Office of Aerospace Medicine Technical Reports
FAA Office of Aerospace Medicine
Civil Aerospace Medical Institute
Report No: DOT/FAA/AM-72/28
Title and Subtitle: G effects on the pilot during aerobatics
Report Date: July 1972
Authors: Mohler SR
Abstract: Sport, precision, and competitive aerobatics, and especially air show and demonstration flying are enjoying a rebirth of interest exceeding that of the 1930's. Improved aerobatic airplanes and power plants are in the hands of more civilian pilots than ever before. These aircraft enable the pilot to easily initiate maneuvers which exceed human tolerances, yet not overstress the aircraft. Military aircraft reached this point in World War II and the G-suit was perfected to protect the pilot. The military groups still use the G-suit but this equipment is impractical for most civil aerobatic activities.
The paper provides information on (1) the nature of aerobatic G forces, (2) human physiology in relation to G forces, (3) human tolerances to various levels and times of exposure to G forces, and (4) means by which tolerance to G forces may be increased in terms of the general physical condition and the time during the maneuver when the G forces are imposed.
Key Words: Aerobatics, G Effects
No. of Pages: 19
Civil Aerospace Medical Institute
Report No: DOT/FAA/AM-72/28
Title and Subtitle: G effects on the pilot during aerobatics
Report Date: July 1972
Authors: Mohler SR
Abstract: Sport, precision, and competitive aerobatics, and especially air show and demonstration flying are enjoying a rebirth of interest exceeding that of the 1930's. Improved aerobatic airplanes and power plants are in the hands of more civilian pilots than ever before. These aircraft enable the pilot to easily initiate maneuvers which exceed human tolerances, yet not overstress the aircraft. Military aircraft reached this point in World War II and the G-suit was perfected to protect the pilot. The military groups still use the G-suit but this equipment is impractical for most civil aerobatic activities.
The paper provides information on (1) the nature of aerobatic G forces, (2) human physiology in relation to G forces, (3) human tolerances to various levels and times of exposure to G forces, and (4) means by which tolerance to G forces may be increased in terms of the general physical condition and the time during the maneuver when the G forces are imposed.
Key Words: Aerobatics, G Effects
No. of Pages: 19
Last updated: Friday, June 1, 2012