Definition of hyperventilation

Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice question 9 of 20 on Operations / Physiology. ACS element UA.V.E.K4 · difficulty: recall. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONAccording to the Remote Pilot Study Guide, hyperventilation is best described as

  1. Aa breathing rate too slow to remove carbon dioxide from the blood.
  2. Ban excessive rate and depth of breathing that raises blood carbon dioxide to dangerous levels.
  3. Can excessive rate and depth of breathing that lowers blood carbon dioxide.
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: C. an excessive rate and depth of breathing that lowers blood carbon dioxide.

  • A — incorrect Hyperventilation involves breathing too fast and deep, not too slow, and it removes too much carbon dioxide rather than too little.
  • B — incorrect The rate and depth are excessive, but the effect is an abnormal loss of carbon dioxide from the blood, not a rise.
  • C — correct The study guide defines hyperventilation as the excessive rate and depth of respiration leading to abnormal loss of carbon dioxide from the blood.

BACKGROUND

The Remote Pilot Study Guide defines hyperventilation as the excessive rate and depth of respiration leading to abnormal loss of carbon dioxide from the blood. It occurs more often among pilots than is generally recognized and seldom incapacitates completely, but it causes disturbing symptoms that can alarm an uninformed pilot, and increased breathing rate and anxiety then aggravate the problem. Pilots facing an unexpected stressful situation may subconsciously increase their breathing rate. Common symptoms include visual impairment, unconsciousness, lightheadedness or dizziness, tingling sensations, hot and cold sensations, and muscle spasms.

STUDY TIP

Fix the mechanism in mind: too much breathing removes too much carbon dioxide.

KEY POINTS

  • Hyperventilation is excessive rate and depth of respiration.
  • It causes abnormal loss of carbon dioxide from the blood.
  • Symptoms include tingling, lightheadedness, visual impairment, and muscle spasms.

SOURCES

  • remote_pilot_study_guide.txt ch9 "Hyperventilation"
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SkyDrill is not affiliated with the FAA. This is an original practice item based on 14 CFR part 107, 14 CFR part 89, and the FAA Remote Pilot – Small UAS Study Guide (FAA-G-8082-22). Regulations and handbooks are revised; confirm details against the current edition.