HELP.....Have to ask this one again of the experts.

I've been looking at the pilots seat for the SE5a and references are a bit lacking. The seats that I see in references are from restorations or new build SE5s. They look a little too "Comfortable" for WWI standards. And they also look very non-supportive.

Here are just a few examples:





As I look at the basic build of the seat I see one horizontal slab with a backboard. I'm guessing it was up to the pilot to bring his own cushion. Were they wearing chutes by then? I can see where a "chair could be afixed to that seatboard.

Without better references my plan is to do the horizontal seat board with backboard and place a cushion on the seat and one "nailed' to the backboard.

Regards
Steve

Hi Steve,

The lower photo Memorial flight seat is correct for WW1 and I have no reason to doubt the cushion. Remember these guys were wrapped up in half a sheep when they took off so that added a fair bit of padding. The Vintage Aviator's SE.5a has a larger cushion on the back of the 'seat' (jpg below hopefully). I suspect there was quite a bit of variation at the time too.

The upper photo shows the correct single 'waist belt'. Most repros (including TVALs) have post war 4 point Sutton harness, probably for safety requirements.

Your SE.5a is looking great. Keep it up.

Cheers

Thanks for that Richard. That helps. I had been thinking along those lines anyway. I'll try to "force" myself to just do the lapbelt and not the shoulder harness too.

Regards
Steve