Airplane and Crew
G-FORCE ONE™ is the name of the specially-modified Boeing 727-200 cargo aircraft approved by the FAA to conduct Weightless Flight. After a thorough evaluation process, ZERO-G Corp selected the Boeing 727-200 over all other airplanes.
ZERO-G worked with various parts of the FAA to do a thorough evaluation of the Boeing 727-200 to make sure that all operations are conducted safely and to the FAA’s highest standards (Part-121 of the FARs).
The major modifications enabling the Boeing 727 to conduct Weightless Flight involve an upgrade to the aircraft’s hydraulic system and avionics. In addition, ZERO-G created a special palletized interior which meets the required passenger specifications and allows of safe Weightless Flight.
ZERO-G’s 727-200 has numerous benefits over the older KC-135 aircraft used by NASA.
Interior
The interior of the aircraft is divided into two zones. The rear area is called the Seating Zone and provides seating and FAA-required passenger provisions (emergency oxygen, escape path lighting, etc.) for up to 30 individuals. The forward section, approximately 60+ feet long, is called the Floating Zone.
For typical customer flights, the floor of the Floating Zone is covered with a special FAA-approved 1.5-inch energy absorbing Ensolite padding. For research or filming flights this region can be adopted to accommodate experiments or film sets.
ZERO-G has utilized a palletized interior to provide maximum flexibility. Twelve pallets enter through the cargo door, using the airplane’s cargo handling system. The rear four pallets accommodate the seating, while the forward eight pallets can be changed out depending on the needs of the customer.
Finally it should be noted that six video cameras are continuously taping the entire cabin during the parabolic flight to provide a record of this amazing experience to all Flyers.
Flight Crew
ZERO-G’s Flight Deck Crew consists of a Captain, First Officer and Flight Engineer who are specially trained to fly G-Force One in parabolic Weightless Flight. ZERO-G’s crews each have an average of 5,000 flight hours in large turbojet aircraft and have flown 727’s for more than 10 years.
ZERO-G’s Cabin Crew is made up of the following complement:
(a) Flight Director: The Flight Director is responsible for overall safety of the cabin and communicates directly with the Captain and the Coaches. During the flight the Flight Director is the most senior member of the ZERO-G team. The Flight Director is also Flight Attendant certified.
(b) Flight Attendant: The Flight Attendant is responsible for the aircraft during the sterile cockpit period (below 10,000 feet) and is responsible for the seated areas of the aircraft during the parabolic flight maneuvers. The Flight Attendant is also responsible to assist any motion sick participants requiring assistance in returning to their seat or being otherwise made comfortable.
(c) Coaches: Up to three Coaches oversees the activities of the twenty-seven Flyers. Coaches and their group of participants are located in the Floating Zones. Each Coach is responsible for supporting the safety and well-being of the participants in their group.
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.
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