A comparative study of G-induced neck injury in pilots of the F/A-18, A-7, and A-4

Aviat Space Environ Med. 1988 Aug;59(8):758-60.

Abstract

The introduction of the high performance F/A-18 into the Navy and Marine Corps units has brought attention to the problem of high +Gx-induced neck pain and injury. Aviators from the Light Attack Wing, Pacific were surveyed and the results were categorized by aircraft type. We found that 74% of F/A-18 aviators surveyed reported neck pain with high +Gz. Out of 37 pilots reporting neck injury, 11 required removal from flight status averaging 3 days. The inability to function effectively during high G flight and the impact of lost pilot days highlight the need for further study into prevalence and solutions for high +Gz-induced neck injury.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aerospace Medicine*
  • Gravitation*
  • Head Protective Devices
  • Humans
  • Neck Injuries*
  • Pain / etiology
  • Posture