Motion Sickness

Introduction:

  • Motion sickness, or airsickness, is caused by the brain receiving conflicting messages about the state of the body

WARNING:
All aeromedical topics are GENERALIZED.
Always consult with a doctor or physician to understand your specific situation

Motion Sickness:

  • Motion sickness, or airsickness, is caused by the brain receiving conflicting messages about the state of the body. A pilot may experience motion sickness during initial flights, but it generally goes away within the first few lessons. Anxiety and stress, which may be experienced at the beginning of flight training, can contribute to motion sickness. Symptoms of motion sickness include general discomfort, nausea, dizziness, paleness, sweating, and vomiting
  • It is important to remember that experiencing airsickness is no reflection on one’s ability as a pilot. If prone to motion sickness, let the flight instructor know, there are techniques that can be used to overcome this problem. For example, avoid lessons in turbulent conditions until becoming more comfortable in the aircraft or start with shorter flights and graduate to longer instruction periods. If symptoms of motion sickness are experienced during a lesson, opening fresh air vents, focusing on objects outside the airplane, and avoiding unnecessary head movements may help alleviate some of the discomfort. Although medications like Dramamine can prevent airsickness in passengers, they are not recommended while flying since they can cause drowsiness and other problems

Private Pilot - Human Factors Airman Certification Standards:

  • Objective: To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with personal health, flight physiology, and aeromedical and human factors related to safety of flight
  • References: AIM; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-25
  • Private Pilot - Human Factors Lesson Plan

Human Factors Knowledge:

The applicant demonstrates understanding of:

Human Factors Risk Management:

The applicant demonstrates the ability to identify, assess and mitigate risks encompassing:
  • PA.I.H.R1:

    Aeromedical and physiological issues
  • PA.I.H.R2:

    Hazardous attitudes
  • PA.I.H.R3:

    Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation
  • PA.I.H.R4:

    Confirmation and expectation bias

Human Factors Skills:

The applicant exhibits the skill to:

Conclusion:

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