crew member.