Eating before flying?

[Crosswind]

I've heard out of the mouth of several pilots that it's better to eat before flying, why is this true?

Thanks, feedback is appreciated

[MSUDAWG]

So you dont get hungry while you are flying....

[bdhill1979]

Eating something light will also supress a lot of motion sickness, a stomach full of nothing but sloshing acid gets angry. I will usually pick up a subway or something non greasy/spicy before my flights.

[JEP]

Originally Posted by Crosswind

I've heard out of the mouth of several pilots that it's better to eat before flying, why is this true?

Thanks, feedback is appreciated

Well, duh! Where else would you heard it from?

You ever get the dry heaves? Not good!

[Fly4Pay]

You didn't mention motion sickness in your post, but if that's what you're getting at, try some ginger snaps. I used to recommend them to my students--they seemed to be helped by that.

If that fails, eat bananas. Why?



Cause they taste the same coming up as they do going down!

[Crosswind]

hahah appreciate the quick (wow!!) replies guys..

I knew there was a correlation of motion sickness and an empty stomach, and of course, I will not be eating an abusive meal before I go flying, as you have said, something light and healthy, maybe a banana!

[tonyw]

I personally like to load up on burritos and beans before I go flying.

Why?

Because with fuel prices as high as they are, anything to give me a little extra thrust is a good thing.

[jrh]

I never eat anything greasy or heavy, but I always eat *something* before flying, even if it's just a candy bar or cup of yogurt or something.

I don't do it for motion sickness as much as for mental sharpness. I've noticed a significant drop in my reflexes, coordination, mental math skills, situational awareness, etc. if I fly when I'm hungry.

The same could be said for flying when tired, stressed out, or whatever. I simply don't perform as well.

[wildfreightess]

Eating a Cliff bar or something before a flight keeps me from thinking about food when I should be thinking about the approach, but I can't eat a big greasy meal or I'll get sleepy on the approach.

[Bumblebee]

Eat a half a sandwich before and bring the other half with you. That will help with motion sickness. Drink lots of water. Looking at the horizon and opening the fresh air ducts will help as well.

These are the things that worked for me.

When I began flight training, I experienced motion sickness every day for the first week or so. I was concerned that I wouldn't be able to continue. After the first week the motion sickness pretty much stopped.