PPL » Human Factors » Alcohol and Drugs
10.32 Alcohol and Drugs
10.32.2 Explain the effects of alcohol on pilot performance.
Alcohol can have several negative effects on pilot performance, including:
1. Impaired judgment:
Alcohol can impair a pilot's judgment, making it difficult to make good decisions during flight.
This can lead to poor decision-making, risk-taking behaviour, and other dangerous actions.
2. Decreased reaction time:
Alcohol can also decrease a pilot's reaction time, making it difficult to respond quickly to changing situations during flight.
This can increase the risk of accidents and other dangerous situations.
3. Decreased cognitive function:
Alcohol can impair cognitive function, making it difficult to process information and make quick decisions.
This can be particularly dangerous during critical phases of flight, such as take-off and landing.
4. Decreased coordination:
Alcohol can also impair a pilot's coordination, making it difficult to control the aircraft and perform necessary tasks during flight.
5. Increased risk-taking behaviour:
Alcohol can increase risk-taking behaviour, making it more likely that a pilot will engage in dangerous actions during flight.