Griffon Helicopter Neck Strain Project: Part 1: Mission Function Task Analysis and Physical Demands Analysis Report. Part 2: Physical Demands Analysis Library

Abstract : This project undertook a Mission Function Task Analysis (MFTA) and Physical Demands Analysis (PDA) of the Griffon Helicopter aircrew (pilots and flight engineers) with a focus on mitigating aircrew neck strain/pain. Neck pain, particularly when wearing Night Vision Goggles (NVGs) is frequently reported by Griffon Helicopter Aircrew (Pilots and Flight Engineers). Mechanisms and risk factors for acute and chronic neck injury in aviation aircrew are well documented in the literature, however, there is limited information available about the prevalence and magnitude of the physical demands associated with these acute and chronic injury risk factors for the dynamic performance of aircrew tasks during complete mission durations. This study developed a library of mission tasks comprised of associated postural sequences for each of the Flying Pilot, Non-flying Pilot, and Fight Engineer roles. This task library comprised the building blocks to enable the development of any number of possible customized Griffon mission types and characteristics. Based on the identified postural sequences from this library of mission tasks, aircrew underwent motion capture data collection by simulating the postural sequences for both day and night missions. These data were then analyzed for postural range of motion and forces on the neck to derive a Physical Demands Analysis for each of these postural sequences. Two mission examples were built for this study: a logistics support and surveillance mission (5.5 hour mission) and a slung load training mission (2.5 hour mission). Cumulative physical demands were then derived for all aircrew roles in both missions for both day and night conditions.