Startle effect and situational awareness

This lesson plan will help you introduce the “Startle Effect” into classroom training. You will get the tools to facilitate an understanding in your students of the startle response and its mental and physiological impact.

During the lesson, your students will become acquainted with the five levels of situational awareness. They will connect the five levels of S/A to real-life situations within their operations. Students will also reflect on tactics to keep “good” S/A and, vice versa, on factors that might hinder their ability to keep “good” S/A.

The lesson plan includes an engaging, quick exercise to simulate what happens when the brain is “hit” with sudden arousing stimuli, making them aware of how a slight startle might feel on their own body and mind.

The package includes extra information on S/A, startle effect, and stress management. The aim is to provide you with extensive background information so you can effectively facilitate the topic. The extra material includes information on what happens in the brain and body when experiencing a startle. It also includes a number of aviation case studies where a startle has been a significant contributor. Finally, it provides information on EASA regulations and tips on dealing with the startle effect in classroom and simulator training.

Note: This publication is licensed for in-house training. Under no circumstances may it be used for commercial purposes.

 Note: NaviMinds cannot confer the video clips referred to in this lesson. Instead, we provide instructions on how to find them on channels such as YouTube. If you experience any issues, feel free to contact us.