Aeromedical Factors - QT
Updated: Apr 19, 2021
Lesson Quicktakes cover the items that should be memorized from each of the wifiCFI Lessons. They do not cover all of the lesson details in-depth.
MEDICAL CERTIFICATES
First Class:
Privileges = Exercise ATP Certificate.
Durations = 6 Calendar Months if over 40 years old. 12 Calendar Months if under 40 years old.
Second Class:
Privileges = Exercise Commercial Certificate.
Durations = 12 Calendar Months regardless of age.
Third Class:
Privileges = All other operations.
Durations = 24 Calendar Months if over 40 years old. 60 Calendar Months if under 40 years old.
HYPOXIA
Not enough oxygen.
Hypoxic Hypoxia = Not enough oxygen in the environment (high altitudes).
Hypemic Hypoxia = Oxygen cannot attach to blood cells (CO poisoning).
Stagnant Hypoxia = Blood not flowing (G-Forces).
Histotoxic Hypoxia = Brain rejects oxygen molecules (drugs and alcohol).
Symptoms of Hypoxia:
Cyanosis (blue fingernails and lips).
Headache.
Decreased Response times.
Impaired Judgement.
Euphoria.
Visual Impairment.
Drowsiness.
Dizzy Sensations.
Numbness.
Tingling in Fingers and Toes.
Hypoxia Corrective Actions:
Descend.
Put on an Oxygen Mask.
Stop pulling G-Forces.
HYPERVENTILATION
Too much oxygen. Not enough carbon dioxide.
MIDDLE EAR AND SINUS CONGESTION
Traps air pressure in sinuses.
Ease of pain in the climb.
Increased pain during descent.
VESTIBULAR ILLUSIONS
The Leans = Feeling as if you are in a turn.
Coriolis Illusion = Rapid head movement in a turn.
Graveyard Spiral = Extended condition of the Leans.
Somatogravic Illusion = Acceleration/Deceleration feels like climbing or descending.
Inversion Illusion = Rapid level off from steep climb feels like tumbling backward.
Elevator Illusion = Updrafts/Downdrafts feel like nose high/nose low attitudes.
VISUAL ILLUSIONS
False Horizon = Lights obscure the horizon.
Autokinesis = Stationary lights appear moving.
Runway Width = Wide runways make pilots feel low. Narrow runways make pilots feel high.
Runway Slope = Upsloping runways make pilots feel high. Downsloping runways make pilots feel low.
Featureless Terrain = Makes pilots feel high.
Haze = Makes pilots feel high.
Fog = Can create the illusion of pitching up.
MOTION SICKNESS
Brain receiving conflicting messages about the state of the body.
CARBON MONOXIDE (CO) POISONING:
Colorless and Odorless.
Attaches to blood cells 200X faster than Oxygen.
Aircraft Cabin Heater.
Symptoms:
Headache.
Blurred Vision.
Dizziness.
Drowsiness.
Loss of Muscle Power.
Death.
STRESS
The body’s response to physical and psychological demands.
Acute Stress = Immediate threat.
Chronic Stress = Accumulated/long term stress.
FATIGUE
Exhaustion.
Acute Fatigue = Short term exhaustion.
Chronic Fatigue = Long term exhaustion.
ALCOHOL
Rules:
8 hours Bottle to Throttle.
.04% BAC Max.
No Flying while Hungover.
DCS
Decompression Sickness
SCUBA DIVING WAIT TIMES

IMSAFE CHECKLIST
I = Illness.
M = Medication.
S = Stress.
A = Alcohol.
F = Fatigue.
E = Eating/Emotion.