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Aeromedical Part 1: Motion Sickness

My first experiences as a student pilot produced similar airsick results. I would do my best to focus on the task and not my churning stomach. It took a while to not get queasy during maneuvers, such as steep turns. My first instructor was the macho type with the lack of appreciation for a student having a sensitive stomach. The first time I had to use the airsick bag during a steep turn convinced both of us that this instructor and student relationship wasn’t a good fit. My second private pilot instructor was considerably more understanding, allowing my body and brain to adjust in different environments. He explained the details of each flight maneuver before each flight. This eliminated the anxious, unknown moments that increased my airsickness. I had overcome the queasy moments by my third lesson with this instructor.

I stayed with this instructor after completing my private pilot certificate and continued with him throughout my instrument training. We quickly discovered that I became airsick almost immediately when wearing the instrument training view limiting device called the hood. My instructor recommended an instrument training view limiting device called “foggle” glasses. We were once again able to continue my instrument training without using the airsick bags.

I knew what I was in for when deciding to learn aerobatics, and I alerted my aerobatic instructor. I have flown a variety of aerobatic certified aircraft. I began my first lesson advising the instructor that the first few flights should be short with the airsick bag handy. I adapted easily to the Citabria – a gentle, fun, flying machine capable of positive-G maneuvers. I had kept the airsick bag handy for my first few flights in the Pitts Special and certainly the powerful Extra 300. My instructors always said to let them know, and we could take a break when needed. The instructors would ask if I wanted to wait for another day. However, after airing out the airplane and giving myself time to breathe, I was fit to fly again. My body seemed consistent with taking 3 lessons to finally acclimate to the high-speed, quickly changing flight environment. I knew and understood that where there is a will, there is a way. I was determined to not allow my body to take away from the enjoyment of flight.  I later learned that even professional aerobatic pilots and military pilots often experience motion sickness after extended time off from flying.

It was reassuring to know that even the great aerobatic pilot, Bob Hoover had to conquer airsickness during his primary training. I was also amazed to learn that space nausea occurs in more than 50% of astronauts during space travel and that 65% of U.S. military student pilots report experiencing motion sickness on their first flights.

The American Society of Aerospace Medicine Specialists found that U.S. military pilots’ exposure to the aerial environment often desensitizes the pilot, thus eliminating airsickness. In addition, the study recommended some of the following strategies for preventing motion sickness:

• Avoid heavy meals before flight
• Remain hydrated; drink water
• No aggressive head motion during flight; use slow, purposeful movements
• When becoming queasy and the flight environment permits, try focusing on the horizon outside the airplane
• Place cool air vents on the face
• Breathe slowly, and relax

The Journal of Aviation/Aerospace Medicine reported that most causes for motion sickness in civilian student pilots were caused by anxiety, fatigue, dehydration, and apprehension. Motion sickness symptoms might include: increased and rapid breathing, cold sweats, dizziness, increased salivation, headache, fatigue, general discomfort, nausea, and vomiting.

Motion sickness is part mind over matter. One of the physical aspects has to do with our internal balance system, called the vestibular system. The vestibular system, located in our inner ear, has three semicircular canals. These canals help determine our body’s position in space. Each ear has one canal for roll, one for pitch, and one for yaw. The vestibular system works fine on the Earth’s surface where the body expects the steady pull of gravity at 1g. During flight, and especially during maneuvers, the body’s internal balance system can become confused. Motion sickness sometimes can be a result of the inner ear receiving unexpected information about the gravitational changes.

Oftentimes, once the symptoms of motion sickness begin, fear and anxiety set in and contribute to the cycle, further aggravating the condition. Some people just have a lower tolerance for motion sickness and start having symptoms while experiencing mild sensory changes. Over time, many individuals gradually accommodate or adjust to the stimulation that produced the symptoms and become less susceptible.

There are over-the-counter and prescription medications effective in reducing motion sickness, but be sure to contact an aeromedical examiner and research these medications for FAA approval. If taking an approved medication, know the effects on your body before flying. For example, even an FAA-approved medication that claimed to be “non-drowsy” put me to sleep almost immediately.

There are other remedies an individual can try other than taking medicines to combat motion sickness. Some natural remedies for motion sickness include:

• Applying pressure to the acupressure point along your wrist. Place the index, middle, and ring fingers of your right hand on the inside of your left wrist, starting under the crease. This point is underneath your index finger, between the wrist tendons. Apply firm pressure on your wrists for four to five seconds.
• Smelling ginger, lavender, or peppermint essential oils as queasiness begins or drinking ginger, lavender, or peppermint tea before a flight.
• Taking a licorice root lozenge
• Taking Vitamin B-6 supplements

Except in rare circumstances, most people can eventually overcome the symptoms of motion sickness. If you’re a student pilot, don’t be afraid to bring it up with your flight instructor early on during training. I can personally testify that experienced pilots recognize that occasionally motion sickness simply comes with the territory. Remember that eventually your body will likely become acclimated to the cause of airsickness. Relax and enjoy our privilege to fly!

Be sure to check back next month for Aeromedical Part 2 – Altitude’s Effect on the Body

–Captain Judy Rice

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