Design eye reference point and seat-position guidelines
Design Eye Reference Point (TC AIM AIR 4.12): optimum pilot eye position.
- Correct for visibility inside and outside the cockpit.
- Correct for reaching switches and knobs.
- Some manufacturers mark it with seat-adjustment reference points (e.g. two balls on the glare shield, lined up visually).
- Engineering behind that placement: ergonomics.
No reference point in the aircraft manual: use these guidelines for seat height and fore/aft position.
| Check | Guideline |
|---|---|
| Controls | Flight controls unrestricted through full travel |
| Instruments | Flight instruments and warning lights visible, not obscured (e.g. by top of glare shield) |
| Visibility | Nose does not block forward view, especially on a normal approach and landing |
| Comfort | Comfortable |
Trap: check the manufacturer's reference point first; these four are the fallback.
References
- TC AIM AIR 4.12