Human Factors

Objective

Upon completion of this lesson, the CFI candidate will demonstrate the ability to effectively teach human factors affecting helicopter flight safety by explaining symptoms, recognition, causes, effects, and corrective actions for aeromedical and physiological conditions; discussing alcohol and drug regulations and effects; presenting aeronautical decision-making concepts including CRM/SRM; and conducting practical assessments of pilot fitness and personal minimums. The candidate will meet the completion standards of ACS task HI.II.A.

Content

Introduction to Human Factors in Aviation

Human factors account for approximately 75% of all aviation accidents, making this knowledge critical for safe helicopter operations. Unlike fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters often operate in confined areas, at low altitudes, and in demanding environments that amplify human performance challenges.

Aeromedical and Physiological Issues

Hypoxia

Symptoms: Euphoria, decreased reaction time, impaired judgment, tunnel vision, blue fingernails/lips, headache Recognition: Often insidious - pilot may feel great while performance deteriorates Causes: Insufficient oxygen partial pressure (typically above 10,000 feet), carbon monoxide poisoning, anemia, blood loss Effects: Degraded cognitive function, poor decision-making, unconsciousness Corrective Actions: Descend immediately, use supplemental oxygen, land if symptoms persist

Teaching analogy: Like a smartphone with low battery - it works fine until it suddenly shuts down

Hyperventilation

Symptoms: Dizziness, tingling, rapid shallow breathing, feeling of suffocation, increased heart rate Recognition: Often confused with hypoxia, but occurs with adequate oxygen Causes: Emotional tension, pain, fear, stress Effects: Alkalosis, muscle spasms, unconsciousness Corrective Actions: Slow breathing rate, breathe into paper bag, talk through the problem

Middle Ear and Sinus Problems

Symptoms: Severe pain, pressure, hearing loss, dizziness during altitude changes Recognition: Pain intensifies during climb or descent Causes: Blocked eustachian tubes, sinus congestion, upper respiratory infections Effects: Incapacitation, spatial disorientation Corrective Actions: Don’t fly with cold/congestion, use gentle Valsalva maneuver, level off and clear blockage

Spatial Disorientation

Symptoms: Confusion about aircraft attitude, position, or motion Recognition: Conflict between what you feel and what instruments show Causes: Limited visibility, vestibular illusions, conflicting sensory inputs Effects: Loss of control, controlled flight into terrain Corrective Actions: Trust instruments, maintain instrument proficiency, recognize susceptible conditions

Teaching note: Especially dangerous in helicopters due to low-altitude operations and hovering maneuvers

Motion Sickness

Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, cold sweats, excessive salivation Recognition: Progressive deterioration, especially in turbulence Causes: Conflict between visual and vestibular systems, turbulence, poor ventilation Effects: Pilot incapacitation, passenger discomfort Corrective Actions: Focus on horizon, improve ventilation, minimize head movements, land if severe

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Symptoms: Headache, drowsiness, dizziness, cherry-red skin (late stage) Recognition: Often mistaken for fatigue or hypoxia Causes: Engine exhaust entering cabin, faulty heating systems Effects: Unconsciousness, death Corrective Actions: Fresh air immediately, land immediately, seek medical attention

Stress

Symptoms: Physical tension, emotional strain, degraded performance Recognition: Changed behavior patterns, poor judgment Causes: Life events, work pressure, flight conditions, time pressure Effects: Tunnel vision, increased errors, poor decision-making Corrective Actions: Recognize stressors, use stress management techniques, consider postponing flight

Fatigue

Symptoms: Tiredness, reduced alertness, microsleep episodes Recognition: Difficulty concentrating, increased errors Causes: Sleep deprivation, circadian rhythm disruption, prolonged duty Effects: Degraded performance, increased accident risk Corrective Actions: Adequate rest, proper sleep hygiene, recognize limitations

Dehydration and Nutrition

Symptoms: Thirst, headache, fatigue, dark urine, dizziness Recognition: Often overlooked, especially in hot climates Causes: Inadequate fluid intake, excessive sweating, caffeine, alcohol Effects: Reduced cognitive function, increased fatigue Corrective Actions: Pre-hydrate, avoid diuretics, balanced nutrition

Hypothermia

Symptoms: Shivering, confusion, loss of coordination, lethargy Recognition: Progressive deterioration in cold conditions Causes: Cold exposure, inadequate clothing, wet conditions Effects: Impaired judgment, loss of dexterity Corrective Actions: Warm environment, dry clothing, gradual rewarming

Optical Illusions

Types: Autokinesis, false horizon, crater illusion, approach lighting illusions Recognition: Visual conflict with reality Causes: Lighting conditions, terrain features, atmospheric conditions Effects: Spatial disorientation, hard landings, obstacles Corrective Actions: Use multiple visual cues, maintain proper approach angles, instrument reference

Dissolved Nitrogen (Scuba Diving)

Symptoms: Joint pain, skin rash, paralysis, unconsciousness Recognition: Symptoms after diving and flying Causes: Rapid decompression after diving Effects: Decompression sickness (the bends) Corrective Actions: Wait recommended time after diving before flying (12-24 hours depending on depth and time)

Alcohol and Drug Regulations

14 CFR 91.17 - Alcohol and Flying

• No person may act as a crewmember within 8 hours of consuming alcohol
• No person may act as a crewmember while having 0.04% or more alcohol concentration
• No person may act as a crewmember while under the influence of alcohol

14 CFR 91.19 - Drugs and Flying

• No person may act as a crewmember while using any drug that affects faculties
• Includes prescription medications that impair judgment or performance
• Medical certificate may be revoked for substance abuse

Effects of Alcohol, Drugs, and Medications

Alcohol Effects

• Impaired judgment and decision-making
• Reduced coordination and reaction time
• Altitude amplifies effects
• Hangover effects can last 12-24 hours

Drug Effects

• Prescription drugs: varying effects on cognition and motor skills
• Over-the-counter medications: drowsiness, reduced alertness
• Illegal drugs: severe impairment, unpredictable effects

Aeronautical Decision-Making (ADM)

The DECIDE Process

• Detect that a change has occurred
• Estimate the need to counter or react
• Choose the best course of action
• Identify actions to successfully implement choice
• Do the necessary actions
• Evaluate the effects of the action

Risk Management Matrix

• Assess probability and severity of potential outcomes
• Use conservative decision-making in uncertain situations
• Consider multiple factors simultaneously

Single-Pilot Resource Management (SRM)

• Task management
• Automation management
• Risk management
• Situational awareness
• Controlled flight into terrain awareness

Crew Resource Management (CRM) - Multi-Pilot Operations

• Communication
• Leadership
• Decision-making
• Teamwork
• Workload management

Risk Management Elements

Hazardous Attitudes and Antidotes

• Antiauthority (“Don’t tell me”) → Follow the rules, they are usually right
• Impulsivity (“Do something quickly”) → Not so fast, think first
• Invulnerability (“It won’t happen to me”) → It could happen to me
• Macho (“I can do it”) → Taking chances is foolish
• Resignation (“What’s the use?”) → I’m not helpless, I can make a difference

Distractions and Task Prioritization

• Aviate, Navigate, Communicate priority
• Recognize and minimize distractions
• Maintain situational awareness
• Use checklists and standardized procedures

Confirmation and Expectation Bias

• Tendency to see what we expect to see
• Confirmation bias: seeking information that confirms preconceptions
• Combat with: thorough briefings, standardized procedures, questioning assumptions

Schedule

Equipment

• FAA-H-8083-25 Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (Chapter 17)
• FAA-H-8083-2 Risk Management Handbook
• 14 CFR Parts 61, 91
• Visual aids: symptoms charts, decision-making flowcharts
• Scenario-based case studies
• Personal minimums worksheet
• Whiteboard or flip chart for interactive discussions

Instructor Actions

• Present each aeromedical condition with clear symptom descriptions and real-world examples
• Demonstrate the DECIDE process using helicopter-specific scenarios
• Use interactive questioning to reinforce hazardous attitude recognition
• Guide student through personal minimums development exercise
• Model proper self-assessment techniques for fitness to fly
• Demonstrate ability to associate symptoms with at least three conditions from the knowledge requirements
• Present alcohol/drug regulations with emphasis on personal responsibility
• Facilitate discussion on risk management strategies specific to helicopter operations
• Use analogies and memory aids to make complex concepts memorable
• Encourage student questions and provide detailed explanations

Student Actions

• Identify symptoms and causes for presented aeromedical conditions
• Explain corrective actions for various physiological impairments
• Demonstrate understanding of alcohol and drug regulations
• Apply ADM process to given scenarios
• Recognize hazardous attitudes in case studies
• Participate in development of personal minimums
• Perform self-assessment for fitness to fly in given scenarios
• Ask clarifying questions about complex topics
• Provide examples from personal experience where appropriate
• Practice teaching techniques for presenting human factors to future students

Completion Standards

The CFI candidate successfully demonstrates the ability to teach human factors when they can:

1. Knowledge (HI.II.A.K1-K4): Accurately explain symptoms, recognition methods, causes, effects, and corrective actions for all twelve aeromedical/physiological conditions; correctly state alcohol and drug regulations; describe effects of various substances on pilot performance; and present comprehensive ADM concepts including CRM/SRM principles

2. Risk Management (HI.II.A.R1-R4): Effectively teach recognition and mitigation of aeromedical/physiological risks, hazardous attitude identification and correction, distraction management and situational awareness techniques, and bias recognition and prevention strategies

3. Skills (HI.II.A.S1-S2): Demonstrate ability to associate symptoms and effects with causes and corrective actions for at least three conditions from the knowledge requirements, and successfully guide a student through self-assessment exercises including fitness for flight determination and personal minimums development for actual flight scenarios or evaluator-provided situations

The lesson meets ACS standards when the candidate displays comprehensive knowledge, uses effective teaching techniques, provides practical applications relevant to helicopter operations, and demonstrates ability to help students develop sound judgment and decision-making skills for human factors management.