Lesson 8.0 Aircraft Performance & Weight & Balance 

Lesson 8.0 – Human Factors, Aeronautical Decision Making & Flight Physiology

(Lesson Overview Page)

Flying safely depends on more than just aircraft knowledge and regulations. It also depends on the pilot. This unit covers the human factors that affect decision making, performance, and safety in the cockpit.

These topics appear frequently on the Private Pilot knowledge test and are critical for real-world flying.

Work through these sub-lessons carefully. Many of the concepts here directly affect your ability to make good decisions before and during a flight.

In these sub-lessons you will learn:

• 8.1 Aeronautical Decision Making (ADM) & Risk Management The decision-making process, risk assessment, and tools such as PAVE and IMSAFE

• 8.2 Human Factors & Pilot Error How human limitations and common errors contribute to accidents

• 8.3 Flight Physiology – Vision, Hearing & Spatial Disorientation How the body senses orientation and the illusions that can mislead a pilot

• 8.4 Medical Factors & Fitness for Flight Fatigue, stress, alcohol, medications, and other conditions that affect performance

• 8.5 Crew Resource Management & Single-Pilot Resource Management Using all available resources effectively, even when flying alone

Mastering these topics will help you recognize risks early and make safer decisions throughout your flying career.