AME Aerospace Physiology & Human Factors

Question 1

At what altitude does the FAA require supplemental oxygen for flight crew members when flying in an unpressurized cabin above 12,500 feet MSL for more than 30 minutes?

Accepted Answer

Above 12,500 feet MSL for more than 30 minutes; above 14,000 MSL at all times

Answer

Above 10,000 feet MSL at all times

Answer

Above 14,000 feet MSL for more than 30 minutes only

Answer

Above 15,000 feet MSL at all times

Question 2

What is the 'time of useful consciousness' (TUC) at 35,000 feet following rapid decompression, and what is its significance for aviation medical examiners?

Accepted Answer

15-20 seconds; AMEs must counsel on the critical importance of immediate oxygen mask donning

Answer

30-60 seconds; AMEs must ensure pilots understand the urgency of immediate emergency descent

Answer

5-10 minutes; pilots have adequate time for controlled descent at this altitude

Answer

2-3 minutes; standard emergency procedures provide adequate time

Question 3

What is the primary concern regarding the use of antihistamines by a certificated pilot, and how should the AME counsel on this?

Accepted Answer

First-generation antihistamines cause significant sedation and are not approved for use while flying; second-generation non-sedating antihistamines may be acceptable after an adequate observation period

Answer

Antihistamines cause cardiac arrhythmias and are absolutely prohibited at all times

Answer

All antihistamines are approved for pilot use as long as symptoms are controlled

Answer

Antihistamines are only prohibited for ATP certificate holders

Question 4

What is decompression sickness (DCS), and at what altitude does it become a significant risk for non-pressurized flight operations?

Accepted Answer

The formation of nitrogen bubbles in tissues due to rapid pressure reduction, significant above 18,000 feet MSL

Answer

Oxygen toxicity occurring above 20,000 feet

Answer

Carbon monoxide poisoning from engine exhaust, significant above 10,000 feet

Answer

Inner ear barotrauma from rapid ascent, significant above 25,000 feet

Question 5

What physiological phenomenon is primarily responsible for spatial disorientation in IMC flight, and why is it relevant to the AME's evaluation of vestibular disorders?

Accepted Answer

The leans - a vestibular illusion from the semicircular canal limitations and false sensory inputs during sustained turns

Answer

Hypoxia-induced cortical suppression

Answer

The somatogravic illusion caused by linear acceleration during IMC

Answer

Vertigo from Eustachian tube dysfunction during altitude changes

Question 6

Why is carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning a significant aviation medical concern, and what is the physiological basis for its impairment of oxygen delivery?

Accepted Answer

CO has 200-250 times greater affinity for hemoglobin than oxygen, forming carboxyhemoglobin that cannot carry oxygen and impairs oxygen offloading to tissues

Answer

CO reduces atmospheric oxygen concentration in the cockpit through combustion

Answer

CO directly inhibits mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase causing cellular hypoxia without reduced hemoglobin oxygen saturation

Answer

CO causes bronchoconstriction that reduces alveolar oxygen exchange