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1) What is decompression sickness?

A A frequent disorder in commercial aviation due to the pressurisation curve of
modern aircraft
B A disorder which is solely encountered below 18,000 ft
C The formation of air bubbles in bodily tissues, with no consequences for
people's capabilities
D An sickness resulting from the formation of nitrogen bubbles in bodily tissues
and fluids after a cabin pressure loss at high altitude
2) The symptoms caused by gas bubbles under the skin following a
decompression are called:
A bends
B chokes
C leans
D creeps
3) Visual acuity during flight at high altitudes can be affected by:
1. anaemia
2. smoking in the cockpit
3. carbon monoxide poisoning
4. hypoxia
A 1,3 and 4 are correct
B 1, 2, 3 and 4 are correct
C 1,2 and 3 are correct
D 2,3 and 4 are correct
4) When the optical image forms in front of the retina; we are talking about
A myopia
B hypermetropia
C presbyopia
D astigmatism
5) Vibrations can cause blurred vision. This is due to tuned resonance
oscillations of the:
A optic nerve
B crystalline lens
C photosensitive cells
D eyeballs
6) Which of the following statements are correct:
-1: Scuba diving may be practiced without restriction
-2: Many medicines have effects which are incompatible with flight safety
-3: An adequate amount of fluid should be drunk when flying
-4: Diet has no repercussion on health
A 2 and 3 are correct
B 1, 2 and 3 are correct
C 2, 3 and 4 are correct
D 1, 3 and 4 are correct
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7) A pilot is prone to get vertigo, as visibility is impaired (dust, smoke,

snow). What is the correct action to
prevent vertigo?
A Depend on information from the semicircular canals of the inner ear, because
those are the only ones giving correct information
B Depend on the instruments
C Reduce rate of breathing until all symptoms disappear, then breathe normal
again
D Concentrate on the vertical speedometer
8) Which of the following drawbacks are associated with automation?
1. Reduced competence in manually controlling the aircraft
2. Increased likelihood of slips while programming automatic systems
3. Difficulties in adapting to the use of a sidestick
4. General decrease in technical reliability
A 2,3,4
B 1,3
C 1,2
D 1,4
9) What is the Time of Useful Consciouness ?
A The pilot's reaction time when faced with hypoxia
B The period of time between the start of hypoxia and the moment that the pilot
becomes aware of it
C The length of time during which an individual can act with both mental and
physical efficiency and alertness, measured from the moment at which he loses
his available oxygen supply
D The time taken to become aware of hypoxia due to gradual decompression
10) Inhaling carbon monoxide can be extremely dangerous during flying.
Which of the following statement(s) is/are correct?
A With increasing altitude the negative effects of carbon monoxide poisoning
will be compensated.
B Small amounts of carbon monoxide are harmless.
C Carbon monoxide is odourless and cannot be smelled.
D Carbon monoxide increases the oxygen saturation in the blood.
11) Dizziness and tumbling sensations, when making head movements in a
tight turn, are symptoms of
A "Pilot`s vertigo"
B "Nystagmus"
C "Flicker-vertigo"
D "Oculogravic illusion"
12) TUC (Time of Useful Consciousness) is:
A the time between the start of hypoxia and death
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B the length of time during which an individual can act with both mental and
physical efficiency and alertness; measured from the moment at which he is
exposed to hypoxia
C the time before becoming unconscious at a sudden pressure loss
D the time after pressure loss until decompression sickness sets in
13) A pilot, climbing in a non-pressurised aircraft and without using
supplemental oxygen will pass the "critical threshold" at approximately:
A 38 000 ft
B 22 000 ft
C 16 000 ft
D 18 000 ft
14) A pilot is used to land on wide runways only. When approaching a
smaller and/or narrower runway, the pilot
may feel he is at a
A greater height than he actually is with the tendency to land short
B lower than actual height with the tendency to overshoot
C greater height and the impression of landing short
D lower height and the impression of landing slow
15) Which of the following applies when alcohol has been consumed?
A Small amounts of alcohol increase visual performance
B Acute effects of alcohol cease immediately when 100% oxygen is taken
C Even after the consumption of small amounts of alcohol, normal cautionary
attitudes may be lost
D Drinking coffee at the same time will increase the elimination rate of alcohol
16) The trend in airplane hull-loss rate over the last three decades seems to
be related to:
A the manufacturer
B the number of engines
C the year of manufacture
D the crew
17) Affinity to haemoglobin is best with:
A carbon dioxide
B carbon monoxide
C nitrogen
D oxygen
18) 1. REM-sleep becomes shorter with any repeated sleep cycle during the
night.
2. REM-sleep is more important for the regeneration of mental and
physical functions than all the other sleep stages are.
A 1 is not correct 2 is correct
B 1 and 2 are both correct
C 1 is correct 2 is not correct
D 1 and 2 are false
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19) Which of the following systems are involved in the appearance of

motion sickness?
-1 : Hearing
-2 : The vestibular system
-3 : Vision
-4 The proprioceptive senses "Seat-of-the-Pants-Sense")
-5 : The gastrointestinal system
A 1,2,5
B 2,3,4
C 1,2,3
D 2,3,4,5
20) Someone who has anaemia has:
A not enough functional haemoglobin
B not enough platelets
C not enough plasma
D not enough white blood cells
21) Under normal circumstances, which gas will diffuse from the blood to
the alveoli:
A nitrogen
B oxygen
C carbon dioxide
D carbon monoxide
22) Illuminated anti-collision lights in IMC
A will improve the pilots depth perception
B will effect the pilots binocular vision
C can cause disorientation
D can cause colour-illusions
23) The eustachian tube is the passage way between the
A nose, pharynx and inner ear
B nose, pharynx and the external auditory canal
C sinuses and the pharynx
D nasopharynx and the middle ear
24) On ascent the gases in the digestive tract will
A expand
B stay the same
C shrink
D be absorbed by tissues and blood
25) Autokinesis is
A the automatical adjustment of the crystalline lens to objects situated at
different distances
B the apparent movement of a static single light when stared at for a relatively
long period of time in the dark
C the phenomenon of spinning lights after the abuse of alcohol
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D the change in diameter of the pupil, when looking in the dark

26) After a decompression to 43 000 FT the TUC (Time of Useful
Consciousness) will be approximately:
A 5-15 seconds
B 30-45 seconds
C 45-60 seconds
D 60-90 seconds
27) Which sensations does a pilot get, when he is rolling out of a
coordinated level turn?
A Flying straight and level
B Climbing
C Turning into the original direction
D Descending and turning into the opposite direction
28) The following course of action must be taken if gastrointestinal or
cardiopulmonary complaints or pain arise before take-off :
-1 : take the standard medicines and advise the doctor on returning from
the flight
-2 : assess your own ability to fly, if necessary with the help of a doctor
-3 : if in doubt about fitness to fly - do not fly!
-4 : reduce the cabin temperature, and drink before you are thirsty so as to
avoid dehydration
A 2,3
B 1,3
C 1,4
D 1,2,4
29) How can a pilot prevent spatial disorientation in flight?
A Always try to catch outside visual cues.
B Rely on good situational awareness believing your natural senses.
C Rely on the kinaesthetic sense.
D Establish and maintain a good instrument cross check.

30) Which procedure is recommended to prevent or overcome spatial

disorientation?
A Tilt your head to the side to get better informations from the semicircular
canals.
B Rely on the Seat-of-the-Pants-Sense.
C Get adapted to low levels of illumination before flying and use off-center
vision all the time.
D Rely entirely on the indications of the flight instruments.
31) Flying immediately after SCUBA diving involves the risk of getting:
A hyperventilation
B hypoxia
C stress
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D decompression sickness without having a decompression

32) To prevent the "autokinetic phenomena", the following can be done:
A look out for additional references inside and/or outside the cockpit using
peripheral vision also
B fixate the source of light, first with one eye, then with the other
C look sideways to the source of light for better fixation
D turn down cabin light and shake head simultaneously
33) Rods (scotopic visual cells) allow for :
A red vision, both during the day and at night
B good night-vision after adaptation to darkness (30 min)
C good, virtually instantaneous night-vision (scotopic vision)
D precise vision of contours and colours
34) What triggers stress in humans?
A Only strong excitations of the sensory organs: a flash of light, noise, the smell
of smoke
B Always the awareness of an emotion and a physiological activation (e. g.
rapid heart rate)
C The subjective interpretation an individual gives to a situation experienced
D Objective stimulation from the environment regards of subjective perceptions
35) Oxygen, combined with haemoglobin in blood is transported by
A white blood cells
B red blood cells
C platelets
D blood plasma
36) Gases of physiological importance to man are:
A oxygen and carbon monoxide
B oxygen, nitrogen and water vapor
C oxygen and carbon dioxide
D nitrogen and carbon dioxide
37) The amount of light which strikes the retina is controlled by:
A the cornea
B the lens
C the pupil
D the ciliary body
38) What should a pilot do if he has no information about the dimensions of
the runway and the condition of the terrain underneath the approach? He
should
A make a visual approach and call the tower for assistance
B be aware that approaches over water always make the pilot feel that he is
lower than actual height
C make an instrument approach and be aware of the illusory effects that can be
induced
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D be aware that approaches over down sloping terrain will make him believe
that he is higher than actual
39) What is the TUC at 20 000 FT?
A 1to 2 hours
B 5 to 10 minutes
C about 30 minutes
D 1 to 2 minutes
40) What is understood by air-sickness?
A An illness caused by an infection of the middle ear
B A sensory conflict within the vestibular system accompanied by nausea,
vomiting and fear
C An illness caused by evaporation of gases in the blood
D An illness caused by reduced air pressure
41) What does not impair the function of the photosensitive cells?
A Oxygen deficiency
B Acceleration
C Toxic influence (alcohol, nicotine, medication)
D Fast speed
42) In the alveoli gas exchange takes place (external respiration). Which
gas will diffuse from the blood into the lungs?
A Ambient air.
B Oxygen.
C Carbon monoxide.
D Carbon dioxide.
43) If someone hyperventilates due to stress his blood will get:
A more alkaline
B less satured with oxygen
C more satured with carbon dioxide
D more acid
44) With a heart rate of 72 beats per minute and a stroke volume of 70 ml
the cardial output is about:
A 6 liters/min
B 7 liters/min
C 8 liters/min
D 5 liters/min
45) Flights immediately after SCUBA-diving (compressed gas mixtures,
bottles) (>10 m depth)
A are allowed, if 38000 FT are not exceeded
B should be avoided because hypoxia may develop
C are forbidden
D can be performed without any danger
46) Breathing pure oxygen (without pressure) will be sufficient up to an
altitude of:
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A 60000 FT
B 80000 FT
C 38000 FT
D 45000 FT
47) Which of the following statements concerning hypoxia is correct?
A It has little effect on the body, because the body can always compensate for it.
B It is a potential threat to safety.
C It is never a problem at altitudes below 25.000 ft.
D It activates the senses and makes them function better.
48) The ability of the human eye to read alphanumeric information
(piercing vision):
A is limited to the foveal area of the retina
B is limited to daytime using the rod cells
C is almost equally shared by the entire retina
D is governed by peripheral vision over an area of approximately 20 degrees of
angle
49) If somebody starts breathing faster and deeper without physiological
need
A the acid-base balance of the blood will not change
B the blood pressure in the brain will rise significantly
C the blood turns less more alkaline
D the blood turns more acid
50) Dalton's law explains the occurance of :
A bends
B decompression sickness
C creeps
D altitude hypoxia
51) The "ideal professional pilot" is, in his behaviour,
A rather "person" than "goal" oriented
B neither "person" nor "goal" oriented
C rather "goal" than "person" oriented
D "person" and "goal" oriented
52) Decision-making results in:
A an objective choice concerning applicable solutions for a given end
B a subjective choice concerning applicable solutions
C a choice between different solutions for achieving a goal
D a choice always based on the experience of the PIC
53) Adverse effects of carbon monoxide increase as:
A altitude decreases
B air pressure increases
C relative humidity decreases
D altitude increases
54) Hypoxia can be caused by:
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1. low partial pressure of oxygen in the atmosphere when flying at high

altitudes without pressurisation and supplemental oxygen
2. a decreased saturation of oxygen in the blood due to carbon monoxide
attached to the hemoglobin
3. blood pooling in the lower extremities due to inertia (+ Gz)
4. malfunction of the body cells to metabolize oxygen (i.e. after a hangover)
A 1 is false, 2, 3 and 4 are correct
B 1, 2, 3 are correct, 4 is false
C 1, 2, 3 and 4 are correct
D 1 and 2 are correct, 3 and 4 are false
55) A barotrauma of the middle ear (aerotitis)
A is to be expected during rapid decompressions, but an emergency descent
immediately following the decompression will eliminate the problem
B is more likely, when the pilot is flying with a respiratory infection and during
descent
C is only caused by large pressure changes during climb
D causes severe pain in the sinuses
56) What is hypoxia ?
A The respiratory symptom associated with altitude decompression sickness
B A state charcterised by an excessive supply of oxygen which may be due to
maladjustment of the mask
C Any condition where the oxygen concentration of the body is below normal
limits or where the oxygen available to the body cannot be used due to some
pathological condition
D The total absence of oxygen in the air
57) "The Bends" as a symptom of decompression sickness consists of:
A pain in the joints
B pain in the thorax and a backing cough
C CNS-disturbances
D loss of peripheral vision
58) Air at an altitude of 18.000 feet contains, approximately:
A 5% oxygen
B 15% oxygen
C 10% oxygen
D 21% oxygen
59) The rate of absorption of alcohol depends on many factors. However,
the rate of metabolism or digestion of
alcohol in the body is relatively constant. It is about
A 0,02 - 0,05 mg % per hour
B 0,2 - 0,25 mg % per hour
C 0,3 - 0,35 mg % per hour
D 0,01 - 0,015 mg % per hour
60) Working memory :
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A is unlimited in size
B is unlimited in duration
C varies considerably in size between an expert pilot and a novice pilot
D is sensitive to interruptions which may erase all or some of its content
61) You fly VFR from your home base (runway width 45 m) to a small
airfield (runway width 27 m). On reaching your
destination there is a risk of performing a:
A high approach with overshoot
B high approach with undershoot
C low approach with overshoot
D low approach with undershoot
62) Symptoms of decompression sickness
A are bends, chokes, skin manifestations, neurological symptoms and
circulatory shock
B are only relevant when diving
C can only develop at altitudes of more than 40000 FT
D are flatulence and pain in the middle ear
63) What is the main problem caused by positive (+Gz) accelerations?
A An increase in blood pressure in the upper part of the body(above heart-level)
B Hyperoxygenation of the blood which may lead to sensory disorders
C A pooling of blood in the lower portions of the body, and hence less blood
available
D An improvement of peripheral vision
64) During running your muscles are producing more CO2, raising the
CO2 level in the blood. The consequence is:
A hyperventilation (the rate and depth of breathing will increase)
B cyanosis
C hypoxia
D vertigo
65) Haemoglobin is:
A dissolved in the plasma
B in the white blood cells
C in the red blood cells
D in the platelets
66) In the event of rapid decompression, the first action for the flight deck
crew is:
A don oxygen masks and ensure oxygen flow
B descent to the higher of 10000 ft or MSA
C transmit mayday call
D carry out check for structural damage
67) In order to completely resynchronise with local time after zone
crossing, circadian rhythms require
A more time when flying from east to west
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B about one day per 2.5 hours of time shift

C about one week per 2.5 hours of time shift
D less time when flying from east to west
68) At what altitude (breathing 100% oxygen without pressure) could
symptoms of hypoxia be expected?
A 22 000 ft
B Approximately 35 000 ft.
C Approximately 38 - 40 000 ft.
D Approximately 10 - 12 000 ft.
69) Which scanning technique should be used when flying at night?
A Look to the side (15 - 20 deg) of the object.
B Look directly at the object.
C Blink your eyes.
D Look with one eye.
70) Glaucoma
1. can lead to total blindness
2. can lead to undetected reduction of the visual field
3. reduces visual acuity in its final stage
A 1 and 3 are correct, 2 is false
B 2 and 3 are correct, 1 is false
C 1 is correct, 2 and 3 are false
D 1, 2 and 3 are correct
71) The use of modern technology applied to glass-cockpit aircraft has:
A improved man-machine communication as a result of flight sensations
B facilitated feedback from the machine via more concise data for
communication on the flight deck
C considerably improved all the communication facilities of the crew
D reduced the scope for non-verbal communication in interpersonal relations
72) A barotrauma of the middle ear is
A an infection of the middle ear caused by rapid decompression
B an acute or chronic trauma of the middle ear caused by a difference of
pressure on either side of the eardrum
C a bacterial infection of the middle ear
D a dilatation of the eustachian tube
73) The volume percentage of oxygen in the atmosphere is 21% which
A is constant for all altitudes conventional airplanes can reach
B decreases with increasing altitude
C increases with increasing altitude
D is dependent on the present air pressure
74) In relation to hypoxia, which of the following paraphrase(s) is (are)
correct?
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A This is a physical condition caused by a lack of oxygen to meet the needs of

the body tissues, leading to mental and muscular disturbances, causing impaired
thinking, poor judgement and slow reactions
B This is a condition of lacking oxygen in the brain causing the circulatory
system to compensate by decreasing the heart
rate.
C Hypoxia is often produced during steep turns when pilots turn their heads in a
direction opposite to the direction in which the aircraft is turning
D This is a physical condition caused by a lack of oxygen saturation in the
blood while hyperventilating.
75) The severity of hypoxia depends on the:
1. rate of decompression
2. physical fitness
3. flight level
4. individual tolerance
A 1,2 and 3 are correct, 4 is false
B 2,3 and 4 are correct, 1 is false
C 1 and 3 are correct, 2 and 4 are false
D 1,2,3 and 4 are correct
76) Which of the following abilities will not improve efficient decision
making on the cockpit?
A Ability to think ahead and specify alternative courses of action.
B Ability to persuade others to follow the own point of view.
C Communicational skills and social competence.
D Ability to search for and examine all available information regarding a
situation.
77) Hypoxia is a situation in which the cells
A are saturated with nitrogen
B are saturated with oxygen
C have a shortage of carbon dioxide
D have a shortage of oxygen