EASA 040

Human Performance

EASA PPL subject 040 — physiology, CRM & situational awareness

Human Performance (040) covers human factors in aviation: from the physiology of the human body at altitude to decision-making under stress and situational awareness. Together with Communications, this is one of the more accessible subjects, but studying less than it deserves is a common mistake.

Topics covered

  • Hypoxia: symptoms, dangers and use of supplemental oxygen
  • Hyperventilation and other physiological hazards
  • Visual illusions and spatial disorientation
  • Decision making: FORDEC model and threat & error management
  • Situational awareness and fixation errors
  • Fatigue, stress and their effect on performance
  • CRM: crew resource management principles

Study tips for Human Performance

1

This subject contains many lists: use mnemonics for IMSAFE, FORDEC.

2

Visual illusions are a recurring exam topic: know all of them by name.

3

Link the material to your own experiences: stress and fatigue are familiar from daily life.

4

Hypoxia symptoms are marked wrong if confused with hyperventilation.

Specialists for Human Performance

These coaches and tutors specialise in this subject.

A.D.
Subject Expert Technical Subjects

Flight Instructor FI(A) with an MSc in Aerospace. Active instructor and the go-to person for everything related to aircraft systems, aerodynamics and weather.

  • Aircraft General Knowledge (021)
  • Principles of Flight (081)
  • Meteorology (050)
T.B.
Subject Expert Meteorology & Communications

CPL/IR holder and former ATC staff with 10+ years of aviation weather experience. Explains complex weather systems and ATC procedures clearly and practically.

  • Meteorology (050): weather charts, clouds, wind
  • Human Performance (040)
  • Communications (090): ATC & ICAO phraseology

Need broader support?

These coaches support your broader PPL journey and study planning.

Ready to tackle Human Performance?

Book a free intro call with one of our specialists for subject 040.