Hey,

How can I overcome getting air sick? About 30 minutes into flight I all ways get sick and its starting to effect training. Any help would be appreciated!!

 

I would guess it will sort itself out with time. The more you get used to flying the less you'll get sick.

I've personally never gotten airsick, but I used to get seasick alot. But after a while on boats it fixed itself. I guess it's just something your body has to adjust to.

In the meantime, if you feel the sickness is jeopardizing anyone's safety, I would suggest finding a non-narcotic airsickness treatment. Does anyone have experience with those little pressure-pad wristbands?

Also, try leaving your window open for the duration of the flight, make sure you're getting lots of fresh air, take deep breaths when you feel you're getting sick, don't fly on an empty stomach, and get a good night's sleep.

 

Just in case you don't already do this, make sure you are not looking down when you turn. Keep your head straight up and look straight ahead. Even the most seasoned pilot can get queasy when they put their head down and turn. It may also help to direct some fresh air on your face.

Good luck

 

When I first started I used to get sick... Never blew chunks or anything but close. I got used to it very quickly. You could buy wrist bands for motion sickness if it is really that bad. The window thing really helps because it was so damn hot in the plane and at 3000 feet that wind feels mighty fine. Just hang in there, your instructor should understand.. My instrument instructor used to try and make us sick. Unusual attitudes with goggles on is not so fun the first few times...

 

Do you think that it might be more in your mind now. If you think your going to get sick you probably will. Just be confident and try not to focus on getting sick. Try to take your mind off of it. This is what helped me a lot. Good luck!

 

Look outside the aircraft at something off in the distance. Also, try getting some ginger. It's a natural means of coutering nausea.

 

I'm not prone to motion sickness, and certainly can't speak for piloting, but as someone who has spent a lot of time on boats, working on the surface and underwater, as a diver, I've gathered what seems to be some helpful hints. I've talked many a diver who was blowing chunks through their regulator, underwater, into not panicking, as well as anyone on the boat, through their seasickness.

Mike is right on with his advice. On boats, I always tell someone who is green to get outside, on the deck, breathing fresh air, and looking straight ahead to the horizon, or land, if it's in sight. Fresh air and looking straight ahead is the key on a boat, so Mike's advice totally makes sense in the air as well.

As far as the acupressure wrist bands, some people swear by them. I think if it works for you, then wear them. I've never really had motion sickness, so I can't speak for personal knowledge about the wrist bands, but some people feel they're effective.

Having said that....how can I get a ride with the Blue Angels when they're here for Fleet Week?.... Do I have to become a news reporter? Skygirl wants the personal challenge of seeing if she can beat G-Lock!.. ...well, one can dream anyway...

 

When I used to flw aerobatics people would always ask what they should eat before they go up. My answer, BANANAS. And it isn't because they help with any nausea or anything. It's because they taste exactly the same coming up as they did going down.

But seriously, don't not eat before you go flying because that will make you not feal well and make you perform poorly but dont eat a huge meal either for obvious reasons. A light meal or snack shortly before flying will help prevent motion sickness as well as you flying the airplane when you begin to feal ill. Ever notice how the driver in a car usually doesnt get car sick even when the person is prone to car sickness? It's because motion sickness in general is mostly psycological and if you are occupied doing something else, you aren't thinking about getting sick. So when the tummy gets twisy, take the controls, look out at the horizon, and fly the plane strait and level towards it.

Good luck.

 

I believe you shouldn't fly (or dive) on an empty stomach as well. Bananas are good, as well as any kind of low fat protein, something that will stay with you, but not overtax your digestive system. Egg whites and bananas were my breakfast. Also with diving, and I'm sure it's the same for flying, it's REALLY important to be well hydrated with H2O, and don't go out partying and drinking a lot the night before, get a good night's sleep...all of this advice is expecially important in diving because not following it makes a diver more prone to taking a DCS hit (decompression sickness) as well as a big factor in motion sickness.

And yes, try to put it out of your mind and talk yourself out of it. You'll figure out what works for you fairly quickly. I knew guys that were commercial fishermen in Alaska, and as tough and burly as those guys are, it took a few days for some of them to get their sealegs and get over being green when they went out on a new trip.

 

Thanks to all for your replies, it is greatly appreciated!!!!