Which force is described as being applied from the feet to the head of the body?

The force applied from the feet to the head of the body is best described as negative G force. This specific force occurs when an aircraft maneuvers in a way that causes the pilot or passenger to experience a downward acceleration that exceeds the force of gravity acting on their body. For instance, during a steep climb or a sudden pull-up from a dive, the body feels heavier as the upward acceleration pushes the blood toward the head. This sensation is what’s commonly referred to as experiencing negative Gs.

In the context of aerospace physiology, understanding negative G force is crucial because it can lead to physiological effects such as “redout,” where blood is forced towards the head, potentially causing visual disturbances or loss of consciousness. Thus, the recognition of negative G force is essential for pilots to manage their physical response to such maneuvers effectively.