PILOT SAFETY AND SPINAL INJURY

Abstract

This article studies the safety of the pilot seated in the cockpit of his glider. Fracture of the bones of the spinal column may occur in an accident. Damage to the fragile nerve-fibres of the spinal cord may follow; this can cause permanent paralysis of the lower body and legs. Three factors that may reduce the risk of spinal injury are considered. First, fully supporting the pilot's back. The seat structure should have no projections into the pilot's back, but should be smooth. The parachute pack should be long enough to support the spine, especially the lower (lumbar) spine. Second, the natural curvature of the lower (lumbar) spine should be maintained by a firm lumbar support pad, or by a fiberglass or plastic lumbar support shell. Third, soft foam seat cushions should not be used, as they cause an increased load on the spine, together with rebound in an accident. Instead, energy absorbing foam cushions should be used. Successful tests on energy absorbing foam cushions have been carried out at the Royal Air Force Institute of Aviation Medicine, Farnborough, England. Suggestions for improving pilot safety in the next generation of gliders are put forward.