FAA Office of Aerospace Medicine
Civil Aerospace Medical Institute
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AVIATION MEDICINE REPORTS

Report No: DOT/FAA/AM-90/11

Title and Subtitle: Development of a Crashworthy Seat for Commuter Aircraft

Report Date: September 1990

Authors: Gowdy, V.

Abstract: A series of dynamic impact tests were conducted using a prototype seat with an energy absorbing mechanism as part of the seat pan. The seat frame was designed to represent a typical commuter aircraft passenger seat. Tests were conducted in an orientation simulating a vertical impact with a 30-degree nose-down aircraft attitude. The impact severity for these tests ranged from 15 to 33 Gs. Seat pan stroke and occupant lumbar reaction forces were measured. Results indicate the axial force measured in the lumbar spine of a fiftieth percentile Hybrid II dummy can be limited to a peak value less than 1500 pounds during vertical impact tests of 33 G with a seat pan stroke distance of 6.3 inches.

Key Words: Commuter Aircraft, Energy Absorbing Seat, Vertical Impact

No. of Pages: 12