GPC GPC - Glider Pilot Certificate Pilot Physiology and Aeronautical Decision Making Questions and Answers 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under FAA regulations, how long must a pilot wait after consuming alcohol before acting as pilot in command?
- 8 hours (Correct answer)
- 4 hours
- 12 hours
- 24 hours
Correct 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%.
Question 2: Which of the following is a symptom of hyperventilation that a glider pilot might experience at high altitude?
- Tingling in the fingers and lightheadedness (Correct answer)
- Increased alertness and sharp vision
- Elevated heart rate with no dizziness
- Tunnel vision only
Correct answer: Tingling in the fingers and lightheadedness
Hyperventilation causes excessive CO2 expulsion, leading to tingling extremities, lightheadedness, and potentially fainting if not corrected.
Question 3: What is the first step in the DECIDE model for aeronautical decision making?
- Detect a change or problem (Correct answer)
- Estimate the need to counter the problem
- Choose a course of action
- Do the best alternative
Correct 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.
Question 4: A glider pilot who feels invulnerable and takes unnecessary risks is exhibiting which hazardous attitude?
- Invulnerability (Correct answer)
- Impulsivity
- Macho
- Anti-authority
Correct 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.
Question 5: Spatial disorientation is most likely to occur when a glider pilot is flying in:
- IMC or hazy conditions with no visible horizon (Correct answer)
- Clear skies with a visible horizon
- Light turbulence below 3,000 feet
- Calm air at pattern altitude
Correct 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.
Question 6: Which action best counters the hazardous attitude of impulsivity in glider flight?
- Stop and think before acting — not the first action but the best action (Correct answer)
- Trust the first instinct since reaction time is critical
- Continue the current plan without deviation
- Ask another pilot to make the decision
Correct 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.
GPC GPC - Glider Pilot Certificate Pilot Physiology and Aeronautical Decision Making Questions and Answers 2
Under FAA regulations, how long must a pilot wait after consuming alcohol before acting as pilot in command?