A vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft has a first drivable configuration in which the pilot seat is positioned between the wings and facing the direction of forward travel. The VTOL may be driven in the first configuration as a normal automobile. In the first configuration the wings are aligned with the direction of forward travel and their surfaces are vertically oriented. In the first configuration, the VTOL may also attain altitude and be maneuvered using thrust from propulsion sources. In a second configuration, the pilot seat is rotated 90 degrees from the direction of forward travel to a direction of forward flight. Forward flight is achieved using thrust to rotate the wings from the vertical orientation to a lift-providing orientation. In concert with the rotation of the wings, the pi lot seat is counter-rotated to maintain the seat facing the direction of forward flight.

A headrest assembly for a seat, such as an aircraft pilot seat, including a headrest and a headrest tilt mechanism. The tilt mechanism includes a headrest support, a casing fixed to the headrest support defining a rotation limiter feature determining a full aft headrest position and a full forward headrest position, a driven gear rotatably disposed in the casing, a driver gear rotatably disposed through an axial opening formed though the driven gear, an engaging feature for urging against the headrest, and an actuator for rotating the driver gear. The driven gear and the driver gear have a predetermined gear tooth reduction ratio and a predetermined axial shift distance such that the two gears are arranged in a profile shifted configuration.

An autogyro includes an autorotation rotor and an instrument panel that includes comprising one or both of a display unit and a control unit. The instrument panel has a viewing window formed by a recess in the instrument panel located to expand a field of view for an autogyro pilot. A pilot seat is arranged in front of the instrument panel and is positioned centrally in a transverse direction of the autogyro in front of the instrument panel.

A latch assembly may comprise a keeper and a lever. The keeper may include a keeper channel defined at least partially by a first channel surface and a second channel surface. The lever may be configured to rotate relative to the keeper and between an engaged state and a released state. The lever may comprise a shaft and a lever protrusion extending from the shaft. The lever protrusion may be defined at least partially by a proximal surface and a distal surface. The keeper channel may be configured to receive the lever protrusion. In the engaged state, the proximal surface of the lever may contact the second channel surface of the keeper and the first channel surface of the keeper may be spaced apart from the lever protrusion.

A console mounted armrest includes an adjustable post to raise and lower the armrest, and a linkage. The linkage defines the tilt of the armrest with respect to the post. A single control mechanism controls the motion of the post, and thereby also controls the tilt of the armrest to maintain a desirable orientation with respect to the sidestick. The control mechanism defines multiple positive lock-out positions with respect to the post such that the control mechanism will always engage one of the positive lock-out positions.

An automatically adjusting comfort method includes measuring pressure applied by a user via a pressure-sensor array, determining a pressure profile based on measurements from the pressure-sensor array, comparing the pressure profile to a first limit, determining a cumulative pressure profile over a predetermined duration, comparing the cumulative pressure profile to a second limit, and adjusting one or more of a plurality of adjusting mechanisms configured to alter the pressure profile for increased comfort of the user when the pressure profile exceeds the first limit or the second limit. An automatically adjusting comfort system includes a pressure-sensor array communicatively coupled to a controller for determining a cumulative pressure profile over time, and a plurality of adjusting mechanisms configured to alter the pressure profile to increase a user's comfort, wherein the controller automatically adjusts one or more of the plurality of adjusting mechanisms based on the cumulative pressure profile.

A vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft has a first drivable configuration in which the pilot seat is positioned between the wings and facing the direction of forward travel. The VTOL may be driven in the first configuration as a normal automobile. In the first configuration the wings are aligned with the direction of forward travel and their surfaces are vertically oriented. In the first configuration, the VTOL may also attain altitude and be maneuvered using thrust from propulsion sources. In a second configuration, the pilot seat is rotated 90 degrees from the direction of forward travel to a direction of forward flight. Forward flight is achieved using thrust to rotate the wings from the vertical orientation to a lift-providing orientation. In concert with the rotation of the wings, the pilot seat is counter-rotated to maintain the seat facing the direction of forward flight.

A cushion length adjusting system for use in an ejection seat of an aircraft may include a seat pan and first cushion length adjuster coupled to the seat pan. The cushion length adjuster may be hingedly or slidingly coupled to the seat pan. The cushion length adjuster may be configured to adjust a leg support length for greater ergonomics for a pilot of an aircraft.

An ejection seat may comprise a seat back a seat pan configured to translate along the seat back, and a seat pan adjustment system configured to adjust a positioning of the seat pan. The seat pan adjustment system may comprise a first actuator configured to adjust a position of a first area of the seat pan, a second actuator configured to adjust a position of a second area of the seat pan, and a controller configured to send in-flight actuation commands to the first actuator and the second actuator.

An adjustable armrest assembly provides for quick and easy height and tilt adjustments to the armrest. Generally, the armrest assembly disclosed herein includes a base, an armrest, and one or more shafts extending from the base and being pivotably coupled to the armrest. By moving the one or more shafts relative to the base, the height and/or tilt of the armrest relative to the base can be adjusted.