How Many G Does a Fighter Pilot Take? Understanding G-Forces and Requirements for Fighter Pilots

Fighter pilots can handle up to 8 or 9 G’s for longer periods by wearing anti-G suits. These specialized outfits use air bladders to keep blood in the upper body. Fighter jets can pull up to 9 g vertically. The more a pilot can take without blacking out, the better their chances in a dogfight. With a full load of internal fuel, the F-16 can withstand up to nine G’s. Unprotected exposure above 9 G’s can cause severe injuries or death. Changes in speed are expressed in multiples of gravitational acceleration, or ‘G’. Most of us can withstand up to 4-6G.

How to Become a Fighter Pilot

To be a fighter pilot you need to meet specific requirements:

  • You must begin training between 18 and 33.
  • Be 5’ 4” to 6’ 5” tall, seated height between 34 and 40 inches.
  • Vision requirements: no worse than 20/70 in both eyes (correctable to 20/20) and no worse than 20/200 for distant vision, also correctable with glasses to 20/20.

To become one, you need to:

  1. Choose Active Duty or National Guard/Reserve.
  2. Obtain a Bachelor’s degree.
  3. Pass flight training.
  4. Get assigned a fighter.
  5. Complete specialized training.

Helicopter Pilot Tipping and Aircraft Value

How much do you tip a helicopter pilot at the Grand Canyon? The Robinson R-22 was worth $250,000.

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