@article{ref1,
title="Greyout, blackout, and G-loss of consciousness in the Brazilian Air Force: a 1991-92 survey",
journal="Aviation, space, and environmental medicine",
year="1995",
author="Alvim, K. M.",
volume="66",
number="7",
pages="675-677",
abstract="A national survey has been performed with high and medium performance aircraft pilots on the incidence of symptoms due to +Gz acceleration, in order to make up a human centrifuge physiological training profile directed to the needs of the Brazilian Air Force pilots. Anonymous questionnaires were sent to Flight Squadrons of F-5, AMX, Mirage F-103, Xavante AT-26, and Tucano T-27. They consisted of inquiries about the occurrence of visual symptoms and/or loss of consciousness during +Gz (G-LOC) maneuvers, and post-G-LOC symptoms. Some 193 pilots answered the questionnaire: 23 (11.92%) reported greyout and/or loss of peripheral vision; 40 (20.72%) reported blackout; 20 (10.36%) reported G-LOC. Those who reported LOC also reported post-G-LOC symptoms (100%), 16 (80%) being gradual and 4 (20%) instantaneous. Incidence of G-LOC did not depend upon the type of aircraft flown (p > 0.05). Considering the pilots who reported G-LOC, 80% were preceded by blackout, which could allow them to relieve +Gz load before they would reach their endpoint for the occurrence of G-LOC. For these reasons we recommend intensive human centrifuge training periodically, similar to the hypoxia-recognition test in the hypobaric chamber, not only for high performance aircraft pilots but for any pilot who can perform aerobatics (thus exposing himself to the adverse effects of &quot;pulling G&quot;). This will allow each pilot to recognize his consciousness endpoint when undergoing +Gz maneuvers, in a controlled and safe environment.<p /><p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0095-6562",
doi="",
url="http://dx.doi.org/"
}