dizzy and nausea [Archive]

donaldstan

10th Feb 2004, 11:08

i'm new in this line so if i'm asking nonsense, pls excuse me.

i've always wanted to be a pilot but something is holding me back. I was told once again recently about a test
that all cadet pilots have to go through. It is said to be
that each cadet will be put into a machine/simulator that will
swing and turn us many rounds to make sure we don't
feel dizzy or vomit. Is that true? I don't see the
possibility that I won't feel nausea or dizzy after
being turned so many rounds. Please advise or let me
know who I can seek consultation from. Really
appreciate it.

Flyin'Dutch'

10th Feb 2004, 16:26

What you talk about is the centrifuge.

AFAIK not part of any standard medical assessment program for civil pilots.

FD

FireFoxDown

10th Feb 2004, 17:15

Don, as Flying Dutch mentioned it sounds like a centifuge test! As far as i'm aware that only has to be undertaken by military pilots to measure their tolerance to G Loading ... e.g. F16 pilots must be able to withstand 9G and A10 pilots 7G ... Are you planning to be a military pilot Don?

Dr. Red

10th Feb 2004, 18:28

You might be talking about a large gyro-chair. It has a seat in the middle, and spins to give the sensation of weightlessness and/or unusual orientation.

Here are some variants:

http://spaceboy.nasda.go.jp/lib/centers/tksc/g/tksc_132.jpg

http://www.makinwaves.ca/images/gyro.jpg

I believe astronauts are trained in these devices.

'Regular' pilots are, as far as I know, not.

donaldstan

11th Feb 2004, 14:31

thanks a lot for all your replies. i feel so hopeful now. but i'm going for commercial pilot. is that test included?

thanks again. really really appreciate it!!

zerozero

13th Feb 2004, 03:50

The only test for motion sickness you'll endure will be the stall/steep turn regime. If you can handle that you'll be fine.

Some students (cadets) do have a hard time with motion sickness. The good news is, over time, you'll build a tolerance against it and handle it better and better.

Some find ginger to settle their stomach. You may be able to buy ginger capsules. Try 1000-1500mg before you fly.

Or maybe just some ginger ale.

Good luck.