Soon after collaborating with the U.S. forces for bilateral training during Exercise Dacian Viper 2014, Romanian pilots will visit Brooks City-Base, Texas, for centrifuge training to prepare for the transition from the MiG-21 to the F-16. The Romanian government signed a contract with Portugal to acquire 12 F-16s to replace their MiG-21s.

"We're sending our first six pilots to San Antonio to become F-16 pilots," said Romanian air force Col. Nicolae Tanasie, 71st Flying Operations Group deputy commander and exercise director. "They need to be academically prepared to get inside the centrifuge and this training helped prepare them."

A human centrifuge tests a pilot's G-tolerance, or ability to remain conscience under several G's. A G is the measure of gravitational force on an object. Normally, on earth, a person is under one G of force, which is one's body weight.

The pilots, familiar with the MiG-21's ability to withstand up to seven G's, must prepare for the nine-G limit of the F-16.

According to Jedick, the difference between seven and nine G's is substantial. For example, a person who weighs 150 pounds under one G would weigh 1,050 pounds under seven G's and 1,350 pounds at nine G's.

"At nine G's you'll get an idea of what you'll look like in 60 years," Jedick said joking. "The anti-G straining maneuver is a method the pilots use to compensate for excessive G-forces they face.

"We also covered some statistics in terms of the seriousness of excessive G-forces ... so they can understand how serious this can be [when] flying high-performance aircraft," added Jedick.

Another substantial difference between the MiG-21 and F-16 is the seat in the cockpit of an F-16 reclines 30 degrees. According to Jedick, this changes the direction in which the pilot feels the G-force upon their body, which can increase or decrease their tolerance level to G's.

At the invitation of the government of Romania, more than 150 Aviano Airmen are currently serving at the 71st Air Base during the bilateral training exercise. The training exercise aims to enhance interoperability and readiness with the Romania air force through combined air operations.

CAMPIA TURZII, Romania -- by Staff Sgt. R.J. Biermann
31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

• Senior Airman Bryan White, 31st Logistics Readiness Squadron fuels distribution operator, refuels an F-16 Fighting Falcon at Campia Turzii, Romania, April 16, 2014, during Exercise Dacian Viper 2014. The exercise enhanced interoperability and readiness of the U.S. and Romanian air forces. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. R.J. Biermann) PHOTO DETAILS / DOWNLOAD HI-RES 5 of 22 Senior Airman Bryan White, 31st Logistics Readiness Squadron fuels distribution operator, refuels an F-16 Fighting Falcon at Campia Turzii, Romania, April 16, 2014, during Exercise Dacian Viper 2014. The exercise enhanced interoperability and readiness of the U.S. and Romanian air forces. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. R.J. Biermann)
  140416 f nd912 210
  
• Staff Sgt. Anthony Quatraro, 31st Logistics Readiness Squadron fuels distribution supervisor, runs a fuel hose to an F-16 Fighting Falcon at Campia Turzii, Romania, April 16, 2014, during Exercise Dacian Viper 2014. U.S. and Romanian air force pilots conducted air-to-air operations during the exercise. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. R.J. Biermann)
  140416 f nd912 216
  
• A salvageable part from a broken F-16 Fighting Falcon rudder is prepared to be placed on a new rudder at Campia Turzii, Romania, April 16, 2014. Airmen from the 31st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron replaced the broken rudder to ensure the F-16 was operationally ready. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. R.J. Biermann)
  140416 f nd912 265
  
• Airmen from the 31st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron install a new rudder on an F-16 Fighting Falcon at Campia Turzii, Romania, April 16, 2014. The original rudder was damaged, making the aircraft inoperable. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. R.J. Biermann)
  140416 f nd912 286
  
• Airmen from the 31st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron hold a new F-16 Fighting Falcon rudder in place before it’s fastened in place at Campia Turzii, Romania, April 16, 2014. A rudder allows an aircraft to turn in flight. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. R.J. Biermann)
  140416 f nd912 304
  
• Romanian air force Cmdr. Adrian Motorga, 711th Squadron commander, shares his thoughts during the closing ceremony of Exercise Dacian Viper 2014 at Campia Turzii, Romania, April 17, 2014. The exercise, which began April 10, enhanced interoperability and readiness between the NATO partners through combined air operations between F-16 Fighting Falcons from Aviano Air Base, Italy, and MiG-21 Lancers from the 71st AB. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. R.J. Biermann)
  140417 f nd912 046
  

• Tech. Sgt. Ryan Edwards, 510th Fighter Squadron life support NCO in charge fits Romanian Prime Minister Victor Ponta with a helmet and mask before his incentive ride in an F-16 Fighting Falcon. Ponta co-piloted the F-16 with Maj. Dustin Brown, 510th FS F-16 pilot. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. R.J. Biermann)

  140417 f nd912 194
  
• A Romanian air force MiG-21 Lancer takes off from Campia Turzii, Romania, April 17, 2014, during Exercise Dacian Viper 2014. The week-long, bilateral training exercise between the U.S. and Romanian air forces concluded April 17. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. R.J. Biermann)
  140417 f nd912 340
  
• Two Romanian air force MiG-21 Lancers (left, right) and a U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon fly over Campia Turzii, Romania, April 17, 2014, during Exercise Dacian Viper 2014. U.S. and Romanian air force jets flew several air-to-air missions together during the week-long exercise. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. R.J. Biermann)
  140417 f nd912 385
  
• A Romanian air force MiG-21 Lancer deploys a parachute to slow its speed upon landing at Campia Turzii, Romania, April 17, 2014. The parachute acts as an additional breaking system for the aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. R.J. Biermann)
  140417 f nd912 416
  
• Two Romanian air force MiG-21 Lancers fly over Campia Turzii, Romania, April 17, 2014. U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons and MiG-21s conducted air-to-air training during Exercise Dacian Viper 2014. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. R.J. Biermann)
  140417 f nd912 434
  
• Romanian Prime Minister Victor Ponta exits an F-16 Fighting Falcon after an incentive ride at Campia Turzii, Romania, April 17, 2014. Ponta visited the 71st Air Base during the closing ceremony of Exercise Dacian Viper 2014. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. R.J. Biermann)
  140417 f nd912 492
  
• Capt. Nicolas DeWulf, 510th Fighter Squadron F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot, laughs while flying a MiG-21 Lancer simulator at Campia Turzii, Romania, April 14, 2014. Various American pilots, including DeWulf, had the opportunity to fly in the MiG-21 during Dacian Viper 2014, an interoperability exercise involving American and Romanian militaries. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. R.J. Biermann)
  140414 f nd912 069
  
• Donica Petrica, 711th Squadron maintainer, fits Capt. Nicolas DeWulf, 510th Fighter Squadron F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot, in a helmet at Campia Turzii, Romania, April 14, 2014. The exercise, which began April 10, enhanced interoperability and readiness between the NATO partners through combined air operations between F-16 Fighting Falcons from Aviano Air Base, Italy, and MiG-21 Lancers from the 71st Air Base. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. R.J. Biermann)
  140414 f nd912 086
  
• Romanian air force Lt. Col. Marius Iova, 711th Squadron MiG-21 Lancer pilot, right, familiarizes Capt. Justin Bellamy, 510th Fighter Squadron F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot, with the MiG-21 Lancer cockpit at Campia Turzii, Romania, April 14, 2014. Various American pilots had the opportunity to fly in the MiG-21 during Dacian Viper 2014, an interoperability exercise involving American and Romanian militaries. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. R.J. Biermann)
  140414 f nd912 181
  
• Senior Airman Benjamin Gipson, 31st Civil Engineer Squadron heavy equipment operator, uses a sweeper to clear debris on a parking apron at Campia Turzii, April 14, 2014. The sweeper vacuums up small rocks and other items that could destroy an aircraft’s engine while on the flightline. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. R.J. Biermann)
  140414 f nd912 267
  
• Airman 1st Class Corey Waller, 31st Security Forces Squadron member, provides security for F-16 Fighting Falcons at Campia Turzii, Romania, April 14, 2014. Waller and nearly 150 other Airmen from Aviano Air Base, Italy, visited the 71st Air Base for Exercise Dacian Viper 2014. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. R.J. Biermann)
  140414 f nd912 354
  
• Five F-16 Fighting Falcons sit on the parking apron at Campia Turzii, Romania, April 14, 2014, during Exercise Dacian Viper 2014. U.S. and Romanian air force pilots conducted air-to-air operations during the week-long exercise. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. R.J. Biermann)
  140414 f nd912 363
  
• Capt. Whit Collins, 510th Fighter Squadron F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot, prepares for his flight at Campia Turzii, Romania, April 16, 2014. Six F-16s from Aviano Air Base, Italy, arrived at Campia Turzii for Exercise Dacian Viper 2014. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. R.J. Biermann)
  140416 f nd912 016
  
• Staff Sgt. Jared Carlisle, 435th Construction and Training Squadron aircraft arresting system technician, spaces out small wheels on an arresting system cable at Campia Turzii, Romania, April 16, 2014. The system catches an aircraft’s tail hook when its brake system is inoperable. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. R.J. Biermann)
  140416 f nd912 089
  
• Staff Sgt. Elijah Samala, 31st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, checks the intake on an F-16 Fighting Falcon at Campia Turzii, Romania, April 16, 2014, after a flying mission during Exercise Dacian Viper 2014. Crew chiefs check for cracks and oil leaks after each flight to prevent further damage. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. R.J. Biermann)
  140416 f nd912 172
  
• Staff Sgt. Elijah Samala, 31st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, checks the intake on an F-16 Fighting Falcon at Campia Turzii, Romania, April 16, 2014, after a flying mission during Exercise Dacian Viper 2014. Crew chiefs check for cracks and oil leaks after each flight to prevent further damage. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. R.J. Biermann) PHOTO DETAILS / DOWNLOAD HI-RES 4 of 22 Staff Sgt. Elijah Samala, 31st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, checks the intake on an F-16 Fighting Falcon at Campia Turzii, Romania, April 16, 2014, after a flying mission during Exercise Dacian Viper 2014. Crew chiefs check for cracks and oil leaks after each flight to prevent further damage. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. R.J. Biermann)
  140416 f nd912 178
  
• An F-16 Fighting Falcon arrives at Campia Turzii, Romania, April 9, 2014, for Dacian Viper 2014. The exercise aims to enhance interoperability and readiness through combined air operations, including air-to-air, air-to-ground and joint tactical air controller training. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. R.J. Biermann)
  140409 f nd912 068
  
• An F-16 Fighting Falcon arrives at Campia Turzii, Romania, April 9, 2014, for Dacian Viper 2014. The exercise aims to enhance interoperability and readiness through combined air operations, including air-to-air, air-to-ground and joint tactical air controller training. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. R.J. Biermann)
  140409 f nd912 093
  
• Firefighters assigned to the 31st Civil Engineer Squadron, aid an F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot during an arresting cable system test April 9, 2014, at Campia Turzii, Romania. The system is designed to catch an aircraft’s tail hook in the event its brake system is inoperable. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. R.J. Biermann)
  140409 f nd912 114
  
• Tech. Sgt. Paul Garcia, a 31st Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter, radios to other firefighters during an arresting cable system test April 9, 2014, at Campia Turzii, Romania. The system is tested before air operations begin. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. R.J. Biermann)
  140409 f nd912 145
  
• Senior Airman Adrian Connors, 31st Maintenance Squadron crash recovery technician, signals an F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot April 9, 2014, at Campia Turzii, Romania, during an arresting cable system test. The system catches an aircraft’s tail hook when its brake system is inoperable. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. R.J. Biermann)
  140409 f nd912 167
  
• 140409 f nd912 239
  
• A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon takes off from Campia Turzii, Romania, during Exercise Dacian Viper 2014 on April 10, 2014. The exercise aims to enhance interoperability and readiness through combined air operations, including air-to-air, air-to-ground, and joint tactical air controller training. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. R.J. Biermann)
  140410 f nd912 070
  
• A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon takes off from Campia Turzii, Romania, during Exercise Dacian Viper 2014 on April 10, 2014. The exercise aims to enhance interoperability and readiness through combined air operations, including air-to-air, air-to-ground, and joint tactical air controller training. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. R.J. Biermann)
  140410 f nd912 085
  
• A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon takes off from Campia Turzii, Romania, during Exercise Dacian Viper 2014 on April 10, 2014. The exercise aims to enhance interoperability and readiness through combined air operations, including air-to-air, air-to-ground, and joint tactical air controller training. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. R.J. Biermann)
  140410 f nd912 087
  
• Romanian air force Cmdr. Petrus Marian, 71st Air Base commander, addresses Romanian reporters after the opening ceremony for Exercise Dacian Viper 2014 at Campia Turzii, Romania, April 10, 2014. The exercise will be held from April 10-17, 2014. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. R.J. Biermann)
  140410 f nd912 155
  
• U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Christopher Austin, 510th Fighter Squadron commander, addresses Romanian reporters after the opening ceremony for Exercise Dacian Viper 2014 at Campia Turzii, Romania April 10, 2014. The exercise will be held from April 10-17, 2014. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. R.J. Biermann)
  140410 f nd912 164
  
• U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Christopher Austin, 510th Fighter Squadron commander, addresses Romanian reporters after the opening ceremony for Exercise Dacian Viper 2014 at Campia Turzii, Romania April 10, 2014. The exercise will be held from April 10-17, 2014. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. R.J. Biermann)
  140410 f nd912 170
  
• Senior Airman Teric Melhaff, 31st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, assists an F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot, with pre-flight checks at Campia Turzii, Romania, April 10, 2014. Aviano Air Base maintainers, crew chiefs, firefighters, aerospace ground equipment technicians, air traffic controllers, and supply, logistics and support personnel arrived at Campia Turzii to participate in Exercise Dacian Viper 2014. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. R.J. Biermann)
  140410 f nd912 219
  
• Senior Airman Teric Melhaff, 31st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, conducts a pre-flight check at Campia Turzii, Romania, April 10, 2014. More than 160 Aviano Air Base personnel arrived at Campia Turzii to participate in Exercise Dacian Viper 2014. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. R.J. Biermann)
  140410 f nd912 256
  
• Senior Airman Teric Melhaff, 31st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, directs an F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot during Exercise Dacian Viper 2014, at Campia Turzii, Romania, April 10, 2014. The exercise aims to strengthen the cooperative efforts of the U.S. and Romanian air forces. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. R.J. Biermann)
  140410 f nd912 298
  
• Senior Airman Teric Melhaff, 31st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, directs an F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot during Exercise Dacian Viper 2014, at Campia Turzii, Romania, April 10, 2014. The exercise aims to strengthen the cooperative efforts of the U.S. and Romanian air forces. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. R.J. Biermann) PHOTO DETAILS / DOWNLOAD HI-RES 2 of 28 Senior Airman Teric Melhaff, 31st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, directs an F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot during Exercise Dacian Viper 2014, at Campia Turzii, Romania, April 10, 2014. The exercise aims to strengthen the cooperative efforts of the U.S. and Romanian air forces. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. R.J. Biermann)
  140410 f nd912 301
  
• A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon takes off from Campia Turzii, Romania, during Exercise Dacian Viper 2014 on April 10, 2014. The exercise aims to enhance interoperability and readiness through combined air operations, including air-to-air, air-to-ground, and joint tactical air controller training. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. R.J. Biermann)
  140410 f nd912 348
  
• A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon takes off from Campia Turzii, Romania, during Exercise Dacian Viper 2014 on April 10, 2014. The exercise aims to enhance interoperability and readiness through combined air operations, including air-to-air, air-to-ground, and joint tactical air controller training. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. R.J. Biermann)
  140410 f nd912 357
  
• 140411 f nd912 071
  
• U.S. Airmen with the 31st Fighter Wing raise the American flag April 10, 2014, during the opening ceremony for Dacian Viper 2014 at Campia Turzii, Romania. Dacian Viper is a bilateral air exercise designed to enhance interoperability and readiness between the U.S. Air Force and the Romanian air force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. R.J. Biermann/Released)
  Dacian Viper 2014
  
• U.S. and Romanian airmen salute as the Romanian flag is raised April 10, 2014, during the opening ceremony for Dacian Viper 2014 at Campia Turzii, Romania. Dacian Viper is a bilateral air exercise designed to enhance interoperability and readiness between the U.S. Air Force and the Romanian air force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. R.J. Biermann/Released)
  Dacian Viper 2014
  
• U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Hector Chacon, a nondestructive inspection journeyman with the 31st Maintenance Squadron, use an oil analysis unit to test the engine oil from an F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft, April 9, 2014, at Campia Turzii, Romania, during exercise Dacian Viper 2014. Dacian Viper is a bilateral air exercise designed to enhance interoperability and readiness between the U.S. Air Force and the Romanian air force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. R.J. Biermann/Released)
  Dacian Viper 2014
  
• U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Hector Chacon, a nondestructive inspection journeyman with the 31st Maintenance Squadron, use an oil analysis unit to test the engine oil from an F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft, April 9, 2014, at Campia Turzii, Romania, during exercise Dacian Viper 2014. Dacian Viper is a bilateral air exercise designed to enhance interoperability and readiness between the U.S. Air Force and the Romanian air force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. R.J. Biermann/Released)
  Dacian Viper 2014
  

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
•