Topic 10. Human Factors & Aeronautical Decision Making
1. According to accident statistics, what percentage of aviation accidents are mostly caused by pilot error?
a. 25%
b. 40%
c. 65%
d. 90%
2. The Swiss Cheese Model of accident causation suggests that accidents usually happen because of which of the following?
a. A single catastrophic mechanical failure that disables the aircraft.
b. A single critical mistake made by the pilot during flight.
c. Multiple layers of defense failing at the same time, allowing hazards to align.
d. Regulations that are not strict enough to prevent unsafe operations.
3. Which of the following best describes the idea of latent failures in the Swiss Cheese Model?
a. Errors made by pilots during an in-flight emergency.
b. Hidden system weaknesses that may exist undetected for long periods.
c. Mechanical failures that happen suddenly and without warning.
d. Weather events that cannot be predicted or avoided.
4. Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is especially dangerous in aviation because of which characteristic?
a. It causes immediate and total loss of consciousness upon exposure.
b. It has a strong odor that distracts pilots from critical tasks.
c. It is colorless and odorless, making it hard to detect without instruments.
d. It only happens at high altitudes where cabin pressure is reduced.
5. Which of the following pilot actions is the best immediate response to suspected carbon monoxide poisoning?
a. Descending to a lower altitude and ventilating the cabin.
b. Increasing engine power to reach an airport more quickly.
c. Leaning the fuel mixture aggressively to reduce exhaust output.
d. Turning off all avionics systems to reduce electrical load.
6. The “178 Seconds to Live” concept refers to which of the following ideas?
a. The approximate time required for hypoxia to become fatal at cruise altitude.
b. The average survival time after a complete engine failure in flight.
c. The average time a non-instrument-rated pilot can maintain control in IMC.
d. The FAA-required minimum reaction time during in-flight emergencies.
7. Which sensory system is mainly responsible for causing spatial disorientation illusions in flight?
a. The auditory system, which processes sound cues for situational awareness.
b. The proprioceptive system, which senses body position through muscles and joints.
c. The vestibular system (inner ear), which detects motion and balance.
d. The visual system, which relies on external references for orientation.
8. The graveyard spiral typically happens when a pilot does which of the following?
a. Applies excessive rudder input during coordinated turning maneuvers.
b. Flies too slowly during descent, leading to an aerodynamic stall.
c. Overcorrects pitch inputs during moderate to severe turbulence.
d. Trusts body sensations instead of flight instruments during reduced visibility.
9. Which of the following correctly matches the hazardous attitude “Invulnerability” with its appropriate antidote?
a. “Do it quickly” to “Not so fast; think first”.
b. “Don’t tell me what to do” to “Follow the rules; they are usually right”.
c. “I can do it” to “Taking chances is foolish”.
d. “It won’t happen to me” to “It could happen to me”.
10. The main purpose of the NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS) is to serve which of the following functions?
a. Certifying new aircraft systems before they enter commercial service.
b. Collecting confidential safety reports to identify hazards and prevent future accidents.
c. Punishing pilots who violate Federal Aviation Regulations.
d. Replacing NTSB investigations for minor aviation incidents.
11. Hypoxia is best defined as which of the following conditions?
a. A condition in which there is not enough oxygen available to the body’s tissues.
b. A visual illusion caused by an unusual runway slope during approach.
c. An excess of carbon dioxide in the blood caused by shallow breathing.
d. Poisoning caused by exhaust fumes entering the aircraft cabin.
12. A common early symptom of hypoxia that makes it particularly dangerous to pilots is which of the following?
a. A sense of euphoria and poor judgment that masks the condition.
b. An immediate and complete loss of hearing in both ears.
c. Severe and sudden chest pain that impairs physical movement.
d. Sudden paralysis of the limbs that prevents control inputs.
13. Hyperventilation in flight most directly results from which of the following causes?
a. A blocked pitot tube causing incorrect instrument readings.
b. A rapid increase in cabin pressure during descent.
c. Breathing too rapidly or deeply, lowering carbon dioxide levels in the blood.
d. Breathing too slowly, causing an oxygen deficiency in the bloodstream.
14. The somatogravic illusion is most likely to happen during which of the following flight conditions?
a. A night approach over dark terrain, creating a false horizon illusion.
b. A sudden descent, creating a false sensation of climbing.
c. Rapid acceleration on takeoff, creating a false sensation of excessive nose-up pitch.
d. Slow flight near stall speed, creating a false sensation of turning.
15. Which of the following statements best clarifies the roles of the NTSB and the ASRS?
a. Both systems are mostly used to issue and manage pilot certificates.
b. The ASRS takes over from the NTSB when a crash occurs in controlled airspace.
c. The NTSB collects anonymous near-miss reports, while the ASRS determines probable cause of accidents.
d. The NTSB investigates accidents and incidents, while the ASRS gathers confidential voluntary safety reports.
Answers:
1. C
2. C
3. B
4. C
5. A
6. D
7. C
8. D
9. D
10. B
11. A
12. A
13. C
14. C
15. D
Alan Yu