As a relatively young helicopter pilot, I have had two back surgeries to repair herniated disks. No proof, but I am fairly sure that the poor cockpit ergonomics and vibrations are to blame.

I regularly fly two different cockpit types- one has a sidestick cyclic and forces me into a good sitting position (no pain after long flights), and the other has a center cyclic and forces me into a forward lean (discomfort after even short flights).

The problem is that customers (military and civilian) do not insist on good cockpit ergonomics for the pilots. When it comes to accepting cost cutting measures, the pilot's seating position is the first one that seems to go.

Can there be a worse seat than a Bell JetRanger? I seriously doubt it.

I flew just over three hours in one go....amazing my bladder lasted that long....and could not get out of the helicopter without help. The lumbar cushion was in....which is just perfect for throwing a kink into my back....which wound up being a cramped muscle(s). Upon throwing the wonderful lumbar cushion into the baggage compartment....the seat was much better....but still poor.

Bell must have the distinction of building the sorriest seats....from the 206 style....to the webbed 204/205/212 seat that was either banjo tight and hard as a rock....or too slack and allowed the front rail to cut off the blood to your legs...to the 412 seat, which is merely a large sized copy of the 206 seat.

Secondary question...why can not Bell put an Attitude Indicator centered in front of the pilot....why is it I feel like I am riding side saddle in the 212/412?

I have to quit reading this thread, after every post I get an ache.......