Operational functionality test of offshore helicopter seat harness in wet and dry conditions Online publication date: Wed, 11-Nov-2015
by Michael J. Taber; Dylan Sanchez; David Haas McMillan
International Journal of Human Factors and Ergonomics (IJHFE), Vol. 3, No. 3/4, 2015
Abstract: Testing of offshore helicopter seat harnesses (S76, S92, and AW 139) was completed in realistic conditions to identify possible differences between underwater egress training harnesses and those used in actual helicopters. A weighted manikin (210 lb) was used in 24 dry trials, and five qualified instructors completed 34 underwater egress trials. Of the 58 trials, there were no (0%) release mechanism malfunctions. There were five trials (9%) in which the harness release mechanism did not fully disengage on the first attempt; however all five cases (100%) resulted when the harnesses were not fully tightened correctly or when the legs of the manikin created excessive friction against the release mechanism. Results clearly showed that even in the most extreme situation (90° unbalanced load of 210 lb), the harnesses were capable of opening with only minimal force. It is recommended, however, that individuals fully tighten their seat harness prior to critical phases of flight.
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