Handling Airsickness during Flying Lessons: A Pilot's Perspective
As a flying student, there may come a time when you experience airsickness during lessons. Here are some tips and experiences to help you navigate this situation effectively.
Dealing with Airsickness during Lessons
Experiencing airsickness during flying lessons can be a challenging situation to handle, but there are steps you can take to manage it. If you find yourself feeling unwell, it's important to address the issue promptly and professionally.
One of the key pieces of advice is to not eat before flying. In my experience, I once found myself facing an unfortunate situation where I had to handle the vomit situation with grace and simplicity. I puked in my BK cup during a lesson and, while it was a bit messier than ideal, it happened in a way that was fairly clean and tidy. This incident taught me a valuable lesson about the importance of not consuming food before taking to the skies.
When to Request a Break
In the role of a pilot, the correct response to airsickness is often 'fly the plane.' However, since you are a student, you have the option to hand over the responsibility to your instructor. If you feel unwell, it's perfectly okay to ask for a moment to address your condition. If it's safe to do so, take a brief break to manage your discomfort.
Personal Experience with Airsickness
In one of my early flying lessons, I unfortunately became airsick and found myself in a similar situation. Luckily, the aircraft was a C152, allowing me to handle the vomit until we landed. I then promptly opened the door and discharged the contents on the runway. After a quick clean-up, we took off again, and my instructor was relieved that I managed the situation on my own. This experience highlighted the importance of having a plan for unexpected situations.
Navigating Chronic Airsickness in Piloting
Some flyers experience chronic airsickness, which can be more challenging to manage. In such cases, it's important to be prepared and proactive. I eventually learned that I tend to experience airsickness when other people take the controls. To mitigate this, I always carry bags, sometimes multiple kinds, and now with my kids flying, I buy bags in bulk to carry with me.
Handling Airsickness on an Instrument Checkride
During my Instrument Checkride, I felt a familiar sense of nausea coming on. When it wasn't too late, I took the initiative to say, "I need a moment," and proceeded to puke into a bag before continuing with the checkride. This approach helped me to manage my discomfort while still completing my objective.
An Unfortunate Solo Flight Experience
Another instance of airsickness occurred during a solo flight with a dog. The journey involved navigating through storms and restricted areas, which put both the plane and my body under significant stress. I landed as soon as I could and sat in the plane until the airport manager opened the FBO to let me sleep there. This clearly shows the importance of being prepared for unexpected situations and having a backup plan.
Building Tolerance and Confidence
Over 1000 hours of flight experience, I have developed a greater tolerance for other people flying. In particular, I have been impressed that I don't even get a twinge when my helicopter instructor takes the controls, especially on hot days. She is an excellent pilot who has proven her skill in handling the aircraft effectively.
So, the takeaway is to prepare for airsickness and not to sweat it. Most of us have encountered it at least once, and it should not be too much of a problem unless it is chronic. Even some very well-known and even famous pilots admit to having airsickness problems. Personally, I have never experienced airsickness when flying the plane, but I can still feel a bit woozy in a two-seater if the pilot is tossing the aircraft around.
In conclusion, facing airsickness during flying lessons is a part of the learning process. By being prepared and having a plan, you can manage the situation professionally and continue to progress in your training.