Short Take: Boeing Might Install Vibrating Seats in the Cockpit

Throttles of a Boeing 747-400.

Flashing lights, warning alarms and that shrieking voice saying “pull up.” There are a lot of emergency indicators in the cockpit of an airliner and Boeing is looking at adding another. The warnings already hit two senses: sight and hearing… it’s time to add touch. Boeing submitted a patent application to make the pilot’s seat vibrate in a number of different situations, but not only in emergencies. Can this help keep pilot’s awake during flight? It sure can’t hurt.

Learn more about how the seats will work, why Boeing is looking at this option over at my story on AOL Travel News.

Image: Sebastian Suk

David Parker Brown

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF & FOUNDER - SEATTLE, WA. David has written, consulted, and presented on multiple topics relating to airlines and travel since 2008. He has been quoted and written for a number of news organizations, including BBC, CNN, NBC News, Bloomberg, and others. He is passionate about sharing the complexities, the benefits, and the fun stuff of the airline business. Email me: david@airlinereporter.com

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2 Comments

MVFlyer

March 4, 2011

Magic Fingers for pilots!

Reply to MVFlyer

cedarglen

March 4, 2011

One should also read the patent abstract. I can see the vibrating seat part just fine. The secondary alert, The Probe, suggests that some at Boeing has a warped sense of humor.

Reply to cedarglen