FAA Sport Pilot Airplane (SPA)Human Factors and ADMEasy
A pilot becomes anxious during turbulence and begins breathing rapidly, resulting in tingling fingers and lightheadedness. What is the most appropriate immediate action?
- ADescend to sea level as the only remedy
- BImmediately don supplemental oxygen regardless of altitude
- CConsciously slow the breathing rate and talk aloud
- DIncrease breathing rate further to get more oxygen
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Consciously slow the breathing rate and talk aloud
Hyperventilation is caused by excessive breathing that lowers carbon dioxide levels in the blood; the correct treatment is to consciously slow breathing and talking aloud helps regulate the breathing rate.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Descending is not required for hyperventilation caused by anxiety, unlike hypoxia.
- B. Supplemental oxygen is not the primary fix since the issue is CO2 loss, not lack of oxygen.
- D. Increasing breathing rate would worsen hyperventilation.
Hyperventilation
Abnormally rapid or deep breathing that disrupts the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood, often triggered by anxiety.
- Symptoms mimic hypoxia: dizziness, tingling, lightheadedness
- Caused by excessive elimination of carbon dioxide, not lack of oxygen
- Treated by consciously slowing breathing and talking aloud
Memory trick: Slow it, Talk it, Solve it.