How long after simulator sickness should you wait to fly?

How long after simulator sickness should you wait to fly?

• A. 12 hours
• B. 24 hours
• C. 6 hours
• D. 48 hours

Answer: (A)

Simulator sickness happens when what you see conflicts with what your balance system feels, leading to nausea, dizziness, and fatigue. After an episode, the body needs time to settle and the vestibular system to re-stabilize before returning to flight duties. Waiting about 12 hours allows symptoms to subside and reduces the chance they’ll come back when exposed to flight conditions. If you still feel unwell after that period, avoid flying and seek evaluation. Shorter waits may not give full recovery, while longer waits aren’t usually necessary once symptoms have resolved.

Simulator sickness happens when what you see conflicts with what your balance system feels, leading to nausea, dizziness, and fatigue. After an episode, the body needs time to settle and the vestibular system to re-stabilize before returning to flight duties. Waiting about 12 hours allows symptoms to subside and reduces the chance they’ll come back when exposed to flight conditions. If you still feel unwell after that period, avoid flying and seek evaluation. Shorter waits may not give full recovery, while longer waits aren’t usually necessary once symptoms have resolved.