Knee pain from poor cockpit ergonomics

SquatThrust

SquatThrust

Well-Known Member
My stature is just so that combined with the range of adjustment positions for the seat and pedals, I have to sit either slightly too close or slightly too far away from the pedals and controls. Since I don't like to just barely reach full pedal deflection from sitting slightly too far away, I opt for the slightly too close position, but man, at the end of a long flying day my knees are killing me.

Due to the nature of my job I'm either climbing or descending, so there is always a foot mashing one of the pedals, but even abundant use of the rudder trim only helps so much. I really don't want to develop long term knee problems just from flying an airplane.

Anyone ever experience this and have any realistic tips/tricks to alleviate this situation?
 
Have you tried sliding the seat back to where you can barely reach the pedals, then putting a cushion (maybe a lumbar support thing) behind your back to sit a bit more forward in the seat? That might let you clear the dash with your legs/knees but still reach the pedals.
 
I get the same thing in a car on long trips. Seems I side load my right knee. I found a pillow between my knee and the console helps.
 
I'm not a doctor, just a pilot with a bum knee (motorcycle accident) and familiar with the -6 seats. Are you flying meat missiles? It seems like you might need to get up and move around.

Sitting in the airplane all day, with little movement isn't much different than sitting at a desk all day with out getting up.

See what a doctor says.
 
Does the twotter have rudder boost? Before considering any seat position further back, do a little looking into the importance of seat position during an engine failure.
Otherwise, I'd try some calisthenics in between hops, maybe some squat thrusts..
:bounce:
 
CFI A&P said:
Are you flying meat missiles? It seems like you might need to get up and move around.

Sitting in the airplane all day, with little movement isn't much different than sitting at a desk all day with out getting up.

See what a doctor says.
Click to expand...
Yep, meat missiles indeed. Typical day is 4-6 hours in the plane with 8-9 hours straight not uncommon. Only time to stretch is about every two hours when we come in to fuel and that takes only about 5 minutes. :-/
bucksmith said:
Does the twotter have rudder boost? Before considering any seat position further back, do a little looking into the importance of seat position during an engine failure.
Otherwise, I'd try some calisthenics in between hops, maybe some squat thrusts..
:bounce:
Click to expand...
No rudder boost aside from a geared tab on the rudder. SE in the Otter isn't too bad, but your reason there is my main concern for being too far back. Squat thrusting is the only thing keeping me in shape!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top