Vomiting, loss of consciousness, no toilets… Here are 5 little-known but true facts about flying in a fighter jet.
Flying in a fighter jet is the stuff of dreams, but behind the speed and power lie little-known physical and logistical realities. Between losing consciousness due to G-forces, a total lack of comfort on board, and exorbitant prices for civilians, these machines are nothing like commercial aircraft. Here are 5 concrete and unusual facts that reveal what goes on behind the scenes of these extreme missions.
The human body can lose consciousness in seconds
One of the most extreme aspects of flying in a fighter jet is exposure to acceleration forces. During a rapid maneuver, a pilot can experience up to 9 G, which is nine times their body weight. In practical terms, this means that every organ and muscle is crushed with enormous force.
Without specific training, this causes a phenomenon called G-LOC (G-force induced Loss Of Consciousness): blood is forced into the legs, cutting off the flow to the brain. As a result, the pilot loses consciousness—sometimes in less than 5 seconds.
To withstand this, pilots wear anti-G suits, which inflate to compress the legs and slow down the descent of blood. They also learn a forced breathing technique called AGSM (Anti-G Straining Maneuver), which involves contracting all the muscles and holding their breath for several seconds per cycle.
For civilians invited to fly (journalists, customers, diplomats), G-LOC remains a real risk and is often recorded on video for educational purposes.
There are no toilets or meal breaks on board
The interior of a fighter jet is not a comfortable place. On missions that can last up to three hours, pilots have to cope with significant physical constraints and no amenities whatsoever.
It is impossible to stand up, let alone go to the toilet. For urgent needs, pilots use special devices called “piddle packs”: small absorbent bags with an ergonomic nozzle. This rudimentary system works reasonably well, but requires the pilot to maintain a stable flying position for a few seconds, which is not always possible.
When it comes to food, most pilots prefer not to eat anything for several hours before a flight to limit the risk of nausea or acid reflux. For long flights in real-life operations, some pilots carry solid rations or special nutritional drinks, but this is rare.
A cockpit smaller than a train seat
The cockpit of a fighter jet is an extremely small space, optimized for compactness and visibility. In a Rafale or F-16, the usable space is less than a meter wide, and the pilot has to contend with his ejection seat, helmet (weighing about 2 kg), life jacket, flight suit, and sometimes even a survival belt.
The position is semi-reclined, with the legs raised to facilitate G-force resistance. There is no air conditioning in the traditional sense: the temperature in the cockpit can rise to +4°C on the ground and then drop to -50°C at high altitude, although the air conditioning system attempts to stabilize the perceived temperature.
Movement is limited. It is impossible to turn your head completely, and operating the controls requires perfect coordination in a confined space. This makes fatigue more intense and explains why flights are generally limited to a few hours.
A civilian flight can cost up to €20,000
Contrary to popular belief, it is possible for civilians to fly in a fighter jet—under certain conditions and in certain countries. Specialized companies offer tourist flights in decommissioned military aircraft, such as the L-39 Albatros or, more rarely, the MiG-29 Fulcrum.
The price of a 20- to 45-minute flight varies between €2,000 and €20,000, depending on the aircraft, the location, and the flight profile (vertical climbs, loops, supersonic flights, etc.). Video options or personalized certificates are sometimes available at an additional cost.
In France, since 2018, flights in military aircraft have been strictly regulated by the DGAC, and only a few operators can still offer flights in aircraft such as the L-39. These experiences are aimed at customers seeking an adrenaline rush, but they require a specific medical certificate and appropriate psychological preparation.
Vomiting… even before takeoff
A little-known but common fact: some civilian passengers vomit before the plane even leaves the runway. Stress, heat, tight clothing, and psychological pressure are enough to trigger discomfort.
In flight, the rate of nausea is high, especially among untrained passengers. On average, 1 in 10 civilians vomits during a first flight in a fighter jet. This even affects journalists, influencers, and celebrities invited for publicity stunts.
Pilots are trained to handle these situations. The cockpit is equipped with sick bags, and protocols are in place to ensure a quick return if the person is in danger. In some cases, passengers undergo light training in a centrifuge or simulator before the flight to limit these risks.
Live a unique fighter jet experience