Motion Sickness

Introduction to Motion Sickness

Motion sickness, also known as airsickness, is caused by the brain receiving conflicting messages about the body's position and movement.
WARNING:
All aeromedical topics are GENERALIZED.
Always consult with a doctor or physician to understand your specific situation.

Motion Sickness

Motion sickness, also known as airsickness, is caused by the brain receiving conflicting messages about the body's position and movement.
- A pilot may experience motion sickness during initial flights, but it generally goes away within the first few lessons.
- Anxiety and stress, often 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 you are prone to motion sickness, inform the flight instructor so they can use techniques to help you overcome it.
- For example, avoid lessons in turbulent conditions until you become more comfortable in the aircraft, or start with shorter flights and gradually progress to more extended 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 help prevent airsickness in passengers, they are not recommended for use during flights, as they can cause drowsiness and other side effects.

Motion Sickness

Motion Sickness-Related Airman Certification Standards

Private Pilot (Airplane) Human Factors Airman Certification Standards:
- Objective: To determine whether the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with personal health, flight physiology, and aeromedical and human factors related to the safety of flight.
- References: AIM; FAA-H-8083-2 (Risk Management Handbook), FAA-H-8083-3 (Airplane Flying Handbook), FAA-H-8083-25 (Pilot Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge).
- Private Pilot (Airplane) Human Factors Lesson Plan
Private Pilot (Airplane) Human Factors Knowledge:
The applicant demonstrates an understanding of:
- PA.I.H.K1:
  Symptoms, recognition, causes, effects, and corrective actions associated with aeromedical and physiological issues, including:
  
  PA.I.H.K1a:
  Hypoxia.
  
  PA.I.H.K1b:
  Hyperventilation.
  
  PA.I.H.K1c:
  Middle ear and sinus problems.
  
  PA.I.H.K1d:
  Spatial Disorientation.
  
  PA.I.H.K1e:
  Motion sickness.
  
  PA.I.H.K1f:
  Carbon Monoxide Poisoning.
  
  PA.I.H.K1g:
  Stress.
  
  PA.I.H.K1h:
  Fatigue.
  
  PA.I.H.K1i:
  Dehydration and nutrition.
  
  PA.I.H.K1j:
  Hypothermia.
  
  PA.I.H.K1k:
  Optical Illusions.
  
  PA.I.H.K1l:
  Dissolved nitrogen in the bloodstream after scuba dives.
- PA.I.H.K2:
  Regulations regarding the use of alcohol and drugs.
- PA.I.H.K3:
  Effects of alcohol, drugs, and over-the-counter medications.
- PA.I.H.K4:
  Aeronautical Decision-Making (ADM) to include using Crew Resource Management (CRM) or Single-Pilot Resource Management (SRM), as appropriate.
Private Pilot (Airplane) 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.
Private Pilot (Airplane) Human Factors Skills:
The applicant exhibits the skills to:
- PA.I.H.S1:
  Associate the symptoms and effects for at least three of the conditions listed in K1a through K1l above with the cause(s) and corrective action(s).
- PA.I.H.S2:
  Perform self-assessment, including fitness for flight and personal minimums, for actual flight or a scenario given by the evaluator.

Motion Sickness

Motion Sickness Conclusion

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Motion Sickness

Motion Sickness References

Federal Aviation Administration - Pilot/Controller Glossary

Motion Sickness

Introduction to Motion Sickness

Motion Sickness

Motion Sickness-Related Airman Certification Standards

Private Pilot (Airplane) Human Factors Airman Certification Standards:

Private Pilot (Airplane) Human Factors Knowledge:

PA.I.H.K1:

PA.I.H.K1a:

PA.I.H.K1b:

PA.I.H.K1c:

PA.I.H.K1d:

PA.I.H.K1e:

PA.I.H.K1f:

PA.I.H.K1g:

PA.I.H.K1h:

PA.I.H.K1i:

PA.I.H.K1j:

PA.I.H.K1k:

PA.I.H.K1l:

PA.I.H.K2:

PA.I.H.K3:

PA.I.H.K4:

Private Pilot (Airplane) Human Factors Risk Management:

PA.I.H.R1:

PA.I.H.R2:

PA.I.H.R3:

PA.I.H.R4:

Private Pilot (Airplane) Human Factors Skills:

PA.I.H.S1:

PA.I.H.S2:

Motion Sickness Conclusion

Motion Sickness References