Shoulder Width Measurements

As you are aware, all passengers travelling offshore by helicopter are required to sit in a seat where the nearest emergency exit is compatible with their size.

Step Change in Safety announced that as of 1st April 2015, a new size criteria for helicopter passengers travelling to and from offshore installations in the UK would come into effect.

Following a review by the CAA, all passengers travelling offshore by helicopter will be required to sit in a seat where the nearest push-out emergency exit window is compatible with their body size.

In accordance with new regulations, all helicopter passengers will now undergo shoulder width measurements by specially trained trainers and medics. Passengers with a shoulder width exceeding 55.9 cm (22 inches) will be classified as extra broad (XBR) and will be required to sit in a helicopter seat next to a window that accommodates their shoulder size. Those with a shoulder width of 55.9 cm or less will be classified as regular body size

Helicopter passengers are measured by the width of their shoulders, and those whose shoulder width is 55.9cm or more significant are classified as Extra-Broad (XBR). Those below 55.9cm will be classified as ‘regular’.