What Are G-Forces in Aviation and How Do They Affect Us?

We’ve all been in an elevator and felt that strange sensation when it starts moving or comes to a stop. That feeling is a small example of what pilots and passengers experience in an aircraft, but on a much larger scale.

G-forces or gravitational forces, are the forces exerted on a body due to acceleration or gravity. When an aircraft changes speed or direction, the forces on the pilot or passengers can increase or decrease, creating what we know as G-forces. In simple terms, it’s the feeling of being pushed into your seat or lifted out of it.

Positive G-Force: When the force pushes you down into your seat. It’s like the extra weight you feel when an airplane takes off.

Negative G-Force: When the force lifts you up, making you feel lighter, like when an airplane suddenly drops.

When pilots or passengers experience positive G-forces, their body feels heavier. This happens during steep climbs or tight turns. For example, at 2 Gs two times the force of gravity, you feel twice as heavy as you normally do.

Effects of Positive G-Forces:

Blood Flow Changes: Under high positive G-forces, blood is pushed away from the brain and towards the lower parts of the body. This can lead to temporary vision loss, known as gray-out, or even complete loss of consciousness, called G-LOC (G-induced Loss of Consciousness).

Increased Heart Workload: The heart has to work harder to pump blood to the brain. Pilots often use special breathing techniques and wear G-suits that apply pressure to the body, helping to maintain blood flow and prevent blackouts.

Long Duration Negative G-Forces

Negative G-forces, though less common, can occur during rapid descents or inverted flying. These forces push blood towards the head, causing the opposite effects of positive G-forces.

Effects of Long Duration Negative G-Forces:

Head and Neck Strain: Blood rushes to the head, causing a feeling of pressure. If sustained for too long, it can lead to headaches, nosebleeds, or even retinal damage.

Disorientation: The unusual sensation of blood pooling in the upper body can cause confusion and discomfort, making it harder for a pilot to focus on controlling the aircraft.

Also read: Astral Aviation launches new cargo flight from Guangzhou, China to Africa

Short Duration G-Forces

Short bursts of G-forces are common during quick maneuvers, like sudden turns or loops. These forces are usually more tolerable because they don’t last long enough to cause serious effects.

Effects of Short Duration G-Forces:

Brief Discomfort: You might feel a quick jolt, like a rollercoaster drop, but it typically doesn’t lead to significant physical effects.

Adrenaline Rush: Pilots often feel an adrenaline surge during these moments, which can heighten alertness but also cause momentary stress.

Susceptibility and Tolerance to G-Forces

Not everyone experiences G-forces the same way. Several factors influence how a person tolerates these forces:

Physical Fitness: A well-trained, physically fit pilot can handle higher G-forces better because of stronger muscles and cardiovascular health.

Training and Experience: Pilots trained in high-G environments learn techniques to withstand these forces, such as tensing muscles and controlled breathing.

Age and Health: Younger, healthier individuals generally have better tolerance. Age and certain medical conditions can reduce a person’s ability to handle G-forces.

In aviation, understanding and managing G-forces is necessary to keeping everyone safe, especially in high-speed, high-stress situations.