Loss of consciousness as criterion of +Gz tolerance at Institute of Aviation Medicine MMA during +Gz acceleration selective test

Rudnjanin, S. and Arsic-Komljenovic, G. and Pavlovic, M. and Vujnovic, J. (2006) Loss of consciousness as criterion of +Gz tolerance at Institute of Aviation Medicine MMA during +Gz acceleration selective test. Acta Physiologica Hungarica, 93 (4). pp. 371-376. ISSN 0231-424X

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Abstract

+Gz induced loss of consciousness (G-LOC) is one of the most serious threats to aircrews flying high performance fighter aircraft. From the early beginning of use of our Centrifuge, use in selection was primary task. As a functional “endpoints” we use criteria: loss of peripheral vision, extreme pulse rate (above 180 b.p.m.), arrhythmias and loss of consciousness. The key -method in selection the candidate who tolerates +Gz stress on the best way is selec tion by common selective centrifuge “Test of linear increasing of acceleration” (TOLIA). We used gradual onset rate (GOR – 0.1 G/s) and maximum/peak value: +5.5 Gz, +6.0 Gz and 7.0 Gz. Applied peak value depends on the goal of the test. The lowest peak val ue is for candidates planned for Air Academy, higher peak value is for those pilots planned for training to supersonic combat aircrafts and the highest peak value is for pilots who are planned to fly High performance combat aircrafts. We examined 2192 cand idates in the last 20 years. Eleven subjects experienced G -LOC episodes. All episodes of G -LOC had occurred occasionally and without warning symptoms (loss of peripheral vision, gray out, blackout). The percentage of subjects having G -LOC episodes was 0.50 %. Nine subjects experienced G- LOC during primary selection (+5.5 Gz), one G -LOC were observed at secondary selection (+6.0 Gz) and one G -LOC was observed during tertiary selection (+7 Gz). G -LOC is the only “endpoint” in the centrifuge selection which dis qualifies the candidate at once and forever for planned flying duties. The other “endpoints” (loss of peripheral vision, heart rate above 180 b.p.m., arrhythmias) allow one more testing, not less than seven days later.

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