This course discusses the adaptability of human physiological systems to unique aerospace environments. Topics include the effects of environmental conditions including lighting, noise, vibration, heat, cold, humidity, pressurization, rapid pressure changes, hypoxia, horizontal and vertical accelerations and decelerations, spatial disorientation (vertigo), stress, circadian rhythms, fatigue, fitness, variable shift work (day, evening, and night work and varying shift schedules) and future research and development needed on task performance in order to maintain maximum safety and performance effectiveness.

Note: The first three references for this course can be read online or downloaded at no charge using the URL addresses provided.

Note: Wikipedia is often regarded as an unacceptable reference for academic courses due to its perceived lack of uniform quality control. Wikipedia coverage of technical aviation topics, aircraft accidents, and the included charts, graphs, diagrams, etc., are often excellent. The Wikipedia references included in this syllabus have been carefully reviewed and have been determined to be well researched, accurate, complete, well presented, and on point for this course.

1. Reference #1. U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration, Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center, Civil Aeromedical Institute. (no date). Aviation Physiology.
2. Reference #2. U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration. (2023). Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (FAA-H-8083-25B). Chapter 17. Retrieved from
3. Reference #3. U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration. (2025). Aeronautical Information Manual: Official Guide to Basic Flight Information and ATC Procedures. Chapter 8. Retrieved from
4. Reference #4. U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration. (2015). Advisory Circular 61-107b: Aircraft Operations at Altitudes Above 25,000 Feet Mean Sea Level or Mach Numbers Greater Than .75. Retrieved from
5. Reference #5. U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration. (2006). FAA Order 3150.1C: Aviation Physiology Training for FAA Flight Personnel. Retrieved from
6. Reference #6. U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration, Office of Aerospace Medicine. (2004). In-Flight Medical Incapacitation and Impairment of U. S. Airline Pilots: 1993 to 1998. Retrieved from
7. Reference #7. United States Department of the Interior. (2008). ALSE: Aviation Life Support Equipment Handbook. Retrieved from
8. Reference #8. U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration, Airman Education Programs - Physiology of Flight Videos.
9. Reference #9. Human physiology related accidents for review and evaluation to be assigned by instructor.
10. Reference #10. Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL) Retrieved from

At the completion of this course the learners will be able to:

• Understand the effects of various flight situations and conditions on the human body.
• Understand the physics of the atmosphere.
• Understand and recognize the effects of hypoxia and hyperventilation.
• Understand and recognize the effects of trapped gasses and altitude decompression sickness.
• Understand the use and operation of onboard pilot and passenger oxygen supply systems.
• Understand and recognize the effects of spatial disorientation, sensory illusions, and vertigo.
• Understand and recognize the effects of fatigue, chemicals, CO, dehydration, and alcohol on the human body.
• Understand and recognize the effects of noise and vibration on the human body.
• Understand how human vision works and optical illusions and negative effects on vision that can be produced by various flight environments and conditions.
• Be able to review and understand relevant accident reports involving physiological issues.

Grades

Student performance in the course will be measured by ten (10) discussion boards, five (5) written assignments, five (5) quizzes, one (1) research paper, and one (1) comprehensive final exam.

Discussion Boards

The ten (10) discussion boards combined are worth 20% of the course grade (20 points each). Each student will post one (1) original response to the question and post one (1) response each to each of three (3) different fellow student’s original responses to the discussion question (which three is your choice).

The goal is to have an active and timely discussion. Postings made after the assignment deadline will not be counted for a grade.

I expect substantive comments that indicate that you have given some thought to the issue(s).

Grading rubric: grammar - 5 points, content - 15 points. (See CANVAS for specific grading rubric)

Written Assignments

The five (5) written assignments combined are worth 20% of the course grade (40 points each). The written assignments require three (3) typed double spaced pages (not including a Title Page or the References page) on the topic given with at least two (2) cited references in addition to the course text.

ChatGPT is not an acceptable source for direct use. You may use it to help generate ideas, clarify concepts, or find references, but I will give you a zero for copying and pasting its responses. Make sure your work shows genuine effort—reword, rework, and develop any information you gather while using it as a tool.

APA format is required including good ideas, grammar, and spelling which are expected.

Note: You are pursuing education beyond a bachelor’s degree so you will be expected to use APA format for your papers. You are using it here for practice and to learn the professional expectation of any future work as you advance in your profession.

Grading rubric: grammar - 5 points, citations - 5 points, content - 30 points. (See CANVAS for specific grading rubric and paper requirements)

Quizzes

The five (5) quizzes combined are worth 20% of the course grade (40 points each). Each quiz will involve answering multiple choice and/or short answer questions on the material covered.

Final Exam

The final exam (1) is worth 20% of the course grade (200 points).

The final exam will involve answering multiple choice and/or short answer type questions and an analysis of an ADM / CRM related accident that was not reviewed in class. The final exam will cover the entire course.

Grading System

10 Discussion Boards           20%           200 points (20 points each)

5 Written Assignments         20%           200 points (40 points each)

5 Quizzes                      20%           200 points (40 points each)

Final Exam             20%           150 points

Total                            100%          750 points

Letter grades will be calculated as follows:

93.5% and above=A    82.5-86.5%=B          72.5-76.5%=C          60-66.5%=D

89.5-93.5%=A-       79.5-82.5%=B-       69.5-72.5%=C-        below 60%=F

86.5-89.5%=B+       76.5-79.5%=C+      66.5-69.5%=D+

Online Course Netiquette and Discussion Expectations

During this course you will have the opportunity to view and comment on several discussion board posts. Making these comments is an integral part of the learning process. Please keep these requirements in mind during any postings made during this course: Respect, Integrity, and Professionalism. Please note that any posting that is deemed inappropriate by the instructor WILL BE DELETED.

Late Assignments

Late assignments are strongly discouraged and acceptance of late work will be at the discretion of the instructor. Assignments may be available for late submission up to two weeks after the assignment due date. Late work may be docked as much as 50% of the assignment grade.

Makeup Work

Only makeup work arranged with the instructor prior to the assignment due date will be considered. Allowance of makeup work is at the discretion of the instructor. Altered due dates for makeup work will be coordinated between the instructor and student. Approved makeup work may be docked as much as 50% of the assignment grade.

Online Courses: SUU online fee $19.00 per credit hour to support online course costs.

Reinhart, Richard O. (2008). Basic Flight Physiology (3rd ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill. ISBN 978-0-07-149488-5.