The Human Factors Questions That Trick Most Pilots

Understanding Human Factors in Drone Operations

Human factors questions on the Part 107 knowledge test address how physiological and psychological conditions affect a remote pilot’s ability to operate safely. While drone pilots don’t face the same physical stresses as manned aircraft pilots, understanding conditions like hypoxia, medication effects, and fatigue remains essential for safe operations. These topics appear regularly on the Part 107 exam and directly impact real-world flight safety.

The FAA recognizes that human error contributes to the majority of aviation accidents. By testing knowledge of human factors, the agency ensures remote pilots understand their personal limitations and can make appropriate decisions about fitness for duty.

Hypoxia Basics and Relevance to Drone Operations

Hypoxia is a condition caused by insufficient oxygen reaching body tissues. While commercial drone pilots typically operate from ground level, understanding hypoxia remains relevant for several reasons:

• High-altitude operations: Pilots conducting operations in mountainous terrain may experience reduced oxygen levels
• General aviation knowledge: The Part 107 test draws from traditional aviation concepts
• Symptom recognition: Understanding hypoxia symptoms helps identify impairment from other causes

Symptoms of hypoxia include:

• Impaired judgment (often occurs before the pilot realizes there’s a problem)
• Euphoria or a false sense of security
• Decreased coordination
• Visual impairment
• Drowsiness and mental confusion
• Cyanosis (blue coloring of fingernails and lips)

The most dangerous aspect of hypoxia is that impaired judgment occurs early, making self-diagnosis difficult. This concept applies to other impairing conditions as well.

Medication Restrictions for Part 107 Pilots

Part 107 does not require a medical certificate, but pilots must still ensure they are physically and mentally capable of safe operation. Section 107.17 states that a person may not operate a small UAS if they know or have reason to know of any physical or mental condition that would interfere with safe operation.

Medications that may impair safe drone operation include:

• Sedating antihistamines: Many allergy medications cause drowsiness
• Sleep aids: Effects may persist longer than expected
• Pain medications: Both prescription and over-the-counter varieties can impair
• Anti-anxiety medications: May affect reaction time and judgment
• Blood pressure medications: Some cause drowsiness or dizziness

Before flying, pilots should consider whether any medication they’re taking could affect their ability to operate safely. When in doubt, don’t fly.

Alcohol and Drug Policies

Part 107 incorporates the same alcohol and drug restrictions that apply to manned aircraft pilots under 14 CFR 91.17:

• 8-hour rule: No operation within 8 hours of consuming alcohol
• 0.04% BAC limit: No operation with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.04% or greater
• Under the influence: No operation while under the influence of alcohol or any drug that affects faculties in any way contrary to safety

These restrictions apply regardless of whether you feel impaired. Alcohol can affect judgment and reaction time even at low concentrations, and effects may persist longer than expected.

Drug policies extend to both illegal substances and legal medications. Any substance that impairs your ability to operate safely is prohibited during drone operations.

Fatigue and Fitness for Duty

Fatigue significantly degrades pilot performance but is often underestimated. Effects of fatigue include:

• Slowed reaction time
• Impaired decision-making
• Reduced situational awareness
• Difficulty concentrating
• Memory problems

Remote pilots should consider their fatigue level before each flight. Unlike airline pilots, Part 107 operators don’t have mandated rest requirements, making self-assessment essential.

Factors that contribute to fatigue include:

• Insufficient sleep (less than 7-8 hours)
• Disrupted sleep schedules
• Extended work hours
• Illness or recovery from illness
• Physical exertion

Stress and Decision-Making

Stress affects cognitive function and can lead to poor decisions during drone operations. Sources of stress for remote pilots include:

• Time pressure to complete flights
• Equipment malfunctions
• Weather changes during operations
• Client expectations
• Financial pressures

Stress can cause pilots to take unnecessary risks, overlook important safety checks, or make errors in judgment. Recognizing stress and its effects helps pilots make better decisions about whether to fly and how to conduct operations safely.

Test Question Formats for Human Factors

Part 107 human factors questions typically appear in these formats:

Symptom identification: Questions asking you to identify symptoms of hypoxia or other physiological conditions.

Regulatory knowledge: Questions about the 8-hour alcohol rule and 0.04% BAC limit.

Scenario-based decisions: Questions presenting situations where you must determine if a pilot is fit to fly.

Effect recognition: Questions about how various conditions (fatigue, stress, medication) affect pilot performance.

Medical Certification vs. Self-Assessment

A key distinction for Part 107 pilots: no medical certificate is required, but self-assessment for fitness to fly is mandatory.

This means:

• You don’t need FAA medical approval to obtain or maintain your Part 107 certificate
• You must honestly evaluate your fitness before each flight
• Operating when you know you’re impaired violates regulations
• The responsibility for fitness determination rests entirely with the pilot

The “I’M SAFE” checklist helps with self-assessment:

• Illness – Am I sick?
• Medication – Am I taking anything that could impair?
• Stress – Am I under unusual stress?
• Alcohol – Have I consumed alcohol recently?
• Fatigue – Am I well-rested?
• Eating – Have I eaten properly?

Understanding human factors not only helps you pass the Part 107 test but also forms the foundation for safe, professional drone operations throughout your career.