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August 2013 Mile-High MaidenTM
The Queen of “HICK”?
As all aerobatic pilots--and especially fighter pilots--know, the high G-forces encountered in many aerobatic maneuvers must be dealt with if one is to remain conscious and in control of his aircraft. G-LOC, or G-induced loss of consciousness, has been reported by the Navy and the Air Force as the cause of many Class A accidents, which are those involving a fatality or permanent disability, loss of an aircraft or property damage of $2 million or more.
The Air Force estimates that at least 12% of pilots or pilot trainees have experienced G-LOC at least once.
What to do? Well, even with a G-suit, which adds about one extra G of tolerance, pilots still need to use the G-straining maneuver, or GSM.
The GSM involves taking a deep breath then exhaling against a closed glottis as you simultaneously tense your leg muscles. The net effect is that more blood is kept in the brain by preventing the added G-force from draining it down into the extremities. The exercise produces a sound that resembles the word “Hick.”
No kidding.
So.... Are you ready? One. Two. Three. Inhale and...HICK!
Not only does Vanessa Brown, co-anchor at ABC affiliate KLKN-TV, in Lincoln, Nebraska, do it--the Hick maneuver-- better than anyone else, but she is no doubt the most beautiful “Angel” among the elite of the Blue Angel alumni. It takes a bold heart, an adventurous spirit and a lot of courage just to take a Blue Angel ride. But not only did she do it, she did it without G-LOC.
Vanessa, we salute you!
(Click on one of the images below to watch the video.)
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