NASA and the Air Force have performed such maneuvers for many years for astronaut training in a KC-135 (Boeing 707) transport, as well as other aircraft types, without a serious injury. Our own research jet aircraft are continually inspected, and have been certified for this purpose by the Federal Aviation Administration. They are designed with a margin of safety that far exceeds the stress of the maneuver on the airframe and engines. In addition, our pilots have thousands of hours of experience in flying our aircraft. While there is a slight possibility of minor injury if instructions are not followed during the maneuvers, there is much less risk than that involved in sports such as alpine skiing or rock climbing.
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