OK, I’m staying hydrated so I fly better – now what?

We’ve seen how important hydration is and why you should be getting hydrated all through your flight: to get that performance boost! While you will breathe, sweat, and absorb some of that hydration you bring on-board during your flight, you will likely find that you have excess waste-water to deal with. So you need a way to pee while flying (also known as “in-flight micturition”). 

Be prepared for obstacles: peeing while flying? What could possibly go wrong?! And regardless of the method you use, there are tricks to actually convincing your body to pee while fully clothed and in the middle of an epic flight.

If you have a built-in external tube, some basic information you should find useful is included below; for more you’ll need to find some experts on the topic. If you don’t have a built-in external tube, or you want to understand one of the biggest challenges female pilots face, read through to the end!

Still not convinced you need a method for peeing in-flight? For me, it was while flying in a cross country competition, after setting up to land just short of goal due to an overwhelming need to pee. I was determined to find the best possible solution to avoid being in that situation ever again. [I actually got super-lucky: the goal cylinder extended across the road, power lines, and trees and slightly into the center of the field I was landing in: I floated just long of my target and the “happy goal sound” played literally as I touched down! I went on to take first place for women in the event.] I have other friends who have just “let it rip” in their harnesses. (Something to consider when buying a used harness ;-) 

All joking aside: consider whether you are losing that performance edge you get from being properly hydrated while flying, and – more importantly – the possible increased risk you expose yourself to flying dehydrated!

How do I get rid of the excess liquid I’m now drinking while flying?

Free flight pilots aren’t alone in this quest for a perfect in-flight micturition solution. Pilots in enclosed vehicles have more options, but even the US Navy recognized the need for a specialized solution for female pilots (unfortunately it’s heavy, expensive, and built-in to their seats so isn’t feasible for free-flight pilots).

There are many, many options out there, and I have tried most of them (for those without built-in external tubes). Are some of them scary? Yes. Do they all work? Definitely not. But hopefully this stroll down memory lane will provide some insight for you. Meanwhile, I’m still looking for a better solution; new materials for 3d printing might yield some interesting results!

tldr;

1 – If you have a built-in external tube, the general consensus is to use a condom catheter.

2 – If you do not have a built-in external tube, most XC/comp pilots consider the best option to currently be the She-P (which basically is a glue-on external tube).

3 – If you don’t like either 1 or 2 above, then diapers are likely your best bet.

If you want to know more, or how these options stack up, read on!