GPC - Glider Pilot Certificate Pilot Physiology and Aeronautical Decision Making Questions and Answers Flashcards

Under FAA regulations, how long must a pilot wait after consuming alcohol before acting as pilot in command?

Answer: 8 hours

FAA regulation 14 CFR 91.17 requires at least 8 hours between consuming alcohol and acting as PIC, and a blood alcohol level below 0.04%.

Which of the following is a symptom of hyperventilation that a glider pilot might experience at high altitude?

Answer: Tingling in the fingers and lightheadedness

Hyperventilation causes excessive CO2 expulsion, leading to tingling extremities, lightheadedness, and potentially fainting if not corrected.

What is the first step in the DECIDE model for aeronautical decision making?

Answer: Detect a change or problem

The DECIDE model begins with Detect — recognizing that a change or hazard has occurred and requires a pilot response.

A glider pilot who feels invulnerable and takes unnecessary risks is exhibiting which hazardous attitude?

Answer: Invulnerability

The hazardous attitude of invulnerability is the belief that accidents happen to others but not to oneself, leading to underestimation of real risks.

Spatial disorientation is most likely to occur when a glider pilot is flying in:

Answer: IMC or hazy conditions with no visible horizon

Without a visible horizon or ground reference, the vestibular system can create false sensations of attitude, leading to spatial disorientation.

Which action best counters the hazardous attitude of impulsivity in glider flight?

Answer: Stop and think before acting — not the first action but the best action

Impulsivity is countered by deliberately pausing to evaluate options rather than acting on the first impulse, which may not be the safest choice.