Human Factors and CRM Flashcards
7 cards from real CPL practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Human Factors and CRM flashcards as text
The Yerkes-Dodson law applied to pilot performance states that performance is best at:
Answer: A moderate, optimal level of arousal
The Yerkes-Dodson inverted-U curve shows that both under-arousal (boredom) and over-arousal (panic) degrade performance, with peak efficiency at moderate arousal.
A pilot flying a long overnight cargo flight notices difficulty focusing on instrument readings and increased reaction time. These are most consistent with which physiological state?
Answer: Circadian trough fatigue
Circadian trough fatigue, typically between 0300–0500 local time, causes cognitive slowing and increased reaction time that align with the body's lowest alertness cycle.
Which workload management technique involves assigning specific tasks to specific crew members BEFORE the high-workload phase begins?
Answer: Pre-briefing and role allocation
Pre-briefing task allocation ensures each crew member knows their responsibilities before workload spikes, reducing confusion during critical phases.
Automation complacency in the cockpit is best described as:
Answer: Over-reliance on automation with decreased monitoring of automated systems
Automation complacency develops when crews trust automated systems to the point of reducing their active monitoring and verification behaviors.
In threat and error management (TEM), which category does an unexpected ATIS reporting lower-than-forecast ceilings represent?
Answer: Environmental threat
In TEM, threats are external factors beyond the crew's control; unexpected weather is an environmental threat the crew must manage.
A First Officer notices the Captain entered an incorrect altitude into the MCP but does not speak up because the Captain has 20,000 hours and must surely know. This illustrates which cognitive bias?
Answer: Authority bias
Authority bias is the tendency to defer to a perceived expert or authority figure even when evidence suggests they may be wrong.
When a pilot focuses so narrowly on one instrument or problem that situational awareness of other aircraft systems is lost, this cognitive phenomenon is called:
Answer: Cognitive tunneling (channelized attention)
Cognitive tunneling or channelized attention means the pilot's focus narrows to one item, blocking awareness of other critical data.