As a former F-16 squadron flight surgeon 25 years ago, I've been so violently airsick in the tub, I wouldn't have minded just flying into the ground so I could end it all. 9G's can really put the hurt on you, particularly when you are spam in the can. Drugs were out, but Zofran is the current "non-drowsy" anti-nausea med not available back then, but I doubt the FAA would sign off on it. Back then the two things I found helpful were (1) frequent missions - for me 3 a week was the minimum to keep the puke monster away and (2) really deep "belly" coughs. A couple real deep coughs seem to fool the brain into thinking you've just hurled, which will buy you a few minutes relief. I've also proud to say I've made several front seaters ill myself, when I had the stick!

Thank you everyone for the helpful suggestions. Looking forward to VFR Wx here so I can get some PIC time.

Farmboy wrote:- eat a snack of saltines before going flying. I believe this makes a difference. It helped me to also fly on a more empty stomach and not. Small sips of water to choke down the dry saltines was good too, but limited intake.

This made me remember that I almost threw up in a Pitts after some acrobatic work. Instead, I threw up about .5 seconds after I put my car into reverse to leave the parking lot at the airport. I'd never been motion sick before so at first I thought it was the onset of the flu.

I was telling the story to a friend whose father was a flight instructor in the Air Force and he relayed one of his father's tidbits of advice to airmen: Eat bananas. They won't keep you from throwing up but they hurt a lot less than pineapple when you upchuck.

albravo wrote:

Farmboy wrote:- eat a snack of saltines before going flying. I believe this makes a difference. It helped me to also fly on a more empty stomach and not. Small sips of water to choke down the dry saltines was good too, but limited intake.

This made me remember that I almost threw up in a Pitts after some acrobatic work. Instead, I threw up about .5 seconds after I put my car into reverse to leave the parking lot at the airport. I'd never been motion sick before so at first I thought it was the onset of the flu.

I was telling the story to a friend whose father was a flight instructor in the Air Force and he relayed one of his father's tidbits of advice to airmen: Eat bananas. They won't keep you from throwing up but they hurt a lot less than pineapple when you upchuck.

The way I heard that is that they taste the same coming up as when they went down.

BTW, I truly hate bananas now. For a bunch of years, I rode the Ride The Rockies bicycle tour (10 times over 12 years) and 4 times on the Tour de Wyoming. Typically they'd have rest stops every 15 or so miles, with oranges at one stop and bananas at the next stop. I still like oranges, but I got really tired of bananas, to the point where if I were to eat one right now, I wouldn't likely eat again today. Hmmmm. Maybe I should do that--might be a good way to go on a post holiday diet.

Cary

Thank you every one for the helpful suggestions. With only two hours flying in 2017, my motion sickness is back (or still here). My New Years resolution is to fly more... whenever possible. Also, I'll try riding in the car as a passenger when we need something from town... it's 15 minutes away.

Back in the Spring of 2014 my wife and I were in the market for a new car. We drove at least a dozen different models, new and used. I had to drive, in the beginning, but then I had the idea to let her drive some too. By the time we decided on what to buy, I could ride as passenger with no discomfort. At least for 20-30 minutes at a time. I will try this again also.

TomD wrote:My wife swears by Sea-Band Wristbands.

I cannot personally attest to them other than observing that before the bands the sick sacks were in great demand in the right seat, now not so much unless there is bad turbulence.

I carry Sea-Bands and giant ziplock bags in my planes. I cannot personally attest to the effectiveness of Sea-Bands but one person who flys with me frequently who I gave a set to no longer gets woozy or air sick.

Cary wrote:

albravo wrote:

Farmboy wrote:- eat a snack of saltines before going flying. I believe this makes a difference. It helped me to also fly on a more empty stomach and not. Small sips of water to choke down the dry saltines was good too, but limited intake.

This made me remember that I almost threw up in a Pitts after some acrobatic work. Instead, I threw up about .5 seconds after I put my car into reverse to leave the parking lot at the airport. I'd never been motion sick before so at first I thought it was the onset of the flu.

I was telling the story to a friend whose father was a flight instructor in the Air Force and he relayed one of his father's tidbits of advice to airmen: Eat bananas. They won't keep you from throwing up but they hurt a lot less than pineapple when you upchuck.

The way I heard that is that they taste the same coming up as when they went down.

BTW, I truly hate bananas now. For a bunch of years, I rode the Ride The Rockies bicycle tour (10 times over 12 years) and 4 times on the Tour de Wyoming. Typically they'd have rest stops every 15 or so miles, with oranges at one stop and bananas at the next stop. I still like oranges, but I got really tired of bananas, to the point where if I were to eat one right now, I wouldn't likely eat again today. Hmmmm. Maybe I should do that--might be a good way to go on a post holiday diet.

Cary

Here ya go Cary! I saw this potassium pusher on one of my e bike forums, food for thought. http://www.courier-tribune.com/news/201 ... -potassium

Agree 100% on the wristband for air/motion sickness. My wife can't fly without it and she has yet to be ill with it on. We borrowed it to a friend when we were deep seas fishing he laughed and put it on. He was doing great and then said I don't need this gimmisk and took it off. He was green and sick in minutes. I was a doubter but this convinced me there is science here.

Also, I am an old aerobatic instructor and air sickness happens to everyone and at any time. Don't be too proud to not seek a solution.

PJJ