Ergonimically correct way of sitting in a helicopter
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 185
Likes: 1
From: Switzerland
SASless, that was too funny to read. Sure made my day.
I fly the AS350BA and the 206B3 (I hate the 206
). I have no problems flying the AStar 6-8 hours a day but sitting in a 206 for 1.5 hours even with a gel cushion is the absolute max my lower back can handle. MAybe I need to try some back support as well..... Heck, just get rid of the damn 206 and replace them with EC120....... Ahhhm, how is the EC120 to fly for longer periods?
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 155
Likes: 0
From: England
I started to have bad pains in my left leg and at that time I used to drive a Merc, after a long trip I couldn't walk, the Doc said eventually I may need a new hip ! Never considered it could be the car until I changed it for a BMW and after a month never had problems again ! Be careful if the machine gives you pain it could be doing long term damage.
I can fly the EC120 for hours on end with no problems. Suits you Sir !
E.
I can fly the EC120 for hours on end with no problems. Suits you Sir !
E.
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 1,308
Likes: 0
From: Cornwall
Helicopter Pilot Seats
I remember that we had an old and much circulated cartoon of a chopper driver at work on the crewroom wall and the funniest thing was that the artist had neatly included the seat manufacturer's data-plate on the back of the subject's seat. It said.......
MANUFACTURED BY THE ACME SCREEN DOOR AND WINDOW COMPANY
The humour of that may be lost on many but never on those who have occupied those damn Sea King torture devices.
G
MANUFACTURED BY THE ACME SCREEN DOOR AND WINDOW COMPANY
The humour of that may be lost on many but never on those who have occupied those damn Sea King torture devices.
G
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
From: UK
Bad back
Yep, been there, done that and have the chronic bad back (and added medical pension) to prove it! Still flying though and I use the RAF moulded back support which though hard, does provide lumber support. Now thinking of some sort of gel seat, any ideas anyone?
Chief Tardis Technician
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 554
Likes: 0
From: Western Australia S31.715 E115.737
A sheep skin seat cover works wonders on the Huey seats, well it made it softer, and at least the blood still flowed. The mesh seats were a pain in the Arse 
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 88
Likes: 0
From: US/S.E. Asia
What keeps my back healthy are sit-ups. I'm reminded of that once or twice a year when I reach down to scratch the dog's belly or pick up the sponge while swabbing the Jetranger and I find myself nose deep in concrete. After a couple of weeks of sit-ups I find myself relatively invincible and that particular discipline is forgotten until it happens again.
Also, a nice compact lumbar support cushion is worth it; or a rolled up jacket placed at your lower back, if you work in a climate that requires one.
Also, a nice compact lumbar support cushion is worth it; or a rolled up jacket placed at your lower back, if you work in a climate that requires one.
