Frequently Asked Questions
Questions About The Company
Questions About Flight Operations
Questions About The Airplane
Questions About Safety
Questions About Customers
Questions About The ZERO-G Experience
Medical And Training Questions
Who is Zero Gravity Corporation?
Zero Gravity Corporation (ZERO-G®) is a privately held space entertainment and tourism company headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The company’s first product offering is commercial, Weightless Flights aboard a specially modified Boeing 727-200 aircraft. ZERO-G is the only company approved by the FAA to conduct Weightless Flights for the public. These are the same type of flights used by NASA to train their astronauts and used by Ron Howard in the filming of Apollo 13. The mission of ZERO-G is to perform as the premier space entertainment and tourism company offering a wide range of compelling programs, products, and services that enable the general public to personally experience the excitement of space.
Are there other companies in the U.S. offering this type of service?
At this time, ZERO-G is the only company in the U.S. which is offering an FAA approved Weightless Flight service. While NASA uses a KC-135 Air Force aircraft for its own experiments, this airplane is not certified by the FAA and is not available to the public for flights or special events.
ZERO-G has received U.S. Patent Number 5,971,319, covering the modifications that were made to the Boeing 727-200 and our business model.
When was Zero Gravity Corporation formed?
The company was formed in the mid-1990s. The initial focus of the company was on the selection of the 727 aircraft and the completion of FAA test flight series. The company has worked diligently over the past 5 years with the FAA to complete all the engineering work and conducting the testing required to achieve the FAA’s highest levels of safety for its operations.
What does NASA think of Zero Gravity Corporation?
Senior officials at NASA have been very supportive of ZERO-G efforts. The Company hopes to offer the government services at some time in the future. The President’s Management Initiative has directed Federal Agencies to take advantage of commercially available capabilities for services that are not inherently governmental. In performing a review for the Federal Activities Inventory Reform (FAIR) act to identify in-house activities that could be competitively sourced, parabolic flight services was identified as a function that is not inherently governmental.
From where will ZERO-G’s flights originate?
Zero Gravity Corporation and the ZERO-G Experience is based in Ft. Lauderdale Florida. We routinely operate our Boeing 727-200 out of the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood (FLL) International Airport.
Can ZERO-G’s 727, G-FORCE ONE™, be operated from other airports?
Yes. Customers who purchase an entire flight can request that the Aircraft be ferried from Ft. Lauderdale to an airport of their choice so long as it can accommodate a Boeing 727-200 aircraft. Customers requesting an alternate airport will need to cover the Ferry costs of G-FORCE ONE™. Call 1-888-no-gravity for additional info on this option.
How does parabolic flight work?
Trained pilots fly the parabolic flight maneuvers between approximately 24,000 and 32,000 feet altitude. The maneuver is somewhat like a roller coaster in that the plane is initially pulled up to approximately 45 degrees ‘nose high.’ Next the plane is ‘pushed over’ the top to begin the zero-gravity segment of the parabolas. For the next 25 – 30 seconds everything in the plane is weightless. At approximately 30 degrees ‘nose low’ a gentle pull-out is started which allows the participants to stabilize on the aircraft floor. Finally, the g-force is increased smoothly to about 1.8 g’s until the aircraft reaches a flight altitude of 24,000 feet. The maneuver is then repeated.
The weightlessness experienced by everyone inside the airplane is actually equivalent to the type of “free fall” you might experience when sky diving. In this case however, the body of the aircraft surrounds you and protects you from the winds. At the end of the free fall period, the aircraft also scoops you up and carries you back up to the top of the arc to begin the free fall process again.
What airspace does ZERO-G use for its flights?
ZERO-G will conduct flights within a FAA-designated corridor that is approximately 100 miles long and 10 miles wide over unpopulated territory, such as the oceans, the Great Lakes, and deserts. The parabolic maneuver is typically performed in a 10,000-foot block of airspace at 22,000 to 32,000 feet altitude.
What does G-FORCE ONE™ do when its not flying for ZERO-G?
ZERO-G has partnered with Amerijet International to modify and utilize their aircraft. Amerijet’s core business is cargo. G-FORCE ONE™ typically flies scheduled cargo when it is not flying Weightless Flights for ZERO-G.
Who is Amerijet International?
Amerijet International (www.amerijet.com) was establish in 1974. It is a privately owned company that now operates a fleet of all-cargo Boeing 727-200 aircraft to provide scheduled, contract and common carriage service between North America, the Caribbean region, Mexico, and Latin America as well as single flight charters worldwide. Amerjet is currently the only all-cargo airline providing regular scheduled flights in its primary service region, with a minimum of 20 scheduled flights per week.
How will weather effect scheduled ZERO-G flights?
Weather delays for ZERO-G flights are rare. ZERO-G expects to have no unusual weather delays. In fact, we may have better performance than the regular airlines have. The reason for this is ZERO-G’s tremendous flexibility.
Time Flexibility: We nominally plan for a flight to take place between 1:30 – 3pm during a typical day. However we can rework the program to depart as early at 11am or as late as 4pm giving us a 5 hour window. Normal Airlines (JetBlue, American) have a very narrow take-off window.
Location Flexibility: Because we are not traveling to a specific city, we are able to take off out of Miami (for example) and fly North, South, or directly East in order to get to a region of clear air for our parabolic flights. The FAA has been very supportive in this regard.
What are Pallets? What is their advantage?
The 727 can accommodate 12 pallets (125” x 88”) that enter through the cargo door and roll back into the aircraft. Users of ZERO-G’s services can obtain a set of pallets in advance of their flight. In this fashion, they can assemble their experiments, movie sets or special equipment on the pallets in advance of aircraft arrival. Once the ZERO-G aircraft lands, the assembled pallets can be loaded onboard, checked out, and flown within a short period. Loading and unloading pallets takes approximately 90 – 120 minutes.
What type of aircraft does ZERO-G use for its parabolic flight service?
After an extensive evaluation process ZERO-G selected the Boeing 727-200 cargo aircraft over alternatives including the Boeing 707, 727, 737, and 757, and the DC-9. Routinely used by commercial carriers, the 727-200 characteristics include economical operations and maintenance, rapid availability of parts and servicing, and conformity to FAA noise abatement standards. The aircraft has a large cargo door and a 70-foot long floating zone. The Boeing 727’s center-body mounted engines and T-tail enable excellent flight characteristics that provides for very smooth and stable parabolas. Additionally, the aircraft features a built-in pallet system that supports a variety of interior configurations that can be quickly loaded and unloaded to accommodate a range of customer requirements.
How does the Boeing 727-200 compare to the aircraft used by NASA?
NASA employs a KC-135 aircraft (the military’s version of the Boeing 707) to conduct its reduced gravity flight program. A comparison of the two aircraft is as follows:
- The Boeing 727 is nearly identical in size and volume to NASA’s KC-135 with a larger cargo door (140” x 86”) and an approximately 70+ foot long area for experiments or floating.
- The 727 is also a new aircraft, on the average about 20 years newer than the KC-135.
- The 727 has a built in pallet handling system that allows different interiors to be quickly loaded and unloaded to accommodate various customers.
- The 727 is a commercially operated and maintained aircraft allowing for lower cost operations and the rapid availability of parts and servicing.
- The 727 uses only 3 engines, less fuel, and abides by the FAA noise abatement standards.
- The 727’s flight characteristics, center-body-mounted engines and T-tail make for a very smooth and stable parabola.
- Because the 727 is also used as a commercial Cargo aircraft, the cost of its operations can be spread over multiple markets making it a more cost-effective platform for commercial parabolic flights.
Did the aircraft have to be modified to perform parabolic maneuvers?
ZERO-G worked with various parts of the FAA including the Aircraft Certification Office and the Seattle engineering office to do a thorough evaluation of the 727 to make sure that all operations are conducted safely, held to the FAA’s highest standards.
ZERO-G’s testing included an evaluation of all major subsystems including the engines, fuel system, hydraulics, constant speed drive, air cycle machines, etc.
The major modification enabling the Boeing 727 to conduct Weightless Flight involves an upgrade to the aircraft’s hydraulic system. The modification allows for continuous hydraulic pressure during the performance of parabolas. The modification, along with the addition of accelerometers in the cockpit, were tested and approved by the FAA under a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC).
Using a 60,000 node finite-element structural computer model and data from a series of test-flights (during which the aircraft was extensively strain-gauged), ZERO-G was able to demonstrate structural airframe safety to the FAA. No structural modifications to the aircraft exterior are required. The FAA has approved a series scheduled inspections under our “Continued Airworthiness Program” to insure continued aircraft’s safety.
Does parabolic flight cause undo stress on the aircraft?
No. G-load stress on the 727 during parabolic flights ranges from 0 G’s to +1.8 G’s. The Boeing 727-200 was originally certified by Boeing to stresses ranging from -1 G to +2.5G. ZERO-G’s operations are well within Boeing’s original specifications. In addition, ZERO-G has implemented a maintenance inspection program based on a detailed structural analysis.
Are parabolic flights safe? What is NASA’s track record?
Safety is ZERO-G’s number one priority. NASA, The Department of Defense, the Russian Space Program, and the European Space Agency (ESA) have performed parabolic flights for 45 years without incident. NASA alone has performed more than 150,000 parabolas on aircraft such as the KC-135, DC-9, and Learjet-25. ZERO-G is committed to maintaining this record of safety by emulating NASA’s best practice standards and utilizing expert and experienced staff.
Will I be covered by insurance during the flight?
ZERO-G flights are fully insured, just like every commercial airline. Because ZERO-G operates under Part-121 of the FAA’s rules, your individual life insurance is valid (unlike parabolic flights onboard NASA’s KC-135 or the Russian IL-76 military aircraft). In addition, ZERO-G carries $1 million per seat of passenger liability insurance, as well as $200 million in hull insurance and third part liability through the aircraft operator.
Who are ZERO-G’s customers?
ZERO-G's five different markets include:
1. Adventure Travel (general public)
2. Corporate & Incentive
3. Film & Entertainment (i.e., movies, television programs, advertising)
4. Research & Education
5. Domestic & International Government Agencies
Has ZERO-G conducted any flights to date?
Yes. During the FAA certification process, ZERO-G has conducted over 1,000 parabolas for flight certification and safety demonstrations. In addition, in partnership with Warner Brothers Studios, ZERO-G performed 200 parabolas during six flights to conduct special effects filming for the Matrix 2 and 3.
Can I buy a ticket to fly on NASA’s aircraft?
No. NASA is prohibited from offering parabolic flights on a commercial basis.
What is the youngest age allowed to fly on ZERO-G’s aircraft?
Currently the age limit is 15 years old. This is the age that the FAA allows for a person sitting at the emergency exit row. In the future, we may consider lowering the minimum age to 12 years old when accompanied by a parent (for a Parent-Child program), but initially we want to get our experience with older teenagers (15 and up).
What is the ZERO-G Experience like?
Picture this. You are on an airplane cutting through clouds, climbing at 45 degrees at a speed of 500 mph. Smoothly, the plane noses over into a descent. Soon you are floating in air and for the next 25 seconds, you are weightless. It is an experience that few have tried, but for those who have call it amazing and life-changing. It’s a feeling of true freedom, a place where the impossible becomes real. Parabolic flight is the only way to create sustained weightlessness without going into space.
During a parabola, you have 25 times more hang-time than the best basketball player, and are more acrobatic than any Olympic gold medalist. For once, you are in a realm where the law of gravity has lost its throne. It’s the stuff dreams are made of… it’s ZERO-G!
What does it cost?
The ZERO-G Experience, which includes training led by a professional astronaut, a flight of 20 parabolas, complimentary merchandise, awards, a post-event party, photos, and a DVD of the flight, is offered at a price of $2,950 per seat.
Can you experience weightlessness on Earth without flying in an aircraft?
Experiences such as bungee jumping, skydiving, and the peak of a trampoline jump provide a momentary awareness of weightlessness. However, parabolic flights are the only way to create sustained weightlessness without going into space.
How long does the flight last? How long will I be weightless?
The typical flight for the ZERO-G Experience, which features 20 parabolas, lasts approximately 90 to 100 minutes. Each parabola provides about 30 seconds of weightlessness. By the end of the flight you will log about 10 minutes of weightless – that’s more zero gravity time than Alan Shepard experienced on America’s first human spaceflight.
What can you do in weightlessness in 30 seconds?
Thirty seconds is actually a lot of time, especially in zero gravity. In perspective, 30 seconds is five times longer than the average bungee jump and about the same length of time as the average free-fall during skydiving. The advantage of a ZERO-G flight is that you get to do this over and over again You’ll be able to fly the entire length of the airplane like Superman, conduct experiments and flip and twist like an Olympic gymnast.
During the training session, your Team Coach will present a number of “Fun Weightless Tricks” that we have designed for your education and pleasure during parabolic flight. You will also be encouraged to use your imagination and create your own weightless activities. The most important thing to remember is to have fun!
What g-forces will I feel during the parabolic maneuvers?
During the zero-g portion of the flight, you will experience weightlessness or zero-gravity. During the pull-out (or high-g) portion of the flight when you are seated on the padded floor, you will experience about twice your normal body weight. The g-loads encountered during parabolic flight are less stressful than those felt on a roller coaster ride.
Is the transition to high-g sudden?
The transition from the zero-g portion of the flight to the high-g segment is done gradually with an alert given by the pilot. In addition, the Flight Director, Flight Attendants, and Coaches are on hand to make sure that you are well taken care of during flight.
Will someone on from ZERO-G take photographs or video during the flight?
Yes. Coaches will have digital video and cameras onboard ready to capture your adventure from start to the very last parabola.
MEDICAL & TRAINING QUESTIONS
Will I experience motion sickness?
ZERO-G has taken a number of steps to minimize the incidence of motion sickness and make your experience a fun, comfortable and inspirational flight.
While its true that some people on NASA’s KC-135 airplane get motion sick, we expect our incidence of motion sickness to be significantly lower. NASA typically flies anywhere from 40 to 80 parabolas during a typical mission. These flights are focus on maximizing science data, not on Flyer comfort. NASA’s experience is that most people do well for the first 20 parabolas.
ZERO-G has taken the following steps to maximize your comfort:
1. We limit the number of parabolas for our public flights to about 20; a number which most everyone can handle.
2. We “ease” into weightlessness by first conducting Martian-g parabolas (1/3-g), followed by Lunar-g parabolas (1/6-g) parabolas, before getting to our zero-g parabolas. In this fashion you can get used to the reduced weightlessness in a gradual fashion that will reduce anxiety and reduce motion sickness.
3. Because these flights are all about your comfort, enjoyment and safety, we will typically place a few minutes of straight and level flight interspersed into our flight profile.
4. We prescribe light meals low in proteins or dairy products during the day of the flight.
5. Should anyone get motion sick, we have a fully dedicated flight attendant onboard assigned to take care of that person.
Do I have to undergo a physical examination prior to flight?
No. You will be asked to sign a Medical History Form that includes a series of questions pertaining to certain medical conditions. If you do not have any of these conditions, it will not be necessary to consult with a doctor. If you do have any of the indicated conditions, you must confer with your personal physician for permission to fly with ZERO-G. In general, if you can ride an amusement park roller coaster, then you can safely experience parabolic flight.
To fly on NASA’s KC-135 you need to get certified in a hyperbaric chamber, do I need to do this for a ZERO-G flight?
No. This is not required, and therefore saves our customers a couple of days of time and effort. The reason that NASA requires hyperbaric chamber testing is because they use an Air Force aircraft and the Air Force rules require that any occupants of this aircraft have hyperbaric chamber training.
Do customers receive pre-flight training and information?
Yes. The customers receive a full educational program and safety briefing to prepare them for the flight. This includes both lecture and training courses by a veteran astronaut.
How safe are parabolic flights?
Safety is the first and highest priority for ZERO-G. The company celebrates NASA’s exceptional record of safety in which more than 150,000 parabolas have been safely flown during the past 45 years. ZERO-G is committed to maintaining this record of safety by emulating NASA’s best practices, adhering the highest FAA standards of operation and utilizing expert staff.
|
