FAA regulations have changed significantly in the past two decades with respect to occupant safety, especially in the light aircraft category. To increase sales of new and existing aircraft, the safety level must be improved. The FAA's non-retroactive 1988 regulation developed to significantly improve occupant safety, FAR 23.562, required two dynamic test conditions be met. Prior to 1988, only minimal static requirements existed, well below the airframe capability. The only FAA acceptable method to demonstrate FAR 23.562 compliance is via expensive dynamic testing. This has been identified as a significant deterrent for new light aircraft development. Wichita State University (WSU) performed research developing a basis for cost-effective solutions minimizing dynamic testing dependency. The solutions employ analytical modeling of a hybrid foam cushion over a seat pan to absorb energy. R&D performed to date reveals proper levels of energy can be absorbed, although predicting the behavior via analytical modeling requires further development. In Phase I, the Impact Dynamics, Inc./WSU/ Oregon Aero team intends to characterize a larger population of materials, including those considered more comfortable, while fine-tuning the analytical model. The eventual outcome will be cost-effective, energy absorbing, comfortable seating solutions for new and existing light aircraft.
Potential Commercial Applications: A high demand for cost-effective, energy absorbing, comfortable seating solutions exists in the existing and new light aircraft market. New aircraft are required to include FAR 23.562 certified seats while existing aircraft have a reputation for uncomfortable seating which could benefit substantially from upgrades. In addition to being uncomfortable, the majority of seats do not provide occupant protection in the event of an accident or even a hard landing. For a new pilot accustomed to modern automobile and home seating comfort, the discomfort of flying is a real deterrent. Even seasoned pilots are dissatisfied with existing seating comfort, frequently making adjustments to their seating surfaces. There are over 215,000 aircraft, representing over 900,000 seating surfaces, currently flying in the US with an average age exceeding 23 years. The seats in these aircraft are in dire need of upgrading, however the product must be cost-effective and provide several benefits. The proposed seat program will result in the ability to cost-effectively design and produce seats that fulfill several needs including comfort and occupant protection
