Sikorsky Helicopter Seats, Instruments of Torture?!
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Over here
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I have spent about 13,000 hours in helicopter seats, and I have never sat for a second in a comfortable one. The S76 seats are bad, but not the worst. The original 206 seats, for example, were just pieces of foam rubber with a covering, held in place with Velcro, both the seat and back. No seat I've ever been in had close to adequate lumbar or thigh support. I think the AS350 was about the best, but that was still painful. Pleading cost and design issues is simply dishonest - they could be made much more comfortable even within the existing design limitations, but there is simply no one who cares in the design hierarchies. The seats seem fine for a half hour or so, so why worry about any improvements??? 
I think all executives and engineers at all helicopter manufacturers and operators should have the helicopter seats at their desks and in the board rooms. No Choice!
I predict vast improvement in seat design in short order.
I predict vast improvement in seat design in short order.
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Malaysia
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Guys you're all pissing in the wind. NO seat designer sees helicopter pilot comfort as part of his priorities. I complained bitterly to Nick about the C+ seats but fact is there wasn't a lot he could promise...
Same thing with cockpit noise. Waste of good pee complaining about either of them. We only drive them, we don't pay for them.
Go figure.
Same thing with cockpit noise. Waste of good pee complaining about either of them. We only drive them, we don't pay for them.
Go figure.
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Adelaide, Australia
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Is there any chance you guys could post some pics of different helicopter seats to me, I do some motor trimming and furniture upholstery in Adelaide, South Australia
Are their rules to modifying the seat cushions or covers to helicopter seats? I wouldnt mind having a look at them to see if i can design something more comfortable
Pics of seats and how you would like lumber where would help also
It seems off to me that they expect anyone, to sit in a poorly designed seat while handling a multi milliondollar machine... Thats stupid
The guy flying the helicopter is the most important...
I can make lumber cushions with all foam types or grades in density, but if its possible to make a seat to suit types, that straps into the standard seat frame im sure we could make it look good and work
I might be talking rubbish but im sure its important, I may be able to help
Simon
Are their rules to modifying the seat cushions or covers to helicopter seats? I wouldnt mind having a look at them to see if i can design something more comfortable
Pics of seats and how you would like lumber where would help also
It seems off to me that they expect anyone, to sit in a poorly designed seat while handling a multi milliondollar machine... Thats stupid
The guy flying the helicopter is the most important...
I can make lumber cushions with all foam types or grades in density, but if its possible to make a seat to suit types, that straps into the standard seat frame im sure we could make it look good and work
I might be talking rubbish but im sure its important, I may be able to help
Simon
