Size—and Safety

Size—and Safety—Matters

Tuesday, October 05, 2021 at 03:03 PM ET

Verified

You have to have a sight picture to fly safely. If you need a cushion or cushions to achieve that, you have an important choice to make.[Credit: Appareo]

Key Takeaways:

Many pilots, particularly those of shorter stature, require booster cushions to achieve a proper sight picture over the cowling and adequately reach rudder pedals, which is crucial for safe flight and effective landings.
Specialized aviation booster cushions are recommended over makeshift solutions like pillows, offering superior support, durability, and features designed for cockpit use.
Available aviation cushions vary in cost, comfort (e.g., memory foam, gel), and design, with some, like Oregon Aero's SoftSeat, incorporating extensive ergonomic research for optimal pilot well-being.
Conversely, tall pilots face the challenge of finding aircraft they can fit into safely without compromising control movements or interfering with cockpit instruments and trim.