G-load trials Spiral decent Airbase De Peel februari 9th 2008
Slide 2 Report Preparation. Execution. Used registration devices.
Sensor calibration. Retrieved data. Conclusions. Recommendations.
Slide 3 altitude Slide 4 Sink rate Slide 5 Air speed Slide 6
G-forces Slide 7 Physiological data Slide 8 relation G-load /
decent rate Slide 9 Conclusion At relatively mild spiral descents
with descent rate around 13 [m/s] a G-load of more than 3.2 G is
reached. G-load increases with descent rate. Risk of G-LOC cant be
denied. It may be assumed that recent fatal incidents during the
spiral descent are caused by G-LOC. Slide 10 G-LOC explained Means:
G-load induced Loss Of Consciousness G-load forces the blood away
from the head, no matter how hard the heart may work. Oxygen and
nutrition supply is interrupted. Eyes and brains cease functioning.
Slide 11 G-tolerance Average value for normal healthy human beings:
4.5 G GLOC can occur anywhere between 2 and 6.5 G. A student F16
pilot went out at 2G. Slide 12 G-tolerance Slide 13 G-LOC symptoms
Grey-out (loss of color in vision) Tunnel vision (field of vision
narrows) Blackout (no vision any more) Loss of consciousness Brain
death Slide 14 Factors which contribute to a decrease in
G-tolerance Any illness, even a minor cold. Chronic or acute
hypotension. (low blood pressure). Most medicaments. fatigue.
Non-illegal drugs (alcohol, caffeine). Dehydration (shortage on
drink). Hypoglycemia (shortage on food). Stress. Slide 15 Factors
which contribute to a decrease in G-tolerance The last 5 bullets
are typical circumstances during a week of paragliding !!!!! Slide
16 What to do when you notice one of the symptoms. Stop spiraling
immediately. Keep your breath and tension all your muscles (this
will provide you a couple of extra seconds). Dont try straining
techniques like a fighter pilot (this requires long and repeated
training. Incorrectly performed shall worsen your situation). Slide
17 Recommendations Organize training program for instructors and
pilots. Instructors should be trained to make sure they can relay
this knowledge to their students. Pilots have to be informed. This
knowledge should be included to pass the paraglider license
examination. Slide 18 Questions ?
