Behavioral airsickness management program for student pilots

The management of recurrent airsickness in student pilots has traditionally involved positive reinforcement of motivation and limited use of medication. The Behavioral Airsickness Management (BAM) program seeks to establish an effective behavioral and cognitive intervention format for managing airsickness symptoms. There were 37 student pilots experiencing recurrent airsickness who were exposed to an assessment and rehabilitation program designed to develop diaphragmatic breathing skills while rapidly reducing physiological tension via cue-evoked relaxation strategies. Cognitive modification techniques were also included in the treatment protocol. Of the 37 students, 35 were returned to their flying training program with no recurrences of the airsickness problems. Cross-validation evidence is offered, as well as hypotheses for the program's success.