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Answer :
Dear Dakoda,
I pull a lot of G’s during my airshow, usually 10 positive G’s and about 7 or 8 negative G’s. I have a G meter in my cockpit which reads positive G’s up to 12 and negative G’s to 5.
My airplane, the Extra 300S, is certified to plus (positive) 10 and minus (negative) 10 G’s, so everything I do is within the capability and certification of the airplane.
But, let me explain a little more. When a pilot pulls G’s in a small airplane like an Extra, the G’s are very quick. For example, if I dive for speed and then pull up into a hammerhead, I might pull a lot of G’s, but the maneuver is very quick. Because the G’s don't last a long time, I don't feel like I'm going to "black out" or get lightheaded. However, if I do a 360 degree turn and sustain the G’s for a longer time, it is more difficult. The longer you are pulling G’s the easier it is to feel lightheaded.
So, when you hear about fighter pilots who pull G’s in F-16s and F-15s, they are sustaining G’s for a longer period of time and it is more difficult. They require centrifuge training and wear G suits. We don't wear G suits in small civilian aircraft.
What military fighter pilots don't do that small aerobatic airplane pilots do is push negative G’s. That is where you are upside down and say "push" up into a loop. Or you start from level and "push" down. In that case the blood goes up to your head and not the other way around. It takes a lot of conditioning and feels a little strange at the beginning of the season, but like anything we get used to it. After a few weeks of conditioning, the G’s feel good and I can't wait to go out and fly!
Patty Wagstaff |
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