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<p>This thesis investigates issues such as long hours in the cockpit, ineffective seat  padding, Night Vision Goggle (NVG) use, and the constant vibrations involved in  flying rotary wing aircraft. Pain is subjective and severity is difficult to compare  between individuals. Does back pain affect safety of flight? In the military  helicopter aviator community, 60-80% of helicopter pilots are estimated to be suffering from back pain (Sargent &amp; Bachmann, 2010). The Sargent and  Bachmann article, written by flight surgeons, suggests that back pain is an issue  in the helicopter community. This article also suggests that back pain may be  affecting safety of flight but did not have data to support that claim. This thesis  provides an analysis of the scope, incidence and severity of back pain in the  Naval Aviation helicopter pilot community. Of the helicopter pilots who responded  to the survey, 88.1% are experiencing back pain during at least 50% of their  flights and 34.4% admit this pain is affecting their situational awareness. This  thesis gives the Navy information to decide whether to invest R&amp;D funds in antivibration  seat technology and whether flight safety is affected.
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<br>Subjects: Management; Human engineering; Systems integration</div>
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Phillips, Andrea S.</div>
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