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CAA NZ CPL Human Factors study materials
CAA NZ CPL Human Factors study resources

CAA NZ CPL Human Factors practice questions

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Question 1Human Factors

During a prolonged climb in an unpressurised aircraft without supplemental oxygen, at approximately what cabin altitude does the risk of significant hypoxia begin for a healthy pilot, making supplemental oxygen advisable?

  1. Around 18,000 feet
  2. Around 2,000 feet
  3. Around 5,000 feet
  4. Around 10,000 feet Correct answer.

Explanation

Above roughly 10,000 feet cabin altitude the partial pressure of oxygen falls enough that a healthy pilot's oxygen saturation drops and night vision and judgement deteriorate. This is why CAA NZ rules require supplemental oxygen above 10,000 feet for extended periods. Below this level most healthy people tolerate the reduced oxygen without significant impairment.

Question 2Human Factors

A pilot breathing 100% oxygen at 40,000 feet cabin altitude is protected from hypoxia but remains at risk of which condition?

  1. Accelerated loss of consciousness from hypoxia
  2. Decompression sickness from dissolved nitrogen Correct answer.
  3. Oxygen toxicity from breathing pure oxygen at altitude
  4. Hyperventilation caused by excess carbon dioxide

Explanation

Breathing pure oxygen washes nitrogen from the body, but at very low ambient pressure remaining nitrogen can still come out of solution, so decompression sickness remains possible. The reduced pressure itself, not hypoxia, is the driver. This is why high-altitude operations plan for DCS risk even with oxygen in use.

Question 3Human Factors

Which symptom set most typically indicates the onset of hypoxia in a pilot?

  1. Bradycardia with cold clammy skin
  2. Sharp localised headache with neck stiffness
  3. Sudden severe chest pain and cyanosis of the fingertips
  4. Euphoria, impaired judgement and reduced colour vision Correct answer.

Explanation

Early hypoxia commonly produces a sense of well-being or euphoria, dulled judgement and reduced colour and night vision before more obvious physical signs appear. The insidious nature makes self-recognition unreliable. This is why hypoxia training and using oxygen proactively are emphasised.

Question 4Human Factors

A pilot has been hyperventilating due to anxiety and now feels dizzy with tingling in the fingers and around the mouth. What is the most appropriate first action?

  1. Increase the breathing rate to raise oxygen intake
  2. Descend immediately to sea level
  3. Breathe into a bag or consciously slow the breathing rate Correct answer.
  4. Hold the breath for as long as possible

Explanation

Hyperventilation lowers carbon dioxide, causing cerebral vasoconstriction and the tingling and dizziness described. Slowing the breathing or rebreathing exhaled air restores carbon dioxide and relieves symptoms. The key is to correct the breathing pattern rather than add more oxygen.

Question 5Human Factors

In a pressurised aircraft, a slow leak causes the cabin altitude to rise gradually. Which feature of the condition makes it particularly dangerous to the crew?

  1. It gives no warning and impairs judgement before detection Correct answer.
  2. It produces immediate and obvious physical pain
  3. It always triggers a master warning at 8,000 feet
  4. It only affects passengers, not the flight crew

Explanation

A slow decompression may not be noticed because the onset is gradual and hypoxia impairs the very judgement needed to recognise it. Crews must monitor cabin altitude and rate of climb rather than rely on symptoms. Rapid recognition through instruments is therefore essential.

Question 6Human Factors

What is the primary purpose of the time of useful consciousness concept in aviation?

  1. To describe the window before a pilot becomes unable to take corrective action after a decompression Correct answer.
  2. To specify the maximum time a pilot may remain at altitude without oxygen
  3. To define the period before decompression sickness appears
  4. To set the interval for checking cabin pressure gauges

Explanation

Time of useful consciousness is the period after a sudden loss of pressure during which a person can still perform meaningful tasks before incapacitation. It shortens markedly as cabin altitude increases. The concept drives the need for immediate oxygen use and rapid descent after decompression.

Question 7Human Factors

Which of the following is the most effective way to prevent spatial disorientation during flight in reduced visibility?

  1. Increasing the rate of turns to keep the inner ear stimulated
  2. Closing the eyes briefly to reset the senses
  3. Relying on instruments and avoiding sudden head movements Correct answer.
  4. Trusting physical sensations and leaning into the perceived turn

Explanation

Spatial disorientation arises because the vestibular system misinterprets sustained motion, especially without visual references. Cross-checking instruments and minimising head movements reduce conflicting sensory input. Physical sensations are unreliable in these conditions and must be overridden by reference to instruments.

Question 8Human Factors

A pilot in a sustained coordinated turn without visual reference feels as though the aircraft is not turning. On noticing a descent, the pilot pulls back without levelling the wings, tightening the turn and increasing the descent. This is best described as which illusion?

  1. The somatogravic illusion
  2. The leans
  3. The Coriolis illusion
  4. The graveyard spiral Correct answer.

Explanation

In a prolonged coordinated turn, the semicircular canals can adapt so the pilot no longer senses rotation. If the aircraft descends and the pilot pulls back while still banked, the turn tightens and the descent can worsen. This developing spiral is the graveyard spiral.

Question 9Human Factors

During a rapid acceleration on take-off without visual reference, a pilot may feel the aircraft is pitching up steeply. Which illusion is this?

  1. Elevator illusion
  2. Autokinesis
  3. Oculogyral illusion
  4. Somatogravic illusion Correct answer.

Explanation

Linear acceleration stimulates the otolith organs in a way the brain interprets as a pitch change, so the pilot senses a nose-up attitude and may push forward. This is the somatogravic illusion. It is particularly hazardous at night or in cloud during acceleration or go-around.

Question 10Human Factors

What is the primary human factors concern associated with untreated obstructive sleep apnoea in a commercial pilot?

  1. Excessive daytime sleepiness and impaired vigilance Correct answer.
  2. Reduced colour vision at altitude
  3. Increased susceptibility to spatial disorientation
  4. Increased risk of decompression sickness

Explanation

Obstructive sleep apnoea fragments sleep and causes excessive daytime sleepiness, which degrades vigilance and reaction time and raises the risk of fatigue-related error. It is a recognised aeromedical condition requiring assessment. The core concern is chronic sleepiness, not the other listed effects.

Question 11Human Factors

Which of the following best describes the effect of circadian rhythm on a pilot's performance during a night flight?

  1. Alertness naturally dips during the early hours when the body expects sleep Correct answer.
  2. Cognitive performance improves because of reduced traffic
  3. Reaction time shortens because of lower ambient temperature
  4. Performance is unaffected provided the pilot is well rested

Explanation

The circadian low occurs in the early morning hours, when alertness and performance naturally decline regardless of recent rest. This window coincides with many night operations and increases fatigue risk. Rostering and controlled rest are used to mitigate it.

Question 12Human Factors

A pilot on a long-haul flight has been awake for 18 hours and feels increasingly error-prone. Which countermeasure is most consistent with fatigue risk management principles?

  1. Increasing caffeine intake to remain awake for the entire flight
  2. Reducing instrument cross-checks to lower workload
  3. Ignoring the fatigue because the flight is nearly complete
  4. Planning controlled rest and managing workload during the circadian low Correct answer.

Explanation

Fatigue risk management uses planned mitigations such as controlled rest, strategic caffeine timing and workload management during vulnerable periods. Simply pushing through fatigue with stimulants is not a robust strategy. Controlled rest has been shown to improve alertness during critical phases.

Question 13Human Factors

Which statement best describes the concept of crew resource management (CRM)?

  1. A method for calculating aircraft weight and balance
  2. A set of technical procedures for operating avionics
  3. A system for scheduling crew duty periods
  4. The use of all available resources, including crew, equipment and information, to achieve safe flight Correct answer.

Explanation

CRM is about making effective use of all available resources, including human, technical and informational, to promote safety and efficiency. It covers communication, leadership, teamwork and decision-making. It is not limited to technical operation or scheduling.

Question 14Human Factors

During a critical phase, a first officer notices the captain has made an incorrect selection. What is the most appropriate action according to good CRM practice?

  1. Speak up clearly and state the concern using a structured assertion Correct answer.
  2. Record the error in the technical log without discussion
  3. Say nothing to avoid undermining the captain's authority
  4. Wait until after landing to mention the error

Explanation

Effective CRM requires crew members to speak up when they perceive a threat, using clear and structured communication such as a graded assertion. Silence allows errors to persist. Deferring the discussion until after landing fails to prevent the immediate risk.

Question 15Human Factors

What is the main purpose of a sterile flight deck?

  1. To prohibit non-essential conversation and activity during critical phases Correct answer.
  2. To restrict the use of headsets during cruise
  3. To ensure the flight deck is cleaned before each flight
  4. To prevent engineers from entering the flight deck

Explanation

A sterile flight deck rule prohibits non-essential conversation and activity during critical phases such as take-off and landing so the crew can focus on the task. It is a human factors defence against distraction. It applies specifically to critical phases rather than the whole flight.

Question 16Human Factors

Which of the following is an example of an active failure in an aviation accident model?

  1. A poorly designed checklist introduced years earlier
  2. A latent weakness in organisational training policy
  3. An error made by a pilot at the controls Correct answer.
  4. A regulatory gap in oversight

Explanation

Active failures are the unsafe acts of front-line operators, such as errors or violations at the point of operation. Latent failures are the organisational or design conditions that lie dormant until triggered. The distinction matters because active failures are visible while latent failures require deeper investigation.

Question 17Human Factors

In the SHELL model, what does the interface between the 'L' (liveware) and 'S' (software) represent?

  1. The relationship between the pilot and rules, procedures and checklists Correct answer.
  2. The relationship between the pilot and the operating environment
  3. The relationship between the pilot and other crew members
  4. The relationship between the pilot and the physical aircraft structure

Explanation

In the SHELL model, software refers to the non-physical supports such as procedures, checklists, manuals and rules, so the liveware-software interface concerns how people interact with these. Hardware concerns physical structure, liveware-liveware concerns people, and liveware-environment concerns surroundings. Matching the interfaces correctly is essential to using the model.

Question 18Human Factors

A pilot continues an approach despite feeling uncertain because the previous three approaches were successful. Which hazardous attitude does this most closely reflect?

  1. Resignation
  2. Impulsivity
  3. Antiauthority
  4. Invulnerability Correct answer.

Explanation

The hazardous attitude of invulnerability is the belief that 'it won't happen to me', often reinforced by a run of uneventful flights. It leads to complacency and continued risk-taking. The antidote is to recognise that anyone can be affected and to apply the appropriate antidote.

Question 19Human Factors

What is the key principle behind the use of checklists in the flight deck?

  1. They provide a systematic defence against omission and memory lapses Correct answer.
  2. They are only required for emergency situations
  3. They serve mainly as a record for maintenance
  4. They replace the need for crew knowledge and training

Explanation

Checklists act as a systematic barrier against forgetting items, particularly under high workload or stress. They complement, rather than replace, knowledge and training. Their design and use are central human factors considerations.

Question 20Human Factors

A pilot deliberately omits a checklist item because they believe it is unnecessary for this particular flight. This is best classified as which type of unsafe act?

  1. A lapse
  2. A slip
  3. A mistake
  4. A violation Correct answer.

Explanation

A deliberate deviation from a known rule or procedure is a violation, even if the pilot believes it is justified. Slips and lapses are unintended errors, while mistakes arise from incorrect intention. Violations are a significant concern because they remove the protection the procedure provides.

Question 21Human Factors

Which communication technique is most likely to reduce misunderstanding during a high-workload phase?

  1. Using informal slang to build rapport
  2. Speaking rapidly to save time
  3. Using closed-loop communication with readback and confirmation Correct answer.
  4. Relying on non-verbal gestures only

Explanation

Closed-loop communication requires the receiver to read back and the sender to confirm, which catches errors before they propagate. It is particularly valuable under high workload when ambiguity is likely. Speed, slang and gestures increase the chance of misunderstanding.

Question 22Human Factors

According to the Yerkes-Dodson relationship, how does performance typically change as arousal increases from low to moderate levels?

  1. Performance improves continuously without limit
  2. Performance is unaffected by arousal until incapacitation
  3. Performance improves up to an optimal point then declines with further arousal Correct answer.
  4. Performance declines steadily as arousal increases

Explanation

The Yerkes-Dodson curve describes performance improving as arousal rises to an optimum, after which further arousal degrades performance. The optimum shifts with task complexity, with complex tasks tolerating less arousal. This explains why both under-arousal and over-arousal impair performance.

Question 23Human Factors

Which of the following is the most reliable indicator that a pilot is experiencing a high level of stress during flight?

  1. Enhanced communication clarity
  2. Improved multitasking ability
  3. Increased scanning and narrowed attention with degraded decision-making Correct answer.
  4. Reduced heart rate and relaxed posture

Explanation

High stress narrows attention, reduces the ability to scan broadly and degrades decision-making quality. These effects make the pilot less able to manage the situation. Recognising these signs in oneself and others is an important human factors skill.

Question 24Human Factors

What is the primary aim of a confidential safety reporting system in an aviation organisation?

  1. To reduce the number of reports reaching management
  2. To encourage the reporting of errors and hazards without fear of retribution Correct answer.
  3. To punish individuals who make errors
  4. To replace the need for formal accident investigation

Explanation

Confidential reporting systems encourage people to report errors and hazards by removing the fear of punitive action, which improves the flow of safety information. This supports a just culture and proactive hazard identification. They complement, rather than replace, formal investigation.

Question 25Human Factors

A pilot experiences a near-miss and is asked to complete a report. Under a just culture, how should the organisation treat this event?

  1. Suppress the report to protect the organisation's reputation
  2. Focus on understanding the systemic factors and distinguish between error and recklessness Correct answer.
  3. Blame the pilot's supervisor for the outcome
  4. Discipline the pilot regardless of the circumstances

Explanation

A just culture distinguishes between unintentional error, which should be met with support and system improvement, and reckless behaviour, which may warrant action. The focus is on understanding contributing factors to prevent recurrence. Blame and suppression undermine safety learning.

Question 26Human Factors

Which sensory system provides the most reliable information for maintaining orientation when a pilot has clear visual reference to the natural horizon?

  1. The vestibular system
  2. The auditory system
  3. The proprioceptive system
  4. The visual system Correct answer.

Explanation

When the natural horizon is visible, vision dominates orientation and provides the most accurate and reliable spatial information. The vestibular and proprioceptive systems are prone to illusions in the absence of visual reference and cannot override accurate visual cues.

Question 27Human Factors

What is the primary function of the semicircular canals in the inner ear?

  1. Detecting angular acceleration and rotation Correct answer.
  2. Detecting changes in ambient pressure
  3. Detecting linear acceleration and gravity
  4. Detecting high-frequency sound

Explanation

The semicircular canals are fluid-filled tubes that sense angular acceleration, which is rotation of the head. They do not detect linear acceleration or gravity; that is the role of the otolith organs.

Question 28Human Factors

A pilot's decision-making is most likely to be impaired by mild hypoxia at which cabin altitude?

  1. 2,000 feet
  2. 5,000 feet
  3. 14,000 feet
  4. 8,000 feet Correct answer.

Explanation

Significant impairment of night vision and cognitive function can begin at cabin altitudes around 8,000 feet in unacclimatised individuals. At 5,000 feet effects are minimal, while 14,000 feet would cause more severe impairment, but the question asks for the onset of mild impairment.

Question 29Human Factors

Which of the following is the most effective way to reduce the risk of decompression sickness (DCS) during flight?

  1. Breathing 100% oxygen before and during flight
  2. Avoiding flying within 24 hours of scuba diving Correct answer.
  3. Limiting physical activity during flight
  4. Increasing cabin altitude gradually

Explanation

Decompression sickness occurs when dissolved nitrogen forms bubbles due to reduced ambient pressure. The most effective preventive measure is to allow sufficient time after scuba diving before flying to eliminate excess nitrogen, typically at least 24 hours.

Question 30Human Factors

A pilot experiences a sudden increase in noise and wind, and the aircraft yaws. The pilot's heart rate increases, and they immediately execute the memory items for an engine failure. This response is an example of:

  1. Complacency with standard operating procedures
  2. Freeze response due to cognitive overload
  3. Startle effect followed by effective stress response Correct answer.
  4. Normalisation of deviance

Explanation

The sudden noise and yaw trigger a startle response, but the pilot quickly recovers and applies trained memory actions. This demonstrates an effective stress response where the sympathetic nervous system aids performance.

Question 31Human Factors

Which of the following best describes the concept of 'situational awareness' in aviation?

  1. The ability to perceive, understand, and project the status of the aircraft and environment Correct answer.
  2. The skill of prioritising tasks during high-workload phases
  3. The capacity to maintain vigilance during low-workload periods
  4. The process of gathering all available information before making a decision

Explanation

Situational awareness is defined as the perception of elements in the environment, comprehension of their meaning, and projection of their status into the near future. It is not merely gathering information or task prioritisation, but includes understanding and anticipation.

Question 32Human Factors

A pilot on approach notices that the runway appears wider than usual and the approach lights seem closer. This visual illusion is most likely:

  1. Autokinetic illusion
  2. Somatogravic illusion
  3. Runway width illusion
  4. Black hole approach Correct answer.

Explanation

A black hole approach occurs at night or in low visibility when there are few ground references, causing the runway to appear closer and wider, leading to a low approach. The other illusions involve different mechanisms.

Question 33Human Factors

Which of the following is a common symptom of fatigue in a pilot?

  1. Enhanced problem-solving ability
  2. Slowed reaction time Correct answer.
  3. Increased vigilance
  4. Improved communication

Explanation

Fatigue typically slows reaction time, impairs attention and decision-making, and reduces overall performance. Increased vigilance, enhanced problem-solving, and improved communication are not symptoms of fatigue.

Question 34Human Factors

A pilot has been on duty for 14 hours and is now flying a night approach. According to fatigue risk management principles, which of the following is the most appropriate action?

  1. Consider handing over control to the other pilot or using automation to reduce workload Correct answer.
  2. Perform a steep approach to minimise time to landing
  3. Increase caffeine intake to maintain alertness
  4. Continue the approach as planned since it is the final leg

Explanation

Fatigue impairs performance, especially during high-workload phases like night approaches. Effective fatigue management includes mitigating actions such as task-sharing, using automation appropriately, or handing over control if necessary.

Question 35Human Factors

What is the primary purpose of the sterile flight deck rule?

  1. To ensure that all flight crew are present on the flight deck
  2. To allow the pilot flying to focus on instrument scanning
  3. To maintain a quiet environment for radio communications
  4. To prevent non-essential activities and distractions during critical phases of flight Correct answer.

Explanation

The sterile flight deck rule prohibits non-essential activities and conversations during critical phases of flight such as take-off and landing, to ensure that flight crew can focus on essential tasks without distraction.

Question 36Human Factors

Which of the following best describes the role of a crew resource management (CRM) training programme?

  1. To improve technical flying skills
  2. To ensure compliance with aircraft limitations
  3. To reduce the need for checklists
  4. To enhance teamwork, communication, and decision-making Correct answer.

Explanation

CRM training focuses on non-technical skills such as communication, teamwork, leadership, and decision-making to improve safety and efficiency. It does not replace technical training or checklists.

Question 37Human Factors

During a pre-flight briefing, the captain assigns specific tasks to each crew member for an upcoming emergency scenario. This is an example of:

  1. Workload management
  2. Situational awareness
  3. Crew coordination and role clarity Correct answer.
  4. Assertiveness

Explanation

Assigning specific tasks during a briefing enhances crew coordination by ensuring each member knows their responsibilities, which improves role clarity and teamwork. It is not primarily an example of assertiveness, situational awareness, or workload management.

Question 38Human Factors

A first officer disagrees with the captain's decision to continue an approach in deteriorating weather. What is the most appropriate action according to good CRM principles?

  1. Voice the concern clearly and assertively Correct answer.
  2. Remain silent to avoid conflict
  3. Wait until after landing to discuss the issue
  4. Report the captain to the authorities immediately

Explanation

Effective CRM encourages crew members to speak up when they have safety concerns. Assertive communication ensures the captain is aware of the first officer's perspective, allowing for a joint decision.

Question 39Human Factors

Which of the following is a key principle of a just culture?

  1. Punishment is reserved for reckless or intentionally unsafe acts Correct answer.
  2. Only managers are held accountable for safety
  3. All errors are punished equally
  4. Errors are ignored to encourage reporting

Explanation

A just culture distinguishes between honest errors and reckless or intentional violations. It encourages reporting by not punishing unintentional errors, while still holding individuals accountable for gross negligence or wilful violations.

Question 40Human Factors

In the SHELL model, what does the 'H' represent?

  1. Hazard
  2. Health
  3. Hardware Correct answer.
  4. Human

Explanation

In the SHELL model, 'H' stands for Hardware, which includes the physical equipment and systems. The model examines the interfaces between Software, Hardware, Environment, and Liveware.

Question 41Human Factors

A pilot is working with a new avionics system that has a complex interface. According to the SHELL model, this is an interface between:

  1. Liveware and Environment
  2. Software and Hardware
  3. Liveware and Hardware Correct answer.
  4. Liveware and Software

Explanation

The interface between the human (Liveware) and the physical equipment (Hardware) is critical in the SHELL model. A complex avionics interface represents a Liveware-Hardware mismatch that can increase workload and error.

Question 42Human Factors

Which of the following is an example of a latent failure in the Swiss cheese model?

  1. An autopilot malfunction during flight
  2. A pilot forgets to set the flaps
  3. A controller clears two aircraft onto the same runway
  4. A maintenance error that leaves a tool in the engine Correct answer.

Explanation

Latent failures are underlying conditions, often created by management or maintenance, that may lie dormant for a long time before contributing to an accident. A maintenance error leaving a tool in the engine is a latent failure, whereas the other options are active failures.

Question 43Human Factors

Which of the following is a common cause of confirmation bias in aviation decision-making?

  1. Systematically evaluating all available evidence
  2. Seeking out information that supports an existing belief Correct answer.
  3. Using checklists to verify actions
  4. Consulting multiple sources of information

Explanation

Confirmation bias is the tendency to search for, interpret, and favour information that confirms one's pre-existing beliefs or hypotheses. It can lead pilots to ignore contradictory evidence.

Question 44Human Factors

A pilot on a long solo flight begins to feel bored and complacent. Which of the following is the most effective strategy to maintain vigilance?

  1. Increase the use of automation
  2. Reduce the frequency of instrument checks
  3. Focus solely on the radio
  4. Periodically review and verbalise the current situation Correct answer.

Explanation

Complacency can lead to a decline in vigilance. Periodically reviewing and verbalising the current situation helps maintain situational awareness and alertness. Other options may increase the risk of complacency.

Question 45Human Factors

What is the primary purpose of an aviation safety occurrence reporting system?

  1. To provide data for insurance companies
  2. To identify hazards and prevent future occurrences Correct answer.
  3. To meet regulatory requirements only
  4. To assign blame for accidents

Explanation

Safety reporting systems are designed to collect information on hazards, errors, and near-misses to identify trends and implement preventive measures. They are not intended to assign blame.

Question 46Human Factors

Which of the following best describes the concept of 'threat and error management' (TEM)?

  1. A method for reducing fuel consumption
  2. A procedure for handling medical emergencies
  3. A system for punishing pilots who make errors
  4. A framework for identifying and managing threats and errors to maintain safety margins Correct answer.

Explanation

TEM is a proactive approach that helps pilots anticipate, recognise, and manage threats and errors during flight. It focuses on maintaining safety margins rather than punishing errors.

Question 47Human Factors

During a high-workload phase, a pilot is likely to experience which of the following effects on communication?

  1. Improved listening skills
  2. Tendency to omit or abbreviate standard calls Correct answer.
  3. Increased clarity and conciseness
  4. Greater tolerance for interruptions

Explanation

Under high workload, pilots may inadvertently omit or abbreviate standard radio calls and checklist items, leading to miscommunication. Effective communication requires deliberate effort to maintain standard phraseology.

Question 48Human Factors

A pilot receives a clearance that seems unusual and inconsistent with the expected routing. According to good communication practices, the pilot should:

  1. Assume the controller made an error and proceed as planned
  2. Read back the clearance and query any ambiguity Correct answer.
  3. Ignore the clearance and follow the flight plan
  4. Accept the clearance as given to avoid delay

Explanation

Effective communication requires read-back and verification, especially when a clearance is unusual. Querying ambiguity ensures mutual understanding and reduces the risk of error.

Question 49Human Factors

Which of the following is a correct statement about the effects of alcohol on pilot performance?

  1. Alcohol enhances night vision
  2. Alcohol has no effect on altitude tolerance
  3. Alcohol improves reaction time in small amounts
  4. Alcohol impairs cognitive and psychomotor functions even at low blood alcohol levels Correct answer.

Explanation

Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant that impairs judgment, reaction time, and coordination even at low blood alcohol concentrations. It also reduces tolerance to hypoxia and impairs night vision.

Question 50Human Factors

A pilot is taking a prescription medication that may cause drowsiness. What is the most appropriate action according to aviation medical regulations?

  1. Stop the medication without consulting a doctor
  2. Fly only short flights to minimise risk
  3. Continue flying as long as the dose is low
  4. Consult the aviation medical examiner before flying Correct answer.

Explanation

Pilots must consult an aviation medical examiner (AME) before flying while taking any medication that may impair performance. Self-assessment or adjusting doses without medical advice is unsafe and may violate regulations.