I was wondering if anybody could tell me what the dimensions of the seat pan cushion are in the Otter? I have to ferry a machine and I had a really uncomfortable time last ferry flight so I was hoping to buy a gel seat cushion or something similar to alleviate the numbness in the tailbone and to give some form of lumbar support! Any suggestions amigos? Where can I order something to make the ride more comfortable?
Gracis!
Twin Otter question
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PanEuropean
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Re: Twin Otter question
I don't know the dimensions of the seat pan, for that reason I can't give them to you. However...
The seat cushions in the DHC-6 are not intended to last for the life of the aircraft. They are a 'wear part', and need to be replaced periodically. There is a TAB (Technical Advisory Bulletin) out that mentions the seat cushions, and notes that if the cushion has degraded, it will no longer provide adequate support to the pilot's coccyx (bone at bottom of spine) in the event of turbulence or a hard landing - so, the seat upholstery, including the cushion, needs to be inspected and replaced periodically.
The seat cushions used in the new Series 400 Twin Otter are exactly the same dimension as those used in the legacy aircraft (Series 1, 100, 200, and 300). The cushions used in the 400 are made of multiple units of varying density foam, leather covered, and are extremely comfortable. I've ferried a number of Series 400 aircraft on 60 hour + ferry flights, and never encountered any discomfort. The backrest in the Series 400 has also been redesigned, using multiple different densities of foam, and now provides lumbar support.
You can probably order the Series 400 upholstery from Viking and refit it to legacy aircraft. The picture below is the best one I have that shows the Series 400 pilot seat. Clearly the 4 year old approves of it... looks like he's just about to say "start the left..."
Michael
Series 400 Pilot Seat
The seat cushions in the DHC-6 are not intended to last for the life of the aircraft. They are a 'wear part', and need to be replaced periodically. There is a TAB (Technical Advisory Bulletin) out that mentions the seat cushions, and notes that if the cushion has degraded, it will no longer provide adequate support to the pilot's coccyx (bone at bottom of spine) in the event of turbulence or a hard landing - so, the seat upholstery, including the cushion, needs to be inspected and replaced periodically.
The seat cushions used in the new Series 400 Twin Otter are exactly the same dimension as those used in the legacy aircraft (Series 1, 100, 200, and 300). The cushions used in the 400 are made of multiple units of varying density foam, leather covered, and are extremely comfortable. I've ferried a number of Series 400 aircraft on 60 hour + ferry flights, and never encountered any discomfort. The backrest in the Series 400 has also been redesigned, using multiple different densities of foam, and now provides lumbar support.
You can probably order the Series 400 upholstery from Viking and refit it to legacy aircraft. The picture below is the best one I have that shows the Series 400 pilot seat. Clearly the 4 year old approves of it... looks like he's just about to say "start the left..."
Michael
Series 400 Pilot Seat
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PanEuropean
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Re: Twin Otter question
See Mod 6/1625, Technical Advisory Bulletin (TAB) 666/2, for details about inspection and replacement of pilot seat cushions.
Michael
Michael
Re: Twin Otter question
Great photo, Michael! 
DHC6to8, I will second Michaels comment about the comfort of the new cushions. That being said, I understand the resistance of some operators to replace a "comfort" item, especially on a machine that may be getting ferried to a location for overhaul which may include exactly that item. SO: Nelson Flight Products http://www.aircraftspruce.com/menus/ps/ ... ation.html offers a nice cushion- Mrs. Airtids used one for years. I used to fly 6+hrs at a time on patrol, and one year when saddled with a particularly decrepid machine, I picked up an Obusforme seat cushion and lumbar support. Worked great!
DHC6to8, I will second Michaels comment about the comfort of the new cushions. That being said, I understand the resistance of some operators to replace a "comfort" item, especially on a machine that may be getting ferried to a location for overhaul which may include exactly that item. SO: Nelson Flight Products http://www.aircraftspruce.com/menus/ps/ ... ation.html offers a nice cushion- Mrs. Airtids used one for years. I used to fly 6+hrs at a time on patrol, and one year when saddled with a particularly decrepid machine, I picked up an Obusforme seat cushion and lumbar support. Worked great!
Aviation- the hardest way possible to make an easy living!
"You can bomb the world to pieces, but you can't bomb it into peace!" Michael Franti- Spearhead
"Trust everyone, but cut the cards". My Grandma.
"You can bomb the world to pieces, but you can't bomb it into peace!" Michael Franti- Spearhead
"Trust everyone, but cut the cards". My Grandma.
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Beefitarian
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Re: Twin Otter question
PanEuropian,
Please tell me they moved the plunger from behind the F/O seat!
Please tell me they moved the plunger from behind the F/O seat!
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frozen solid
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Re: Twin Otter question
I used to have a VERY sore back which made my legs numb and my neck stiff, and I could not sit still during longer flights. My back was fixed medically and now I don't find the Twin Otter to be particularly uncomfortable. However, when my back was really bothering me, I got an "Obusforme" seat cushion and backrest and put it in the Otter, and it brought me some relief.
By the way, some rotten little kids got into the Otter in Coppermine and chucked my obusforme seat into the ocean, but here was a CASA 212 pilot from Sander's I believe, who had the same backrest and traded my soaking wet one for his dry one. I have always looked back on that and thought there are still some real good guys in the world.
Anyway, try the Obusforme thing if you have a chance. I think they work.
By the way, some rotten little kids got into the Otter in Coppermine and chucked my obusforme seat into the ocean, but here was a CASA 212 pilot from Sander's I believe, who had the same backrest and traded my soaking wet one for his dry one. I have always looked back on that and thought there are still some real good guys in the world.
Anyway, try the Obusforme thing if you have a chance. I think they work.
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PanEuropean
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Re: Twin Otter question
I'm going to guess you are referring to the Cabin Air Control Valve, which regulates distribution of conditioned air between the flight compartment and the cabin.Apollo wrote:...Please tell me they moved the plunger from behind the F/O seat!
Yes, it has been moved to the center pedestal, directly above the avionics circuit breaker panel. The photo below shows the Ram Air control handle, which has also been relocated so that it is within reach when the pilot is seated and wearing the seat belt / shoulder harness. The Cabin Air Control Valve is symmetrically placed on the opposite side (you can see the attachment point of the Cabin Air Control Valve handle in the photo, the actual handle is obscured by the control column).
The function of the two controls has not changed in any way, only the placement of the control has changed. A Teleflex brand Bowden cable is now used for each of these two controls.
Michael
Ram Air and Cabin Air Controls - Series 400 Twin Otter
Re: Twin Otter question
Very spiffy, it was always such a pain to reach, and fine-tune behind the seat!
