Motion sickness in operational bomber crews.

Abstract

Airsickness has long been identified as a flying training issue. The present study sought to assess its impact in an operational setting. During a monthly wing safety meeting, 88 B-1B and B-52H crewmembers completed the "B-1B Airsickness Research File" questionnaire. The questionnaire responses were analyzed using ANOVA, Chi-square median tests, and multiple regression analyses. The percent of flights in which airsickness was experienced was found to be a function of crew position but not of aircraft type or the interaction of crew position and aircraft type. The degree of in-flight incapacitation experienced, however, was significantly predicted by the combination of crew position, aircraft type, and the amount of experience flying in bombers. Pilots reported the least amount of incapacitation, as did crewmembers who flew the B-1B and crewmembers with less bomber experience. Airsickness was reported to be a frequent occurrence among non-pilots in both aircraft. Experienced crewmembers were more likely to report an impact on their duties.