NTL Record

Title G incapacitation in aerobatic pilots : a flight hazard.
Record ID 39430
Personal Name
Creator
Kirkham, William R.; Wicks, S. Marlene; Lowrey, D. Lee
Corporate Creator Civil Aeromedical Institute
Corporate
Contributor
United States. Office of Aviation Medicine
Publisher Civil Aerospace Medical Institute
Publication Date 19821000
Language English
Abstract This report presents some historical perspectives of aerobatics and the physiological effects of G acceleration, especially as pertain to in-flight loss of consciousness (LOC) by the pilot. Several accidents and incidents are reviewed to illustrate that LOC occurs in some pilots during aerobatic maneuvers. Accelerometer recordings made during aerobatic performances are analyzed in regard to the G's acting on the pilot during the entire performance and during some specific maneuvers. Human tolerance to G's and specifically to changes from positive to negative G's and vice versa is discussed in regard to some published animal and human studies. This report suggests that oscillating G's as encountered in aerobatics tax the body's mechanisms to maintain blood perfusion of the brain--and consciousness. Suggestions are given to help pilots reduce the physiological hazards of G's encountered in aerobatics.
Rosap ID dot:21214
Rosap URL https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/21214
TRT Terms Air pilots; Physiological aspects; Mechanical acceleration; Alertness; Air transportation crashes; Gravitational force; History; Case studies; Physiological tolerance
General Subjects Air pilots; Acceleration (Physiology); Loss of consciousness; Stunt flying; Aircraft accidents--Case studies
Classification NTL - AVIATION - AVIATION;
NTL - AVIATION - Aviation Safety/Airworthiness
Geographical
Coverage
United States
Report Number FAA-AM-82-13; DOT/FAA/AM-82/13
Resource type Tech Report
URL https://ntlrepository.blob.core.windows.net/lib/39000/39400/39430/AM82-13.pdf
Format PDF
Database NTL Digital Repository