In the latest episode of the FAA’s Pilot Minute video series, Federal Air Surgeon Susan Northrup, MD, MPH discusses why acceleration tolerance is important for general aviation pilots.
She delves into the internal and external factors affecting G-force induced loss of consciousness (G-LOC) and also looks at how pilots can assess their readiness and tolerance using the preflight I’M SAFE personal checklist.
Want to know more after watching the video? Check out the FAA’s recently updated Acceleration in Aviation: G-Force aeromedical brochure here.
You can also find out more in the agency’s Single Pilot Crew Resource Management (SRM) Safety Briefing here, which discusses the 5 Ps critical to flying solo general aviation operations: Plan, Plane, Pilot, Passengers, and Programming.
Think the general blackout number was around 4 for unacclimated, around 7 for those used to it.
Nothing too mysterious other than don’t test your limit alone the first time..lol.
I used to fly F-86s (MK VI) in Europe where pulling “G” meant you had a good mission; the ability to withstand the accelerations were aided by a “g” suit. Sent back to Canada as a T-33 instructor, vertical manoeuvers were conducted without the benefit of a “g” suit; grunting and straining became second nature. (Especially during the triple loop – basically a vertical ‘8’ with loop on top of that. As might be expected, max speed, 6 G, and flaps were required…)
Now a third of the way into my ninth decade, I only undertake WOG aeros (Wise Old Gentleman)…