Human Performance PPL study guide — physiology and decision-making

Human Performance and Limitations tests how well you understand the pilot — not the aircraft. It covers physiology, psychology, and the factors that affect your ability to fly safely.

Core topics

• Hypoxia, hyperventilation, and carbon monoxide
• Vision, illusions, and spatial disorientation
• Hearing and communication
• Stress, fatigue, and decision-making
• Alcohol, drugs, and blood donation

How to study

Link each physiological effect to a real flight scenario. Questions often describe symptoms and ask you to identify the cause — practise recognising patterns rather than memorising lists in isolation.

Common exam traps

Watch for similar-sounding conditions (hypoxia vs hyperventilation) and time-based limits (hours after scuba diving, blood donation). Flashcards work well for these distinctions.