Most comfortable Pilot seat

[Bitmonx]

I have only flown in R22, R44, 206B & LR, 212, AS350B/BA/B2 and a few hours in EC120 and 500 (<5hrs.).
By far the AS350 was for me the most comfortable ride and the 206 was the worst.

How are the Sikorsky and the Agusta seats? What about the newer Bell seats, are they any better now?

Cheers,

Bitmonx

[hueyracer]

I have flown Bell 204´s, 205´s, 212´s and 412´s..
EC 135´s and BK 117´s...

The most comfortable ones were in the old 205´s ...(the military style seats)..

The most uncomfortable ones (especially for long lining) in the BK117...

[John Eacott]

The most uncomfortable ones (especially for long lining) in the BK117...

Interesting: I guess it depends on what type of 117 seat? I had the high back/fully adjustable seats, and they were by far the most comfortable I've used. Especially for helitack using a long line :ok:

Everyone, but everyone, had back problems with the RN Sea King, both with the biscuit back cushion and with the rubber boat back pack :sad:

There was a long discussion about this some time back: Helicopter seats: crimes against humanity? (http://www.pprune.org/rotorheads/170742-helicopter-pilot-seats-crimes-against-humanity.html)

[pohm1]

Get one of these, then every seat is comfortable.

link (http://www.airhawk.com.au/products.php?product_category_id=30)

P1

[Fareastdriver]

The seat that has the best T&Cs.

[Gordy]

The seating is only half the issue. The cyclic on the 350 series is ergonomically designed with tilt and formed grip----compare that to the 206 series cyclic which has you twist your hand to hold it.

For seat cushions also try Oregon Aero: Here (http://www.oregonaero.com/softseat)

[oldbeefer]

Worst? The Wessex!

[spencer17]

The old AL II or Lama seats are the best.
In Summer no sweating and in Winter nice and cosy with a sheepskin in the back.

The worst are the Hughes 500 seats. I'm 6'2" and like a fellow pilot said "you sit in there like a Fox on a squat loo":E.
Nothing against the 500, it's a nice bird to fly.

Cheers
Spenc

[Hughes500]

spenc

Put the oregon aero seat system in a 500, did with mine what a difference !

[Gomer Pylot]

There is no such thing as a comfortable helicopter seat. The designers design the aircraft, and then suddenly realize a pilot is required, so they cobble up something at the last second so there is a place to sit. That is the case for every model I've ever flown. Most are fine for 10 minutes or so, but when you have to spend 10 to 12 hours in the seat every day, they're torture. Even the cheapest automobile has seats which make helicopter seats seem like torture devices. Plus, even the cheapest automobile doesn't leak water all over the driver.

[Granny]

I agree with Spencer-Lama the best 500 the worst followed closly by the 206

[Shawn Coyle]

Best for me was the RAF Chinook. Among the worst was the HH-65. OH-58 seat served as alternate fuel gauge - when your back got sore, you also probably in need of more fuel.

[ShyTorque]

I found the AS355 seat suited me quite well (but then again, after years on the apalling one in the military Puma, especially when wearing an armoured breast plate, anything was a good seat).

But I don't like the thought of it breaking clear of the floor mounts in an accident!

I found the Blackhawk one most comfortable and it is a very strong seat, with an excellent safety tolerance for a vertical impact (not that I usually need one ;) ).

[ironchefflay]

i can attest the that notion of realizing at the last minute you need a pilot seat!

the "high comfort" seats in the S92 need to be dismantled to get through the companionway or fully collapsed and companionway trim removed so as not to damage it as you wrestled the damn thing out!

[SASless]

No thought required....Chinook seat by far. With adjustment up/down, forward/aft and tilt....combined with adjustable pedals and adjustable cyclic....what more could a guy ask for! Well maybe Arm rests...and a tray holder and place to stash yer Tea Cup!

Worst....anything Bell especially the 206 series.

The 205 seat....if the webbing is adjusted just right...is ok. If not....it would make one volunteer for the Infantry!

Most enjoyable was the Sikorsky S-58T....because of the big ol' sliding door next to your bum....that let you look down from a great height at the SLF!

[dammyneckhurts]

If you are doing lots of longline work in a Bell Medium and dont have a 204 seat... this is the hot ticket for the 205/212 web seats : The ROHO Group - High Profile Quadtro Select Cushion (http://www.therohogroup.com/products/seat%20cushions/high_profile_quadtro_select_cushion.jsp)

The air transfers from side to side allowing your seat to "tilt" when you are out the bubble, then levels out again when you bring your head back in.

[Big Guy]

:ok:The chinook was the best and the 206 would eat your A??

[topendtorque]

Best by far - Church pew
Opinion inducement - Naturally
Refreshment close at hand - Always
First annunal service - This Wednesday arvo
Church - Some mexican prayer mat.
Annual Pilgrammages - Three
Religion - State Of Origin Rugby League
Winners - Maroons, don't ask.

[Hughesy]

Closest one to the coffee machine haha

Had a 500 that had 16000hrs on it, seat always gave me a numb leg after long lining.
206 are ok, but not for long!
AS350 the best so far.

[Corax]

What big guy says!

[McGowan]

Lazyboy recliner in front of my 64 inch tele.
Must have the massage seat set on low (or I go to sleep too quickly).
:}