Page 173 - PPL-engelsk 2025

Human Performance

2.6.3 Stress

Stress is the body's non-specific response to stress, pleasant or unpleasant. It is

a natural and necessary part of life.

Even when we are asleep, we have some stress.

When we are awake, a little stress is needed to get us up to optimal

performance. If we are overstressed, our performance decreases, and

eventually we panic.

2.6.3.1 Stress and performance

In the sketch here, you can see how performance and stress level are related.

As you can see, stress is

needed, in fact quite a

bit, to give the best

performance.

But the line between optimal stress and too much stress is a fine one.

Large loans in the bank,

impossible spouses, children who

require a lot of effort, etc. can
cause one's "basic stress level" to

be higher. This means that the

peak point for performance will

then be at a lower level, and it

doesn't take much for it to tip.

The pilot must be alert and on top of his game before, during and after the

flight. In particular, there are certain phases during the flight that require the

pilot's attention and full performance.

Flight Theory PPL(A)(UL)/LAPL Henning Andersen, Midtjysk Flyveskole© 2025 173