Most comfortable Pilot seat
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 185
Likes: 1
From: Switzerland
Most comfortable Pilot seat
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
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
Joined: Aug 1999
Aviation Qualifications: ATP+Mil
Posts: 4,411
Likes: 83
From: Gold Coast, Australia
Everyone, but everyone, had back problems with the RN Sea King, both with the biscuit back cushion and with the rubber boat back pack
There was a long discussion about this some time back: Helicopter seats: crimes against humanity?
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,081
Likes: 189
From: Redding CA, or on a fire somewhere
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
For seat cushions also try Oregon Aero: Here
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 169
Likes: 0
From: Scotland
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"
.
Nothing against the 500, it's a nice bird to fly.
Cheers
Spenc
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"
.Nothing against the 500, it's a nice bird to fly.
Cheers
Spenc
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,030
Likes: 0
From: Over here
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.
Avoid imitations
Joined: Nov 2000
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 15,110
Likes: 1,083
From: Wandering the FIR and cyberspace often at highly unsociable times
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
).
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
).
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 118
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From: in my house
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!
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!
Joined: May 2002
Aviation Qualifications: ATP+Mil
Posts: 18,633
Likes: 1,072
From: Downeast
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!
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!
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 64
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From: Canada
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
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.
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.
Last edited by dammyneckhurts; 21st May 2012 at 01:03.
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,957
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From: Australia
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.
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.
Last edited by topendtorque; 21st May 2012 at 18:47.