Chapter 1 Human Factors and Flight Physiology

Psychology of Flight

Lecturer Information

  • Name: Ts.K. Vikneshwaran

  • Email: viknesh.unicam@gmail.com

  • Phone: +6017-6150873

Mid Term Test Components

  • Written Test: 15%

  • Public Speaking/RCA: 10%

  • Activity: 15%

  • Assignment: 15%

  • Final Exam: 50% (Final Essay/Case Studies)

Human Factors

Definition

  • Human Factors: The multidisciplinary study of human behavior and performance, specifically in aviation operations.

  • Objective: Optimize the fit between people and systems to improve safety and performance.

FAA Definition

  • Defined as generating and applying information about human capabilities and limitations to various facets of aviation ( equipment, systems, procedures, etc.) for safe and effective human performance.

ICAO Definition

  • Focus on people in their working and living environments and their relationships with each other and systems.

  • Objectives: Safety and efficiency.

Human Limitations

Causes of Human Errors

  • Over 70% caused by human errors:

    • Pilot, maintenance crew, air traffic control, airlines management.

  • Under 30% caused by environmental factors:

    • Faulty equipment, poor maintenance, airport operations, weather conditions, medical status, design faults.

Importance of Learning Human Factors

  • Understanding human limitations to enhance safety and performance.

Aloha Flight 243

Incident Overview

  • Date: April 28, 1988

  • Outcome: 1 fatality, 65 injuries.

  • Cause: Metal fatigue due to heavy corrosion; designed for 75,000 decompressions but experienced over 89,000.

  • Issues: Poor quality inspections and maintenance programs.

Lecture 1: Human Factor and Flight Physiology

Learning Objectives

  • Basic understanding of human physiology.

  • Identification of major body systems affecting human factors.

  • Understanding the effects on the body and mind during flight.

  • Knowledge of human physiology in flight environments.

Physiology Defined

  • Study of integrated functions of human systems and maintenance of body functions at the cellular level.

Flight Physiology

  • Definition: Interaction of the body and mind in the flying environment.

  • Includes:

    • Organ functionality in normal and abnormal environments.

    • Strategies to protect body functions during flight.

Significance

  • Awareness of flight physiology leads to enhanced pilot performance and safety.

Why Learn Physiology?

  • Understand organ functions and adaptations in unfriendly environments.

  • Awareness and preparation for safe flight situations.

Human Physiological Challenges in Flight

  • Main Issues:

    • Hypoxia

    • Spatial disorientation

    • Motion sickness

    • Stress

    • Effects of alcohol, smoking, drugs

    • Decompression sickness

    • Hyperventilation

    • Cabin pressurization

Health Goals in Aviation

  • Ensure safety and health for all flight crew members by maintaining medical fitness.

Human Anatomy Overview

Body Systems

  • Musculoskeletal System

  • Metabolic System

  • Gastrointestinal (GI) System

  • Nervous System

  • Circulatory System

  • Respiratory System

The Nervous System

Components

  • Central Nervous System: Brain and spinal cord.

  • Peripheral Nervous System: Transmits signals to and from organ branches.

Central Nervous System Functions

  • Controls mental, mechanical, and physiological functions.

  • Example: Analogous to a computer's electrical signal transmission through wires.

Brain Functionality (1ST Part of the Brain: Frontbrain)

  • Frontal Lobes: Thoughts, decisions, and judgments.

  • Parietal Lobes: Sensory processing.

  • Temporal Lobes: Speech and communications processing.

  • Occipital Lobes: Visual information processing.

Brain Structure (2ND Part of the Brain)

  • Hindbrain: Regulation of basic functions (breathing, blood pressure, heart rate).

  • Midbrain: Hormonal regulation (temperature, growth).

Spinal Cord Functions

  • Transmits signals between brain and peripheral systems.

The Respiratory System

Function

  • Gas exchange between body tissues and ambient air.

Purpose

  • Consume Oxygen(O2) and remove Carbon Dioxide (CO2).

Types of Respiration

  1. External Respiration: Exchange of gases at the lungs.

  2. Internal Respiration: Exchange of gases between blood and tissues at the cellular level.

Phases of External Respiration

  • Inhalation: Active phase (breathing in).

  • Exhalation: Passive phase (breathing out).

The Circulatory System

Function

  • Carries blood, transporting oxygen, carbon dioxide, nutrients, and waste.

Importance

  • Changes in oxygen levels significantly affect organ performance, particularly the brain.

Summary of Body Systems and Functions

  • Musculoskeletal System: Supports and protects.

  • Gastrointestinal System: Digests and provides nutrients.

  • Metabolic System: Converts resources into energy and substances.

Conclusion

Understanding physiology is critical for comprehending how flight can affect human performance.

Key Points

  • Definitions of physiology and flight physiology.

  • Importance of flight physiology in aviation.

  • Basic concepts surrounding the nervous, respiratory, and circulatory systems.

End of PresentationQ/A Session