Lectures 1-5 Flight Physiology
Why Study Aviation Physiology Aviation physiology is an important study for pilots, flight attendants, and other crewmembers. Its study is often brushed over during initial training. The current FAA Knowledge Examination system emphasizes multiple choice knowledge at the expense of a deeper understanding. The course will give you a chance to explore aviation physiology in a more focused manner.
Physiology is the biological study of a living organism, in whole or in part. Aviation physiology is narrowed to study of specific issues or problems that confront the human body in the flight environment. For example, the study will focus on many issues that affect the body in flight including: • Night vision and its limitations. • High altitude flight and its affect on breathing. • The problems associated with caffeine, nicotine, and over-the-counter medications. • Fatigue and how it is a primary cause in aviation accidents. • Mental health and how the approach to it by the FAA is actually more harmful to public safety.
Why Crewmember Health is so Important Many accidents are related to the illness or sickness of crewmembers. To some, you might think the obvious effect of a heart attack on a pilot is where accidents may result. There are many other problems, however, that may result in serious accidents and fatalities. Poor sleeping habits may result in fatigue, which is an overwhelming factor in many of today's aviation accidents. The crash of American Airlines Flight 1420, in 1999 at Little Rock, Arkansas, may have happened because of fatigue issues that impacted the decision-making abilities of the pilots. The most important system in the aircraft is the well-functioning body of a crewmember. No other system has the ability to solve problems, adapt to changing circumstances, invent unique solutions, and assure safety for the passengers and aircraft.
Basics of Physical Wellness
In this lesson, we will discuss some basics
Physiology is the biological study of a living organism, in whole or in part. Aviation physiology is narrowed to study of specific issues or problems that confront the human body in the flight environment. For example, the study will focus on many issues that affect the body in flight including: • Night vision and its limitations. • High altitude flight and its affect on breathing. • The problems associated with caffeine, nicotine, and over-the-counter medications. • Fatigue and how it is a primary cause in aviation accidents. • Mental health and how the approach to it by the FAA is actually more harmful to public safety.
Why Crewmember Health is so Important Many accidents are related to the illness or sickness of crewmembers. To some, you might think the obvious effect of a heart attack on a pilot is where accidents may result. There are many other problems, however, that may result in serious accidents and fatalities. Poor sleeping habits may result in fatigue, which is an overwhelming factor in many of today's aviation accidents. The crash of American Airlines Flight 1420, in 1999 at Little Rock, Arkansas, may have happened because of fatigue issues that impacted the decision-making abilities of the pilots. The most important system in the aircraft is the well-functioning body of a crewmember. No other system has the ability to solve problems, adapt to changing circumstances, invent unique solutions, and assure safety for the passengers and aircraft.
Basics of Physical Wellness
In this lesson, we will discuss some basics