Calculating Normal Force on Pilot in Air Show Loop

[myoplex11]

Homework Statement

A 9940 kg plane in an air show completes a vertical loop of radius 596 meters at 155 m/s. What normal force does the airplane seat exert on the 92 kg pilot at the top of the loop and at the bottom of the loop.

Homework Equations

Top of loop
m(v^2/r)= Fnormal + mg
m(v^2/r)= Fnormal - mg

The Attempt at a Solution

should i use the mass of the pilot and the plane for this problem iam really stuck.

 

[alphysicist]

Hi myoplex11,

Homework Statement

A 9940 kg plane in an air show completes a vertical loop of radius 596 meters at 155 m/s. What normal force does the airplane seat exert on the 92 kg pilot at the top of the loop and at the bottom of the loop.

Homework Equations

Top of loop
m(v^2/r)= Fnormal + mg
m(v^2/r)= Fnormal - mg

The Attempt at a Solution

should i use the mass of the pilot and the plane for this problem iam really stuck.

It's asking about forces acting on the pilot, so begin with a free body diagram for the pilot. What mass would you use? What forces act on the pilot, and what is the pilot's acceleration?