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

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

3. Aeromedical-Hypoxia Lack of Oxygen Hypoxic Anemic
Likely in unpressurized cabin above 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

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

5. 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!

6. 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?

7. 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

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

9. 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.

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

11. Workload/Flight Phases
Source: Pilots encyclopedia of Aeronautical Knowledge

12. 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?

13. 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

14. 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”

15. Risk Assessment Sheet

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

17. Resources
FAA ADM Document (AC) 60-22