Human Performance – Stress

Human Performance – Stress

What Causes Stress?

What are some Environmental Stresses for RPAS pilots?

  • Heat and Cold – the body will try to maintain a constant temp of 37 deg (shivering/ perspiring)
  • Rain – exposure to rain can be uncomfortable and chilling
  • Wind – exposure to strong wind is uncomfortable, and can lead to irritability
  • Noise – exposure to loud and continuous noise is fatiguing
  • As an RPAS pilot you will be exposed to the elements and will need to plan and be prepared for all weather. How can you prepare for these Environmental Stressors?
    • Wind proof jackets
    • Rain gear
    • Gazebos (staked into ground)
    • Hats
    • Sunglasses
  • However, generally speaking you won’t be flying in extremes of weather.

What are some Physical Stresses for RPAS pilots?

  • Keeping hydrated
  • Keeping physically well in ways such as not/reducing smoking, and not consuming drugs (over the counter, prescription and recreational drugs)
  • Protecting eyesight
  • Protecting hearing (also for long term loss of hearing)
  • Protecting from environmental elements (cold/heat) and resting when unwell
  • Ensuring adequately rested

What are some Psychological and Emotional Stresses for RPAS pilots?

  • Money and responsibilities
  • Money vs time available
  • Relationships – all sorts, not just couple
  • Bullying
  • Study requirements
Symptoms of Increasing Stress

Take a moment to consider the effects that stress has your own:

  • What are effects of stress on you?
  • Do you have any “Fright, Fight or Flight” type responses to stress?
  • How do you cope with tension?
  • Do you react in any other ways?
A little stress is good for performance….. However, stress can accumulate

When stress occurs as isolated events it can usually be managed by identifying and managing.

However, sometimes this stress is not managed and it will keep building if not recognized, or not dealt with due to indecision, confusion, avoidance or resistance or all of these and a breakdown either in a physical sense or mental sense can occur.

Managing Stress

Some ideas to help manage stress (see what works for you!):

  • Regain control and priority by load shedding and prioritizing
  • Making good decisions early, DON’T PROCRASTINATE
  • Time management, including taking time out and having a break
  • Knowledge – of procedures, basic emergencies etc
  • Keeping Healthy increases our tolerance to stresses
  • Talking with friends and Relaxing AND sleep…