Areromedical Factors and Aeronautical Decision Making

Jim PearsallFlight Instructor-Sport Pilot

Candidate

Agenda

• Aeromedical Factors– Hypoxia– Hyperventilation– Spatial Disorientation– Night Vision– Medical Conditions impacting Performance

• Aeronautical Decision Making (ADM)

Aeromedical-Hypoxia

• Lack of Oxygen• Hypoxic

– Likely in unpressurized cabin above 15000 feet• Blue nails• Tunnel Vision

– Symptoms• Belligerence• False sense of security

– Counter• Time in Altitude Chamber to experience effects

– Effects amplified by smoking, alcohol• Anemic

– Similar effects caused by excessive Carbon Monoxide impeding the transport of oxygen by the blood

Aeromedical-Hyperventilation

• Lack of CO2• Results from– Excited– Stress– Tension– Fear– Use of supplemental oxygen

• Cure– Slow breathing– Talking

Aeromedical-Spatial Disorientation

• Temporary disorientation/confusion– Altitude may seem greater than actual due to

upslope– Rapid Acceleration may be miss-interpreted as in a

nose-high attitude– Haze makes objects appear further away

• If in IMC, trust your instruments!

Aeromedical-Night Vision

• Reduces vision• Force viewing objects off-center– Use Rods, B&W portion of eye

• Adaptation is impaired above 5000 feet, Oxygen recommended at night

• Careful use of Landing Light– It is not a taxi light– Dim panel– Red flashlight– Spend time in the dark before flight

Aeromedical-Conditions

• Flying after Diving– Requires waiting before flights:

• Motion Sickness– Avoid head movements– Keep eyes outside– PIC• Avoid medications, they can cause drowsiness

Flights Any Dive Requiring Controlled Ascent

Above 8000 MSL 24 Hours 24 hours

Below 8000 MSL 12 hours 24 Hours

Aeromedical-Conditions 2

• Inflammation– Head Colds– Ear Block– Sinus Congestion

• Tooth Pain

Aeronautical Decision Making (ADM)

Definition:A systematic approach to the mental process used by pilots to consistently determine the best course of action in response to a given set of circumstances.

ADM Process

Risk Elements

Process is dependent on the following elements being present:

•Situational Awareness•Problem Recognition•Good Judgment

Workload/Flight Phases

Source: Pilots encyclopedia of Aeronautical Knowledge

ADM-Prepare

I’M SAFE Checklist • Illness -Any Symptoms?• Medication –Prescription, Over the Counter?• Stress –Job? Finances? Health? Family?• Alcohol –Drinking last 8 Hours? 24?• Fatigue –Tired, adequately Rested?• Eating –Am I nourished?

ADM - Pitfalls to Good Judgment

• Peer Pressure• Scud Running• Loss of Position• Adequate fuel reserves• Neglect in Flight Planning– Remember, everything available about the flight

ADM is dependent on objective self-assessment

Five Hazardous AttitudesAttitude Example Antidote

Anti-Authority “Don’t tell me!” Follow the rules, they are usually right

Impulsivity “Do it quickly.” Not so fast. Think first.

Invulnerability “It will not happen to me.”

It could happen to me.

Macho “I can do it” Taking chances is foolish.

Resignation “What is the use?” I am not helpless. I can make a difference”

Risk Assessment Sheet

“Shirt Pocket” ADM

• Decide Model–Detect–Estimate–Choose–Identify–Do–Evaluate

Resources

• FAA ADM Document (AC) 60-22