AW139 induced Back Pain
ST,
We do about 5-6 apps per day when we are flying and on the old variant it does need 3-4 pushes, unless you have the right technique. On the newer type it can be done in 1-2.
Me with the banana shaped spine(see previous vitriolic and irrelevant post)....... No probs, and I'm well into my 50's
We do about 5-6 apps per day when we are flying and on the old variant it does need 3-4 pushes, unless you have the right technique. On the newer type it can be done in 1-2.
Me with the banana shaped spine(see previous vitriolic and irrelevant post)....... No probs, and I'm well into my 50's
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Epiphany is correct. I do it 4-6 times a day, and if you know what you're doing it's not difficult.
Why are you 'stretching' for the pedals in the first place? A proper seating position would allow you to fully displace either pedal without shifting your butt in the seat. We operate with two different seat types, the two-adjustment variety and the single-adjustment type, and it doesn't make any difference if you set up your seating position correctly. We have pilots from about 5'3" to 6'6" and none of the couple dozen among us has a problem, to my knowledge, and certainly nothing like a plurality. Even in our older frames, two pumps is sufficient.
Lower back pain, about 95 times out of 100, means that your abdominal muscles are out of condition, though I realize that most helicopter pilots would rather wear a neoprene corset at work and blame it on the machine. To do otherwise might necessitate missing the first pint of the evening and having word get out they might be getting a bit of exercise.
Why are you 'stretching' for the pedals in the first place? A proper seating position would allow you to fully displace either pedal without shifting your butt in the seat. We operate with two different seat types, the two-adjustment variety and the single-adjustment type, and it doesn't make any difference if you set up your seating position correctly. We have pilots from about 5'3" to 6'6" and none of the couple dozen among us has a problem, to my knowledge, and certainly nothing like a plurality. Even in our older frames, two pumps is sufficient.
Lower back pain, about 95 times out of 100, means that your abdominal muscles are out of condition, though I realize that most helicopter pilots would rather wear a neoprene corset at work and blame it on the machine. To do otherwise might necessitate missing the first pint of the evening and having word get out they might be getting a bit of exercise.
Avoid imitations
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Hang on - don't try to introduce ergonomics or pilot comfort into helicopter design. It compromises performance and anyway, why break the age-old tradition?
I don't have the problem of personal discomfort in the 139 but probably only because I don't fly the 139.
The S-76 causes a similar problem, so does the S-70. In fact every helicopter I've flown has discomfort issues in some respect. Not to mention the aching neck, sagging spine, lowered shoulder etc.
I don't have the problem of personal discomfort in the 139 but probably only because I don't fly the 139.
The S-76 causes a similar problem, so does the S-70. In fact every helicopter I've flown has discomfort issues in some respect. Not to mention the aching neck, sagging spine, lowered shoulder etc.
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Piff, You seem to comment on just about all subject matter posted here so I merely queried your ability to speak from an experience standpoint.
I thank you for your comments and general bitterness.
I thank you for your comments and general bitterness.
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Precious - I only comment on subjects that I have a direct and therefore relevant experience of. I have been flying the 139 on and off for some years and there is nothing wrong with my back. I do however keep myself fit and this also helps me to maintain a positive and optimistic outlook on life in general. No need to thank me - you are very welcome.
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I have been applying 139 park brake for almost 5 years now, for most of that on my own and latterly with both pilots together to share the load (and avoid the chance of your foot slipping and putting in an abrupt pedal input)
Either way I have not heard people complaining about it, wheras they did all the time about the original seat types with the side bars that dig in.
Personally I don't see a problem with the brake
Regards CF
Either way I have not heard people complaining about it, wheras they did all the time about the original seat types with the side bars that dig in.
Personally I don't see a problem with the brake
Regards CF
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ST,
Well, I can't compare with 5 or 6 times every day cos I didn't fly the thing every day. However, I do recall one day I did 28 sectors in it, brakes on every other time, and there was no back pain at all - more than could be said for my arse having to listen to the whinging SLF as they got drunker towards evening!!
22
Well, I can't compare with 5 or 6 times every day cos I didn't fly the thing every day. However, I do recall one day I did 28 sectors in it, brakes on every other time, and there was no back pain at all - more than could be said for my arse having to listen to the whinging SLF as they got drunker towards evening!!
22
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Brakes
We are currently operating 14 AW139's in the Middle East. Our first 5 aircraft that we received in mid 2008 were equipped with the manual parking brake. The next 9 are equipped with the power parking brake. What a world of difference!
We have ordered the power parking brake as a retrofit for our first 5 aircraft.
In regards to the back problems, one time I was showing a pilot how to set the brake with one pump of the toe brakes. In order to do this, you have to get low in the seat and get your feet up off the floor. With one long and slow pump, you can get the green light. On this occasion, I felt something let go in my lower back. That was the last time I tried to demo that maneuver. I am 5'10" and my stomach looks like a 6 pack. Well, maybe a 6 pack of a dozen donuts from Krispy Kreme donuts.
We have ordered the power parking brake as a retrofit for our first 5 aircraft.
In regards to the back problems, one time I was showing a pilot how to set the brake with one pump of the toe brakes. In order to do this, you have to get low in the seat and get your feet up off the floor. With one long and slow pump, you can get the green light. On this occasion, I felt something let go in my lower back. That was the last time I tried to demo that maneuver. I am 5'10" and my stomach looks like a 6 pack. Well, maybe a 6 pack of a dozen donuts from Krispy Kreme donuts.
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fit to fly
ST is a fit dog, so only question here is technique or design. Following correct procedures, how much difference in technique can you apply to protect your back with the seat and a/c given?
who is lucky and who isn't in this industry re: jobs, Ephifanny? If you worked on this aircraft everyday and found the same, you may be hobbling down the aisle with your daughter in 15 years time- health is wealth, i'm sure you protect yours!
who is lucky and who isn't in this industry re: jobs, Ephifanny? If you worked on this aircraft everyday and found the same, you may be hobbling down the aisle with your daughter in 15 years time- health is wealth, i'm sure you protect yours!
Having flown the 139 for over two years offshore with an average of 6 to 8 sectors a day I cannot complain of having back pain just to set the parking brake.
There are other factors to consider:
If you are completing several fairly short range sectors, why are you releasing the brake at all, is it not holding pressure as listed in the RFM?
Perhaps you ought to check on that.
We, as helicopter pilots have ingrained in our genetics to whine and complain about things that disrupt our standard routine, no matter how small and insignificant those things may be.
Oh, and yes, just standing on your feet against a wall and lifting yourself on your toes ten or twelve times produces enough exercise to overcome the need for a back brace just for setting the parking brake in the 139.
In my opinion is a far more strenuous adventure trying to reach for those "well thought of" side steps to climb on top of the aircraft during your pre-flight inspection.
There are other factors to consider:
If you are completing several fairly short range sectors, why are you releasing the brake at all, is it not holding pressure as listed in the RFM?
Perhaps you ought to check on that.
We, as helicopter pilots have ingrained in our genetics to whine and complain about things that disrupt our standard routine, no matter how small and insignificant those things may be.
Oh, and yes, just standing on your feet against a wall and lifting yourself on your toes ten or twelve times produces enough exercise to overcome the need for a back brace just for setting the parking brake in the 139.
In my opinion is a far more strenuous adventure trying to reach for those "well thought of" side steps to climb on top of the aircraft during your pre-flight inspection.
We, as helicopter pilots have ingrained in our genetics to whine and complain about things that disrupt our standard routine, no matter how small and insignificant those things may be.
As to our stalwart chap in Saudi......six pack? More like a keg as I recall! Leastways thats what a certain South African former trucking company owner friend of mine said recently!
Jez you lot want the Moon on a stick....
and then the colour of the stick would be wrong.....
Tell you what give me a shout and I will put the park brake on for you and carry you back to the shed... One lump or two?
Ah bless is the coffee too hot? I will blow on it for you.
and then the colour of the stick would be wrong.....
Tell you what give me a shout and I will put the park brake on for you and carry you back to the shed... One lump or two?
Ah bless is the coffee too hot? I will blow on it for you.
