10.26 Motion Sickness

10.26.2 Explain the causes of motion sickness.

Airsickness or motion sickness is caused by prolonged and continued body motion that upsets the body's orientation system.

It commonly occurs when there is a mismatch between information from the eyes, inner ear and other sensory systems.

The effects of this mismatch can include:

• a general feeling of unwellness;
• nausea;
• a pale face;
• cold sweating;
• vomiting; and
• occasionally hyperventilation.

Motion sickness is more common in:

• pilot trainees; and
• passengers

than in experienced pilots.

It may be aggravated by:

• anxiety;
• stress;
• low cockpit activity levels; and
• rough or turbulent conditions.

New students who are concentrating intensely can become particularly susceptible on a bumpy day.

Motion sickness also has a strong psychological component and may improve with increased exposure and desensitisation.

Key point

Motion sickness is mainly caused by conflicting sensory information about movement and orientation.

10.26.4 Describe how motion sickness can be prevented. 

Non-medical methods are preferred where possible.

These include: