CAA NZ CPL Human Factors case studies
CAA NZ CPL Human Factors · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The Human Factors examination is one of the theory examinations a candidate must pass for a New Zealand Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL), administered under the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand (CAA) pilot licensing framework. It is aimed at pilots progressing from a private licence towards commercial privileges, and at licence holders who need to complete or refresh the subject. The CAA NZ CPL Human Factors case studies are 5 cases and about 3,291 words.
1The Fourth Sector: Night Freight, Fatigue and a Request to Do More
You are the sole pilot of a Cessna 208B Caravan on a Part 135 night freight run, Auckland–Palmerston North–Christchurch. You reported at 1700 NZDT and are now 45 minutes from Christchurch, 8 h 20 min into a duty that the company limits to 11 h.
771 words, about 4 min2Cabin Heat, a Headache and a Pulse Oximeter Over the Lindis Pass
Mid-winter, 10,500 ft over the Lindis Pass in a Cessna T182T, two on board, cabin heat fully on. The rear-seat passenger complains of a throbbing headache, nausea and dizziness, and looks pale.
589 words, about 3 min3No Horizon Over Cook Strait: Trusting Instruments When Your Ears Disagree
You are flying a PA-28-181 single-pilot, night VFR from Paraparaumu to Nelson across Cook Strait. It is a dark night with no moon, no visible horizon and no traffic reported.
682 words, about 3 min4Automation Mode Change and an Unstable Approach in a Wellington Nor'wester
Two-crew Dash 8 Q300, Wellington, runway 34, nor'wester 30 kt gusting 45. During descent, ATC instructs 'descend now to 2,000 ft'.
618 words, about 3 min5Coastal Stratus, Rising Terrain and a Passenger Who Needs to Be There
You hold a CPL with no instrument rating and are flying a Cessna 172 VFR from Kerikeri to Ardmore with one passenger who has an afternoon meeting. The forecast was fine, but the coastal stratus is lower than expected: cloud base has dropped from 1,500 ft to about 900 ft and visibility from 6 km to 3 km in drizzle.
631 words, about 3 min