Maricopa Community Colleges  AET290   19956-20086 
Official Course Description: MCCCD Approval: 07/22/08
AET290 19956-20086 LEC 3 Credit(s) 3 Period(s)
Flight Physiology
In-depth study of aeromedical factors for pilots. The causes, symptoms, prevention, and treatment of flight environment disorders, altitude effects, spatial disorientation, visual illusions, body heat imbalance, and psychological factors are included as they relate to pilot performance and survival. Two altitude chamber flights at the student's expense are required.
Prerequisites: Current FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) medical certificate.
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MCCCD Official Course Competencies:
 
AET290   19956-20086 Flight Physiology
1. Describe typical pressure effects and methods to alleviate them. (I)
2. Explain how changes in altitude affect respiration and oxygen content in the blood. (II)
3. List typical symptoms of hypoxia. (II)
4. Describe factors that lead to spatial disorientation or vertigo. (III)
5. Diagram and explain the causes of typical visual illusions. (IV)
6. List the sequence of typical reactions to hypothermia. (V)
7. Explain the significance of psychological factors on flight safety. (VI)
8. Explain how altitude impacts the effect of alcohol, tobacco, caffeine, and typical prescription drugs. (VII)
9. Identify personal reactions to hypoxia. (VIII)
10. Demonstrate proper use of oxygen equipment. (VIII)
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MCCCD Official Course Outline:
 
AET290   19956-20086 Flight Physiology
    I. Flight Environment Disorders
        A. Pressure effects
        B. Motion sickness
        C. Carbon monoxide poisoning
      II. Altitude Effects
          A. Respiration
          B. Hypoxia
          C. Anemic Hypoxia
          D. Hyperventilation
        III. Spatial Disorientation
            A. Vestibular sense
            B. Kinesthetic sense
            C. Disorientation
            D. Spatial illusions
          IV. Vision
              A. Construction of the eye
              B. Night vision
              C. Illusions
            V. Body Heat Imbalance
                A. Hypothermia
                B. Reactions
              VI. Psychological Factors
                  A. Depression
                  B. Euphoria
                  C. Anger
                VII. Medications and Drugs
                    A. Depressants
                    B. Stimulants
                    C. Pain killers
                  VIII. Altitude Chamber Flights
                      A. Personal hypoxic reactions
                      B. Use of oxygen systems
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