Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
Michelle Hirlam
April 2002
Introduction and Background
This case study examines the ergonomics / human factors issues regarding
civilian passenger aircraft seats.
Seats are the most critical component within the aircraft cabin interior as 90-
95% of a passenger's flying time is spent in his/her seat.
Overall comfort is dependent on many factors - most are related to how well the seat
matches the physical dimensions of the passenger.
Key Design Issues - Anthropometrics
To design in terms of user comfort –
a knowledge of ANTHROPOMETRICS is required.
Many of the issues which affect the comfort of the passenger are directly related to.the
correct sizing of the seat. It is therefore crucial to use the anthropometrical data .relating
to the target users.
Aircraft seats are generally designed for 5%ile female to 95%ile male. The .population the
data is taken from depends largely on the routes the aircraft is .intended to fly - Co-
determinants of anthropometry being ethnic origin, geographic region, socio-economic status,
and health.
A population’s anthropometric data alters over time, this is an important issue as .many of
today’s aircraft have been in service for over a decade, and were often designed using out of
date data.
Increasing percentage of elderly population- dimensions can change considerably in .terms
of stature. Weight gain in later life is also very common, especially among women.
Research into appropriate dimensions for aircraft seats has been carried out in the past
based on anthropometric data available at the time. [8]
Guidelines given for aircraft seat dimensions in previous research and publications based on anthropometric data.
– Taken from Joint Aviation Authorities Review. [8]
A study has also been made in to the optimum seat depth. – It highlights that the relatively large seat depths of
aeroplane seats contribute to the feelings of discomfort when sitting for long periods of time .[6 ]
Key Design Issues – Postural Comfort
Sitting posture is directly related to comfort. Our
bodies, particularly our spines, were not designed to
sit in chairs for hours on end.
Sitting causes straightening of the natural curvature of
the spine which results in a constant strain on
vertebral discs and the the back muscles. Sitting in a
relaxed way causes 35% greater stress on our discs
than when we stand. [7,18,22]
Prolonged sitting results in muscle fatigue, stiffness –
causes of discomfort.
To try to alleviate this problem, seats should be
shaped to offer lumber support, ideally this should be
adjustable.
Also the curvature of the lumber region becomes more
lordotic as a person reclines, therefore seat spacing
should allow for extensive seat recline.
• Currently Civil Aviation Authority is the only regulatory body to proscribe minimum space for seated passengers. -
C.A.A. Airworthiness Notice 64 (AN64)[9]
• Applies only to British registered aircraft over 5700kg MTWA which carry 20 passengers or more. Took effect in
1989.
• The standard is concerned only with the safety aspects of ingress and egress from the seat, in terms of the space
available to the passenger to do this. - Specifies that a fully loaded aircraft
must be evacuated within and 90sec.
A Minimum distance between the back support cushion of a seat and the back 660mm
of the seat or other fixed structure in front of the seat. (26 inches)
B The minimum distance between a seat and the seat or other fixed structure in 17 mm
front. (7inches)
C The minimum vertically projected distance between seat rows or between a 76mm
seat and any fixed structure forward of the seat. (3inches)
Review of AN64
In 2001 the Joint Aviation Authorities conducted a review of the minimum
dimensions stated in the AN64 with relevance to today’s population. [8]
Objective of the review was to evaluate both the scope of the AN64 and the
minimum dimensional values stated in it.
As with the CAA’s AN64, the JAA report was concerned only with the safety of passengers, but
in addition to the AN64, considers the safety aspects of brace position, and health problems
associated with prolonged sitting.
J.A.A. Conclusions
• Where safety is concerned the critical dimensions should be increased to cover the 1st%ile to 99th%ile range. This will also anticipate
gradual future growth of population.
• Current requirements for dimension A will only accommodate up to 77th%ile of European population. Dimensions B and C, even fewer
passengers
• Dimension A should be increased to 28.2” (for up to 95th % ile European passenger). Ideally dimension A should be 29.4” (for up to 99th%ile
world)
• Dimension A should be measured with the seat in front in the fully reclined position, current AN64 requirements measure all seats in upright
position.
• Dimension B was found to be unacceptable for both larger and smaller passengers. Recommended minimum at armrest level of 9-10”
and 8.3” at seat cushion level.
• Dimension C would need to be increased from 3” to 12” to allow a 95th%ile passenger to stand upright between rows of seats.
• Minimum dimensions for the depth and width of the seat together with the armrest should be specified as these are important for seat
access and spacing issues.
• Seat dimensions should allow for use by older passengers as the proportion of older people in the population is growing significantly.
Application of Key Issues
The extent to which the human factors issues have been integrated into the design of
aircraft seats is largely dependent on the type of seat.
• Wider seats.
• Adjustable footrests.
• Adjustable headrests.
• Wide armrests.
Trend going into 21st century is the upgrading of economy class sections by
the removal of seats to increase seat pitch.
Consumer pressure is starting to force airlines into giving human factors
issues higher priority in the budget / economy sector.
While business and first class seating has always been of a much higher
standard than economy class, and has incorporated many ergonomic / human
factors features in it’s design, airlines are now competing with even more new
features. Fully flat beds being quite a recent introduction on some aircraft.
American Airlines is increasing the seat pitch for all of it’s economy class seats across it’s entire fleet. Also fitting new seats
with six way adjustable headrests and power port access and telephones in every row.[19] Other major airlines with doubtless be
quick to follow as customers are increasingly choosing airlines based on the quality of their economy class seating
References
Journal & Newspaper Articles [7] Vergara,M., Page,A. Relationship Between Comfort
and Back Posture and Mobility in Sitting-Posture. Applied
[1]Barkla, D. The estimation of Body Measurements of Ergonomics. 33 p1-8. 2002
British Population in relation to Seat Design. Ergonomics.
4, p123-232. 1961
[2]“Closing the Comfort Gap” Paul Sillers Business Standards and Institute Reports.
Aviation & Regional Transport, May 1992
[8]Anthropometric Study to Update Minimum Aircraft
[3] Burnand, K., Smith, A. Air travel and Deep Vein Seating Standards. Prepared for Joint Aviation Authorities.
Thrombosis – The London Experience. Cardiovasular July 2001.
Surgery. 9(2) p146-147(2001) www.ice.co.uk/transport/CAA/Passenger%20seat%20spac
e.pdf
[4]Call for Airlines to Think Bigger” Frary M.
The Times Newspaper – Issue: February 21, 2001 [9]Civil Aviation Authority Airworthiness Notice No.64
www.srg.caa.co.uk/publications/cap455_airworthiness_not
[5]Cumberland, C.H., Bowey, G.S. Passenger Seats for ices.pdf
Aircraft : A survey of the considerations to be borne in
mind in designing furniture for maximum safety and [10] JAR 25.785. Aviation Regulation for Large Aircraft.
comfort. Aircraft Engineering. XXII (259) p250-255. Joint Aviation Authorities.
(1950) www.jaa.nl/jar/jar/355000/355303/355303.pdf
[6]Goonetilleke, R.S., Feizhou, S. A Methodology to [11] Travellers Thrombosis- Review of DVT Associated
Determine the Optimum Seat Depth. International Journal with Travel. Aerospace Medical Association- Air
of Industrial Ergonomics. 27 p207-217 (2001) Transport Medicine Committee. April 2001
References
Websites [18] Investigation of Spinal Curvature While Changing
One’s Posture During Sitting. Faiks,F., Reineche, S.
[12]“Back Care on Airplanes”. Dr.Hedge http://www.bankandoffice.com/knowledge/spinecurve.htm
www.spineuniverse.com/index.html?http&&&www.spine
universe.com/work/proergo/ergo101sit.htm [19]Skytrax-The world Airline Site. American airline seats.
http://www.airlinequality.com/main/American_highlight.ht
[13] Balanced sitting posture on forward sloping m
seat.A.C.Mandal. Copenhagen
http://w1.1585.telia.com/~u139600392/ [20] Skytrax- Airline seat pitch data web site.
http://www.airlinequality.com/Product/seat_intro.htm
[14] CNN Website.
www.cnn.com/HEALTH/9805/28/obesity/
Books
[15]Continental aircraft accessibility-moveable arm rests.
http://www.continental.com/dash/build_dash.asp? [21] Eveleth,P.B., Tanner, J.M. Worldwide Variation in
tis_01_05_03_05 Human Growth. 2nd Ed. Cambridge University Press, U.K.
[16] “DVT to Shape Aircraft Seat Design” 18th Sept. 2001 [22]Kroemer,K., Kroemer,H, Kroemer-Elbert,K.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/uk/wales/newsid_1549000 Ergonomics. How to design for ease and efficiency. 2nd Ed.
/1549458.stm Prentice Hall, New Jersey, 2001.
[17]“Goodrich and NuBax introduce improved airline [23] Woodson, W.E., Tillman, B., & Tillman, P. Human
seating” 21 June 2001 Factors Design Handbook. 2nd Ed. McGraw Hill, New
http://defence- York, 1992
data.com/paris2001/pagepa1096.htm