FEELING THE FORCES OF A FIGHTER JET - Smarter Every Day 159 | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Aerospace engineer Destin fulfills his childhood dream of flying in a t-38 fighter jet and learns about G-forces, flight control systems, and formation flying.

Key Insights

• 🎯 Nearsighted individuals can still fulfill their dream of becoming a fighter pilot by getting their eyes corrected through surgery.
• ✋ G-suits and breathing techniques are crucial in preventing stagnant hypoxia and maintaining oxygen supply to the brain during high-G maneuvers.
• 🧑‍🚒 The control system of a fighter jet involves multiple variables, and understanding their interactions is important for effective piloting.
• 🪽 Formation flying requires skill, practice, and overcoming fear of flying in close proximity with other aircraft.
• ✈️ Flight maneuvers like loops and rolls provide insights into the intricacies of flight control systems and the role of hydraulic mechanisms.
• 📉 The shape of a loop can be vertically elongated due to the effects of G-forces pulling the aircraft downwards, known as "gods G" or a clothoid spiral.
• 🥶 Audible.com offers a free trial for audiobooks, including "Skunk Works," a book on the development of the stealth fighter and the SR-71 blackbird.

Transcript

hey it's me Destin welcome back to smarter every day I used to wear glasses I don't know if you knew that about me but I was a nearsighted guy until I got the surgery this is what kept me from being a fighter pilot in the Air Force I had the scholarship but I couldn't pass the pilot physical to fly fighter jets really let me down I love flight thou... Read More

Questions & Answers

Q: How is stagnant hypoxia prevented in fighter pilots?

Stagnant hypoxia is prevented by wearing G-suits, which inflate to push blood up to the brain and maintain oxygen supply. Fighter pilots also utilize special breathing techniques to ensure fresh oxygen flow.

Q: What are the main variables in a fighter jet's control system?

The main variables in a fighter jet's control system are the position of the stick, the force applied to the stick, the aerodynamics and vector of the aircraft, and the G-loading experienced by the aircraft.

Q: What did Destin learn about flight control during the loop maneuver?

During the loop maneuver, Destin learned that the control system of a fighter jet includes a weight called a bob weight, which self-corrects the stick's position based on the G-forces experienced, preventing unintentional passing out.

Q: How did Destin struggle with formation flying?

Destin initially struggled with formation flying due to fear and difficulty in getting closer to the other aircraft. However, with guidance and practice, he was able to control and maneuver the aircraft in formation.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Destin, a former nearsighted individual, fulfills his dream of flying in a t-38 fighter jet as a part of an orientation flight.

• He experiences the intense G-forces of a fighter jet, learns about G-suits and stagnant hypoxia, and understands the importance of breathing techniques.

• Destin also learns about flight control systems and the intricacies of piloting maneuvers such as loops, rolls, and formations.