Flight Training - September 2013 - 41

CHECKRIDE

By Bob Schmelzer

FIT FOR FLIGHT

IT’S NOT JUST ABOUT THE AIRPLANE

lthough learning to fly doesn’t require a semester of pre-med
studies, attention must be paid to physiological factors that
could affect pilots and their passengers. These topics are
addressed during the practical test as “aeromedical factors.”
They are described in the Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge
and the Aeronautical Information Manual (www.faa.gov). Your designated pilot examiner (DPE) is required to test your knowledge of the
effects of alcohol, drugs, over-the-counter medications, and the effects
of excess nitrogen following scuba diving—as well as three additional
factors from a list of eight items.
Not surprisingly, hypoxia (insufficient
oxygen) and its effects are at the top of
that list. The causes, symptoms, and the
appropriate corrective actions will form
the essential highlights of the oral exam
questions.
A common topic of discussion deals
with hyperventilation, because it occurs
more often among pilots and their passengers than is generally recognized.
The typical wrong answer that DPEs
hear for its cause: too much oxygen.
Another common and potentially
more harmful problem is a middle ear or
sinus blockage. These usually are associated with upper respiratory or nasal
congestion, which inhibits the normal
exchange, or equalization, of air pressure
when changing altitudes—descents being
the more problematic. Decongestant
sprays or drops do not provide adequate
protection, and oral decongestants may
impair pilot performance.
An in-depth presentation on spatial
disorientation and various illusions is
covered because of the extreme hazards
they present. Our inner-ear sensory,
sight, sound, nerves, and muscles combined with our sense of perceived gravity
create a horribly unreliable attitude indicator when we lose our visual horizon. It
is critical to understand these sensations
to avoid falling prey to vertigo.
Motion sickness is a favorite topic of
discussion. Recognize its symptoms
and know corrective actions. Also, be
aware that drugs such as Dramamine

can cause side effects that pilots need
to avoid.
Carbon monoxide poisoning occurs
more often during wintertime operations.
While most applicants know about this
dangerous byproduct of internal combustion, it sometimes is not understood just
how life-threatening an in-flight exposure
can be. Open outside air vents and windows, and close the heater vent, but don’t
stop there—get the airplane on the ground.

PRACTICAL TEST
STANDARDS
Task J: Aeromedical Factors (ASEL and ASES)
References: FAA-H-8083-25; AIM.
Objective: To determine that the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge of the
elements related to aeromedical factors by
explaining:
1. The symptoms, causes, effects, and
corrective actions of at least three of the
following—
a. hypoxia.
b. hyperventilation.
c. middle ear and sinus problems.
d. spatial disorientation.
e. motion sickness.
f. carbon monoxide poisoning.
g. stress and fatigue.

Next are stress and fatigue. Both have
short-term, acute forms, as well as longterm, chronic (dangerous) forms. Dealing
with the acute forms is important, and
easier. However, chronic stress or fatigue
renders a pilot unable to safely cope and
must be avoided.
Additional ailments include dehydration and heat stroke. The simple cure is
to drink plenty of water frequently, before
you feel thirsty. By the time most people
feel thirsty, they are already 1.5 quarts low
of fluids.
Alcohol has an entire list of negative
effects. Many prescription and over-thecounter medications can produce the
same reaction as alcohol, so use extreme
care before taking these while flying.
Decompression sickness can occur
while flying after an insufficient recovery
period following scuba diving activities. Know that both time and altitude
restrictions apply, and once symptoms
are present, immediate corrective action
becomes essential: 100 percent oxygen;
descend and land as soon as possible; seek
immediate medical attention.
Eye functions and night vision complete
the list of essential aeromedical factors.
During the course of your flight training, it might be tempting to skip several
important factors as you focus on what
seems to be the more important skills: flying the airplane. Yes, your ability to safely
fly the airplane is job one. But any pilot
specializing in only that will not go very
far. From the examiner’s perspective, it is
readily apparent when applicants “wing”
their way through the oral exam questions, hoping to slide by on their cursory
knowledge of physiology from their
elementary or high school days. It isn’t
pretty. But it is very avoidable.

h. dehydration.
2. The effects of alcohol, drugs, and over-

Bob Schmelzer is a Chicago-area designated pilot

the-counter medications.

examiner, a United Airlines captain, and Boeing

3. The effects of excess nitrogen during scuba

777 line check airman. He has been an active flight

dives upon a pilot or passenger in flight.

instructor since 1972.

SEPTEMBER 2013 FLIGHT TRAINING

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http://www.faa.gov

Flight Training - September 2013

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