Seat cushions

They’re loud, cramped, and in training aircraft especially, the seats can be unevenly worn and outdated. Because of this, our seated posture in an airplane can be uncomfortable, especially after a long flight, but there are ways to improve it.

Ergonomic and human factors principles are more present than ever before in the way we design and consider human-machine integration, like how pilots fit into airplanes. What we know from those fields of study is that when we’re comfortable and our body is supported properly, we tend to perform better, which means that the more we can make an airplane fit us, the better our chances for peak performance and safe flying. But airplane seats are often not perfect. Since we typically can’t design the airplanes we fly to fit our own body like a glove, we need to instead look for ways to modify the environment we’re working with. One way we can do this is with seat cushions. Not only will they make longer flights more comfortable, they can also help protect long-term spinal health and safety.

Modifying our environment with seat cushions can help us feel better in the air and after, especially for those in flight instructor or other professional pilot roles who are flying often. With an even, comfortable cushion, we’ll reduce the potential for distracting discomfort and pain. And while comfort is of course key, cushions can also help ensure safety of flight, allowing a pilot to see ahead and over the nose, and reach the flight controls. Seat cushions can be the difference between getting full control authority or not—and you should always make sure you can move all the controls to the stops without straining.

Seat cushions don’t have to be expensive, although the expensive options are certainly out there. On the lower end, something as simple as a rolled-up towel or pillow from home can help provide lumbar support. Oregon Aero or other similar seat cushions can help as well, notably improving comfort for those who fly often or for long periods of time. Full reworkings of the seats are the most expensive option (and unlikely for most of us) and many manufacturers boast the ergonomics of seating in their latest aircraft models. No matter your price range, investing in a seat cushion of your choosing can improve comfort, long-term health, and maybe even performance.

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