Ergonomic assessment of a helicopter crew seat: the HH-60G flight engineer position

Reports of back pain among military helicopter aircrew have appeared in the aviation medicine literature since the 1960s. Likewise, anecdotal complaints of back and neck pain among HH-60G crewmembers have long persisted. The purpose of the present study was to identify specific work factors that could contribute to increased musculoskeletal discomfort among HH-60G flight engineers and gunners, and to recommend actions to remedy observed workplace deficiencies.

The physical dimensions of the HH-60G flight engineer/gunner workstation were measured, and the activities and work postures of a flight engineer and gunner were observed and photographed during flight. Measurements of crew station dimensions were compared against anthropometric data for U.S. Air Force flying personnel to estimate of the percentage of the crew accommodated by the available work area.

Results show that the current crew seat configuration forces the vast majority of HH-60G flight engineers/gunners to assume a variety of awkward neck, back, and lower extremity postures during flight. Based on existing epidemiological evidence, it is highly plausible that maintaining these postures for sustained periods of time could lead to increased musculoskeletal fatigue and discomfort in this population.

Two major deficiencies that can be addressed to improve posture and reduce musculoskeletal stress among HH-60G flight engineers and gunners involve the design of the crew seat backrest, and the lack of space between the seat and the side of the aircraft for the legs and feet. Specific recommendations for crew seat design are provided.