AQT Aviation Medical & Human Factors Flashcards

What is the primary cause of vertigo (spatial disorientation) in IMC flight?

Answer: Conflict between vestibular and visual cues

Spatial disorientation in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) occurs when vestibular (inner ear) sensations conflict with cockpit instrument indications.

What does the Coriolis illusion cause a pilot to perceive?

Answer: Tumbling or rolling sensation when moving the head during a sustained turn

The Coriolis illusion arises when a pilot moves their head during a prolonged turn, overstimulating the semicircular canals and creating a tumbling sensation.

What is the maximum blood alcohol concentration (BAC) allowed for military aviators before flight?

Answer: 0.00% (completely sober)

Military aviation regulations prohibit any detectable alcohol in a pilot's system, requiring complete sobriety before flight.

What is the 'graveyard spiral' and what causes it?

Answer: A progressively steepening spiral dive caused by spatial disorientation

The graveyard spiral is a progressively tightening spiral dive that develops when a pilot, disoriented in a bank, pulls back instead of rolling wings-level.

What physiological effect does hyperventilation commonly cause in pilots?

Answer: Decreased carbon dioxide causing lightheadedness and tingling

Hyperventilation causes excessive carbon dioxide to be expelled, lowering blood CO₂ levels and producing symptoms like lightheadedness, tingling, and impaired judgment.

What is 'channelized attention' in aviation human factors?

Answer: Fixation on one task or instrument while neglecting others

Channelized attention (or fixation) occurs when a pilot focuses exclusively on one stimulus and fails to monitor other critical flight parameters.