G-tolerance enhancement: straining ability comparison of aircrewmen, nonaircrewmen, and trained centrifuge subjects.

G tolerance measurements, both relaxed and using a protective straining maneuver, were made on aircrewmen, nonaircrewmen, and trained centrifuge subjects at the USAF School of Aerospace Medicine over the past 3 years. Results indicated that currently trained pilots (including fighter-type pilots) are not as proficient at performing a G protective straining maneuver as fully trained centrifuge panel members. Pilots should be able to gain at least 2 G over relaxed G tolerance with adequate training. Evidence exists to indicate an optimum time for G training would be during the period of undergraduate pilot training.