How to Beat Motion Sickness during Flight Training

Motion sickness, often called airsickness in aviation, happens when a person feels disoriented while flying. This condition arises because the body receives mixed signals from different sensory systems, mainly the vestibular system in the inner ear, the eyes, and other sensory receptors. Such confusion typically occurs in vehicles like cars, boats, or airplanes, but it can also affect individuals in flight simulators.

Motion Sickness: Not a Disorder

Motion sickness is simply a normal response to unusual movement, not a medical condition. It can occur on land, at sea, or in the air. This happens when there is a disconnect between what you see and what your inner ear feels. This mismatch confuses the brain as it tries to process information from your senses. About 15% of new students experience air sickness when they start their training.

Motion sickness is less frequent in experienced pilots but more common among students and passengers. This difference is primarily due to two reasons.

• Firstly, regular flying exposes your body to the unfamiliar sensations of flight, helping it adapt and respond less strongly.

• Secondly, focus plays a role; when pilots concentrate on operating the aircraft, they are less aware of any sensory disturbances.

A student pilot, for instance, may not feel motion sickness while flying, but an experienced instructor sitting as a passenger may experience it. This situation is similar to how a person might feel car sick as a passenger but be perfectly fine when driving.

Symptoms

If you’ve never experienced motion sickness before, understanding the signs and symptoms can help you to anticipate what’s to come so you can take action to try and remedy the situation. Symptoms are usually progressive, becoming worse over time. The most common signs and symptoms one experiencing motion sickness will experience are:

• Nausea

• Cold sweats

• Dizziness

• Vomiting

• Headache

Preventing Motion Sickness for Pilots

There are a number of things that can make you more susceptible to getting motion sickness, so the easiest course of prevention is to remove these things as much as possible if not entirely. They include:

• Stress and Anxiety

• Large meals, especially those that are spicy, high in salt, protein, or dairy products.

• Alcohol

• Smoking

• Empty stomach

• Abrupt head movements

To avoid motion sickness before a flight, it’s a good idea to wear loose clothing and have a light snack about 2-3 hours beforehand. Foods that are easy to digest, such as vegetables, fruits, bread, cereals, and low-fat options, are recommended. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water is also essential. To ease any anxiety or stress related to the flight, take the time to prepare thoroughly. Familiarize yourself with the flight plan, including the destination and any maneuvers involved.

For student pilots, don’t hesitate to ask your instructor any questions until you feel comfortable, and remember to keep drinking water. As you accumulate experience and grow familiar with the feeling of flying, you will likely find that your tendency to experience motion sickness diminishes.

Preventing Motion Sickness for Pilots and Passengers

When flying with passengers like friends or family, remember that many may not be accustomed to sharp turns or sudden movements, particularly in small aircraft. As the pilot, you have a duty to ensure your passengers' comfort. If someone begins to feel unwell, offer them some helpful tips. These suggestions can also be beneficial for pilots experiencing similar discomfort.

• Try putting their heads back and attempt to relax.

• Focus on objects outside the airplane.

• Open the fresh-air vents and allow cool, fresh air into the cabin.

• Loosen any tight-fitting clothing.

• Concentrate on flying tasks keeping the aircraft straight and level or in a precise turn.

• Use supplemental oxygen (if available).

You can also help keep an uneasy or nervous passengers informed on how the flight is progressing, even explain any unusual noises, such as flap or landing gear retraction and power changes, etc.

Medications

Curtain types of medications can help ease the discomfort of motion sickness. Over the counter medications such as Dramamine, even Benadryl can prevent airsickness in passengers.

Can these medications be taken by pilots? No, the FAA doesn’t allow any medications that could make you as a pilot drowsy. The medications that are not allowed for pilot's are:

• Dramamine

• Meni-D (Meclizine)

• Scopolamine

• Promethazine

• Trimethobenzamide

To see more information about what medications to take or not is list online at www.leftseat.com under FAA Medications/Motion Sickness. This website is free and is current.

However, many student pilots have used Sea-Bands or the ReliefBand instead of pharmaceuticals, which the FAA has not said you cannot use. Both can be purchased at any pilot supply store such as Sporty’s, MyPilotStore, Aircraft Spruce, etc.

Before going out and spending more money on a ReliefBand, try this technique which comes from a Flight Attendant, they use ginger (ginger candies or ginger tea), cinnamon stick or hand sanitizer, by just smelling it helps relieve motion sickness.

Red Horse Aviation is ready to assist you in your journey to becoming a pilot. Learn more with our online ground school courses, you can feel assured of a successful flight training experience. Contact us today and start your journey.

Conclusion

Dealing with motion sickness during flight training can be a challenging experience, but it’s manageable with the right strategies. From preparing your body before the flight to using helpful techniques during your training, you can reduce symptoms and stay focused. Remember, it’s important to listen to your body and take breaks when needed. For aspiring pilots, overcoming motion sickness is a step toward achieving your dreams in aviation. Start applying these tips today and enjoy your journey in the skies.