Commercial Pilot License (CPL) Practice Exam 2025 - Free Commercial Pilot License Practice Questions and Study Guide

Hyperventilation typically leads to an abnormal loss of carbon dioxide from the blood, a condition known as respiratory alkalosis. When a person hyperventilates, they breathe more rapidly and deeply than normal, causing them to exhale carbon dioxide (CO2) at a rate that exceeds its production. As the CO2 levels in the blood decrease, it disrupts the body's acid-base balance, resulting in symptoms such as lightheadedness, tingling in the extremities, and even fainting in severe cases.

This physiological response is crucial to understand, especially in aviation, as it can affect a pilot's cognitive function and physical capabilities. Recognizing the signs of hyperventilation and its effects can help pilots maintain control under stress or in high-altitude situations where normal breathing might become difficult. The other responses, such as increased carbon dioxide levels or decreased heart rate, do not accurately describe the effects of hyperventilation; indeed, hyperventilation is characterized by reduced carbon dioxide levels and can lead to compensatory changes in heart rate and oxygen saturation levels.