Hello. Querying test 7, Q19 and 39 in the HPL book.

The answer to Q19 informs the symptoms of hypoxia and hyperventilation are "quite similar". However, reading the text it seems they're quite different. Notably, while hypoxia creeps up unawares and leads to feelings of euphoria, hyperventilation can lead to feelings of suffocation and panic. I note in the text hyperventilation produces symptoms that have "some similarity to hypoxia". I'm not convinced "quite similar" is the best answer (or perhaps Q19 isn't that good a question).

With respect to Q39 and tingling feelings, could this not be caused by both hyperventilation and hypoxia (per last para p67 and the table at the bottom on p69)? The answer specifies hypoxia.

And one general question: Do you have any feedback on the extent to which the questions in the book are an accurate indicator of the difficult and nature of questions in the CASA exams. On first study, I'm getting scores 80-90%, so I'm worrying it's all a bit easy at this point!

Thanks.

while hypoxia creeps up unawares and leads to feelings of euphoria,

A note of caution is appropriate.

One of the reasons the military requires (and, probably, the civil should require) chamber runs is that hypoxia can present with a range of symptoms across a pilot population.

My own experience has been a total lack of self awareness of incapacitation and impending loss of consciousness .. indeed, in respect of the task loads required during runs, I have been quite confident of my ability to complete the task .. right up to the point where I collapse and the flight surgeon replaces my mask

Hence, I have always paid very close and regular attention to the pressurisation panel and oxygen system serviceability when flying pressurised aircraft.

A most insidious and dangerous system malfunction is any problem with oxygen at altitude.

Regarding the standard of questions in the book. The feed-back we get is that students who have studied the book carefully have no problem passing the CASA exam. However, be careful not to fall into the trap of 'learning the questions'. The questions don't pretend to be identical to the CASA exam, they are simply an indication of what topics are likely to be examined and the depth of understanding required. It is important to read the text, making your own notes and summarising the main points in your own words. It can also be useful to 'google' some topics and do your own research.

The book is only what it claims to be - a study guide.