Fatigue can affect a pilot's performance by which of the following?

Fatigue significantly impairs a pilot's judgment and reaction times, making option C the correct response. When a pilot is fatigued, their cognitive functions are compromised, leading to a decreased ability to make sound decisions under pressure. Reaction times become slower, which is particularly critical in aviation where timely responses to changing circumstances can mean the difference between safety and danger.

Fatigue can cause lapses in attention, difficulty in maintaining situational awareness, and an overall decline in cognitive performance. This means a pilot may struggle to accurately assess the flight environment or respond appropriately to unexpected situations. Powerful physiological and psychological effects of fatigue can also lead to increased errors, further endangering safety.

For context, options suggesting improvements in reaction time or enhanced situational awareness are fundamentally at odds with the well-documented effects of fatigue. While pilots may feel that they can focus more on challenges, fatigue typically leads to a decreased ability to engage effectively with complex tasks. This underscores the critical nature of addressing fatigue management in aviation practices to ensure optimal performance and safety.