Motion sickness and Interiors 8 or 7

rodcritt · #1 07-14-2008, 06:10 PM

I have been preparing for about 6 months to build a -7. Collecting tools, reviewing builder?s sites, reading the forums, and talking to builders and flyers of RV's....... Then I realized that even though I have my wife's full support (she even helped me turn the office into a building space) we have not flown alone. I received my Private only 2 months ago from a great CFI and an admirable pilot, Steve Thompson had flown many years as a Red Barron Pilot and now for the Ethanol company as a member of the Vanguards, an all RV team. Needless to say he prompted my interest in RV's. Anyway Sunday My wife and I rented the same C150 I trained in and left Y14 Tea SD and headed west to the Missouri River with plans of following it down to the Iowa border then back to Y14. If you get the chance this is a beautiful ride. 80km into the flight my wife informs me she is getting sick. The GPS says 1D3 is 4.3km so we track to it. An hour and a half and 2 Bonine (motion sickness pills) latter we are on our way back to Y14. OUCH. Yes it was a little bumpy and she was trying to take pictures along the way.
Now with only 2 weeks until I place my first order with Vans I am considering changing my choice to an -8.
This leaves me with 2 questions I hope some of you can help me with.
1. Will being centered front to back as in -8 rather than side-by-side -7, cut down on the motion sickness for her. (I realize it probably will stop on its own after she gets use to flying)
2. I really like the interior options of the -7 i.e. side panels armrest etc. are full interiors available anywhere for the -8. Personally I like the looks of the finished interior. Both planes are cool.

Yes, I ramble on but I needed to paint the picture.
Please help.

RickWoodall · #2 07-14-2008, 06:35 PM

Just my free opinion...
Side by side is WAY better than someone with motion sickness getting stuck in the back with something blocking some of her forward view. That will make things much worse not better.
If you ever cross the boarder into Manitoba or Saskatchewan grab yourself some "gravol" at the local walmart or drug store. My wifes takes childrens gravol and it works great. Rumour has it they dont sell it in your country, not sure why but it does work very well.

scard · #3 07-14-2008, 06:36 PM

You are correct in that the motion sickness will most likely resolve itself with "practice". Tanya and I bounce around in the very bumpy Texas afternoon skies and it can even get to us if we aren't in control. We take turns as PIC in those conditions, or simply climb out of them (which my be a trick in a C150), for just that reason. There is something about having eyes out and being the one on the stick that can really take the edge off of the bumps. Like I said, practice helps. I can even get woozy if we were bouncing around in the afternoon heat, looking through a camera, and not in control.

However, build what you want to build, without regard for motion sickness or interior options. There is way more to the joy of building and flying than those little things. Consider the big requirements, hopes, and what you really want to do with it, and go that direction.

Welcome! The whole process is a really amazing ride.

Norman CYYJ · #4 07-14-2008, 07:00 PM

With a tandem aircraft and someone burfing up in the back seat you as the pilot might be wearing it. YUK

rodcritt · #5 07-14-2008, 07:05 PM

Well that decides it

leonc · #6 07-14-2008, 07:07 PM

somebody makes this deal that looks like a watch and has 3 settings. it gives you a mild electric shock that is somehow supposed to help. their literature says it is effective with pregnant women and has helped the air force cut their wash out rate. don't know if it works or where i saw it but it may be worth looking into.
leon

rodcritt · #7 07-14-2008, 07:09 PM

I wonder if my dogs shock collar will work.

Dmadd · #8 07-14-2008, 07:48 PM

The 8 will put her too far behind the C/G, which means she will swing around all over the place in turb. Even with fast feet. (good rudder work will make is easier on her) 7 will be MUCH better for this. But, as has been previously stated, build what you want. A little time in seat will cure her ills...if she keeps flying that is...
DM

flion · #9 07-14-2008, 07:55 PM

My wife was a merchant mariner before she went to med school. They have a saying: There are those who get seasick and there are those who will. I've found that that is true with aircraft as well. Being generally healthy and well-rested helps. So does good hydration and oxygen, if necessary. Being overheated can also be a nausea-inducer. Finally, focus on some fixed point, outside better than in. Some people can't read in a car because of the disparate motion cues causing their 'internal gyros' to tumble.

Greg Arehart · #10 07-14-2008, 08:02 PM

to the side-by-side RVs is that she could probably learn a bit more about flying herself (easier than in the back seat of a tandem). There are also some weekend courses (I think AOPA puts one on) for spouses of flyers to help them understand flying and be able to at least land the plane should you become incapacitated during a flight.

greg