Powerline survey = aching back!
Fleet Manager
Joined: Aug 2006
Aviation Qualifications: CPL
Posts: 7,081
Likes: 2,938
From: Ontario, Canada
Well, there are a few grid search patterns buried in there!
I flew an MD 500 from Anchorage to Vancouver many years ago. It have been inspected in Anchorage, and was to be taken home to Vancouver for the winter. 19 hours of beauty flying, but my back hurt the whole time. Okay, but just not comfortable at all. When I landed the boss was there as I got out. The first thing he noticed, he commented: "The seat back cushion is in upside down!" He pulled it off the velcro, flipped it, and stuck it back on. In the meantime, I did a facepalm
I flew an MD 500 from Anchorage to Vancouver many years ago. It have been inspected in Anchorage, and was to be taken home to Vancouver for the winter. 19 hours of beauty flying, but my back hurt the whole time. Okay, but just not comfortable at all. When I landed the boss was there as I got out. The first thing he noticed, he commented: "The seat back cushion is in upside down!" He pulled it off the velcro, flipped it, and stuck it back on. In the meantime, I did a facepalm
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 23
Likes: 17
From: scotland
I did gas line survey for over a year many moons ago using 369s, both civil and mil versions. The constant right pedal input needed at survey contract speeds led to a real pain in the arse. Many happy hours were spent trying to fashion cushions to lessen the discomfort. The damage was not only to me, the tail rotor conical bearings were wearing out at a much higher rate than normal.
Nigerian In Law
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,199
Likes: 92
From: The stool at the end of the bar
It appears pilots aren't consulted about the ergonomics of helicopter design. I flew Gazelle in the Army; the seat was absolutely fine for short hops but on long flights, eg UK to Saillagouse, it was agony. Pilots unconsciously lean forward over time due to the slightly curved seat back.
Likewise, thousands of hours in Bell 212s has left me with a weakened coccyx, unable to lift anything heavy.
NEO
Likewise, thousands of hours in Bell 212s has left me with a weakened coccyx, unable to lift anything heavy.
NEO
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,081
Likes: 189
From: Redding CA, or on a fire somewhere
I am sure the neighbors loved you.... Why are you using a helicopter in residential neighborhood for inspecting what appears to be service lines? It appears this could all have been inspected more thoroughly using a truck.
