Areromedical Factors and Aeronautical Decision Making Jim Pearsall Flight Instructor-Sport Pilot Candidate

Agenda Aeromedical Factors Aeronautical Decision Making (ADM) Hypoxia Hyperventilation Spatial Disorientation Night Vision Medical Conditions impacting Performance Aeronautical Decision Making (ADM)

Aeromedical-Hypoxia Lack of Oxygen Hypoxic Anemic Likely in unpressurized cabin above 15000 feet Blue nails Tunnel Vision Symptoms Belligerence False sense of security Counter Time in Altitude Chamber to experience effects Effects amplified by smoking, alcohol Anemic Similar effects caused by excessive Carbon Monoxide impeding the transport of oxygen by the blood Read Into Thin Air Anemic different cause similar result

Aeromedical-Hyperventilation Lack of CO2 Results from Excited Stress Tension Fear Use of supplemental oxygen Cure Slow breathing Talking

Aeromedical-Spatial Disorientation Temporary disorientation/confusion Altitude may seem greater than actual due to upslope Rapid Acceleration may be miss-interpreted as in a nose-high attitude Haze makes objects appear further away If in IMC, trust your instruments!

Aeromedical-Night Vision Reduces vision Force viewing objects off-center Use Rods, B&W portion of eye Adaptation is impaired above 5000 feet, Oxygen recommended at night Careful use of Landing Light It is not a taxi light Dim panel Red flashlight Spend time in the dark before flight Wear a patch?

Aeromedical-Conditions Flying after Diving Requires waiting before flights: Motion Sickness Avoid head movements Keep eyes outside PIC Avoid medications, they can cause drowsiness Flights Any Dive Requiring Controlled Ascent Above 8000 MSL 24 Hours 24 hours Below 8000 MSL 12 hours Diving-If you suspect a person was diving, ASK, it is your responsibility-You do not want to declare an emergency to be directed toward nearest hyperbaric chamber Motion Sickness-Over stimulation of the tiny channels of the inner ear

Aeromedical-Conditions 2 Inflammation Head Colds Ear Block Sinus Congestion Tooth Pain Inflammation-Unicom at an FBO,

Aeronautical Decision Making (ADM) Definition: A systematic approach to the mental process used by pilots to consistently determine the best course of action in response to a given set of circumstances.

ADM Process Risk Elements Process is dependent on the following elements being present: Situational Awareness Problem Recognition Good Judgment ADM Process

Workload/Flight Phases Source: Pilots encyclopedia of Aeronautical Knowledge

ADM-Prepare I’M SAFE Checklist Illness -Any Symptoms? Medication –Prescription, Over the Counter? Stress –Job? Finances? Health? Family? Alcohol –Drinking last 8 Hours? 24? Fatigue –Tired, adequately Rested? Eating –Am I nourished?

ADM - Pitfalls to Good Judgment Peer Pressure Scud Running Loss of Position Adequate fuel reserves Neglect in Flight Planning Remember, everything available about the flight ADM is dependent on objective self-assessment

Five Hazardous Attitudes Example Antidote Anti-Authority “Don’t tell me!” Follow the rules, they are usually right Impulsivity “Do it quickly.” Not so fast. Think first. Invulnerability “It will not happen to me.” It could happen to me. Macho “I can do it” Taking chances is foolish. Resignation “What is the use?” I am not helpless. I can make a difference”

Risk Assessment Sheet

“Shirt Pocket” ADM Decide Model Detect Estimate Choose Identify Do Evaluate

Resources FAA ADM Document (AC) 60-22