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| Vibrating cockpit seat | |
Dave Nelson2  20th Feb 2011 12:36:45 |
Vibrating cockpit seat proposed for pilot alerts Boeing has floated the possibility of using vibrating cockpit seats as an alternative mechanism to visual and aural indicators on the flightdeck. Its suggestion is contained in a newly published patent document that details a proposal for a module mounted beneath the pilot's seat which, once triggered, would provide a tactile signal to the crew. While the document mentions various types of alerts requiring immediate pilot action - such as terrain-avoidance or stall-warning alarms - it says there are several other instances during flight where the crew may need to act in a less-urgent manner, to maintain safety. These include making position reports by voice or datalink or reporting to air traffic control before top-of-descent. "Certain physiological factors may have an effect on the ability of the flightcrew to remain alert to perform such flight interaction tasks," it says. It mentions the risks associated with fatigue as well as the requirement for crews to control rest periods during non-critical stages of flight. "There exists a potential need for a system and method for alerting a flightcrew of the need to perform a task by increasing the level of stimulation that is provided to the flightcrew," it adds, although there is no indication of any immediate plans for application. The 27 January patent document, whose authors include Boeing chief test pilot Frank Santoni, describes a mechanism comprises two travelling probes capable of vibrating at various amplitudes, frequencies and durations, depending on the nature of the required alert. This could be pre-programmed to ensure timely intervention at specific points in the flight. But the document also shows that it could be activated, if necessary, by external interaction from air traffic control. Boeing's document suggests the mechanism may provide overflight prevention capability. The system could also be used to obtain the attention of pilots who are not responding to radio calls. |
| Dave Nelson2 20th Feb 2011 12:37:30 | Had to make sure the title was spaced correctly.
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| Dave Nelson2 20th Feb 2011 12:57:50 | Vibrating seats.... Hmmm sounds good, but technology is moving on in other areas too- Mobile Phones hope they dont make the vibration any more powerful - A phone placed in the pilots pocket, one call from his wife.. Mega vibration goes off and the captain sets his transponder to squawk 7700 and declares a Mayday..........whoops |
Geoff Server   20th Feb 2011 13:07:15 | The last thing I would want is a vibrating seat when trying to control an out of control aircraft.
Why not have a variable electric shock through the pilots seat... controlled by ATC from the ground! That way when a pilot does not respond to an ATC call ATC could ramp up the voltage untill the pilot responds. I wonder if Dave Wave could implement such a device for FSopen sessions? that would keep pilots attention focused when flying in a session... LOL..... |
Paul Edmond  20th Feb 2011 13:20:23 | Bloody well hope I dont get a all female crew! |
| Neil Veldhuyzen 20th Feb 2011 16:15:30 | haha they will deliberately fly at 700 feet for the full flight :P
"Terrain!" *buzz buzz buzz* "Terrain!" *Buzz Buzz Buzz* |
| Peter Hannant 21st Feb 2011 11:01:09 | SNIFF SNIFF. CAN I SMELL BURNING? |
| Neil Veldhuyzen 21st Feb 2011 16:57:54 | oh and Mr Paul Edmond, "all" begins with a vowel so we use, "an," not, "a,"! :-P |
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