Figure 2-7.  Poor preparation leads to spotty coverage, misplaced emphasis, unnecessary repetition, and a lack of confidence on the  part of the learner. The instructor should always have a plan.  As mentioned earlier in the chapter, when a threat is recognized or imagined, the brain alerts the body. The adrenal gland activates  hormones, which prepare the body to meet the threat or to retreat from it—the fight or flight syndrome.  Normal individuals begin to respond rapidly and exactly, within the limits of their experience and training. Many responses are  automatic, highlighting the need for proper training in emergency operations prior to an actual emergency. The affected individual  thinks rationally, acts rapidly, and is extremely sensitive to all aspects of the surroundings.  Reactions to stress may produce abnormal responses in some people. With them, response to anxiety or stress may be completely  absent or at least inadequate. Their responses may be random or illogical, or they may do more than is called for by the situation.  During flight instruction, instructors are normally the only ones who can observe learners when they are under pressure. Instructors,  therefore, are in a position to differentiate between safe and unsafe piloting actions. Instructors also may be able to detect potential  psychological problems. The following learner reactions are indicative of abnormal reactions to stress. None of them provides an  absolute indication, but the presence of any of them under conditions of stress is reason for careful instructor evaluation.  In difficult situations, flight instructors should carefully examine learner responses and their own responses to the learners. These  responses may be the normal products of a complex learning situation but they also can be indicative of psychological abnormalities  that inhibit learning or are potentially very hazardous to future piloting operations.  [Figure 2-8]  Normal Reactions to Stress  Abnormal Reactions to Stress  ⦁ $_{Inappropriate reactions, such as extreme over-cooperation, painstaking self-control, inappropriate }$ laughter or singing, and very rapid changes in emotions.  ⦁ $_{Marked changes in mood on different lessons, such as excellent morale followed by deep depression. }$ ⦁ $_{Severe anger directed toward the flight instructor, service personnel, and others. }$ 2-15 