Question

Select one major aspect of human physiology in the selected readings for this module that particularly interests you. Analyze and evaluate it, then creatively apply it to aviation safety. Explain both how and why you believe it could negatively impact safety in some aspect of aviation operations that also particularly interests you, such as flight operations, maintenance operations, or air traffic control operations.

Answer 1

One of the important factors that affect a human's physiology is hypoxia. Hypoxia can be a big issue for someone who flies in an unpressurized cabin. It is a state of oxygen deficiency in the body that leads to impair functions of the brain and other organs. Because of the nature of flight, flight crews are much more likely to suffer from hypoxia than normal people. Hypoxia is due to the reduced barometric pressures encountered at high altitudes. There is less atmosphere at high altitudes due to reduction in barometric pressures resulting in less available oxygen. Hypoxia can occur quickly and the body's ability to adapt to a low oxygen condition is poor when the onset is fast. It can be recognised from both objective (i.e., capable of being perceived by an observer) and subjective (i.e., perceived by pilot only) symptoms. Objective signs include increased rate and depth of breathing, tachycardia, cyanosis, mental confusion, anger , euthopia, poor judgement, loss of muscle coordination, slouching and loss of consciousness. The subjective symptoms include brethelessness, apprehension, headache,dizziness, fatigue, nausea, hot and cold flashes, blurred vision, tunnel vision, tingling and numbness. Hypoxia effects the behaviour and mood of the pilot and crew which is quite dangerous for flight operations. It is observed that pilot is unable to properly perform the mental or physical tasks needed to perform the required actions. Mood disturbances are generally extreme and can include deep sorrow, uncontrollable laughing, nervous exhaustion, attacks of aggressiveness and antisocial actions. Sometimes a crew may appear to be drunk and fighting between crew members may occur. Sometimes a crew will enter a deep depressive state and will experience a complete lack of will to conduct a task. So these situations create a problem in flight operations.