Shoulder harnesses
- Thread starter dreed
- Start date
mikeberg/wi
New member
I'm not exactly sure if there is a year involved, but we installed shoulder harnesses in my 7AC, which obviously didn't have one when it was built in 1946. I bought mine from Wag Aero (but not the Wag kit) and my AI made a notation in the log book something to the effect " Installed TSO (etc.) shoulder harness in front and rear in accordance with 43.13". In my case we wrapped the shoulder harness around the carry through for the front and around the cluster behind the rear seat for the back harness.
I didn't use the Wag unit (which is probably a better unit) that is STC'd as it involved drilling holes up inside the headliner.
I think the FAA position is that any shoulder harness on a older aircraft that came with only lap belts, it better than none at all.
I feel better about it.........anyway
. Hope this helps!
Mike
I didn't use the Wag unit (which is probably a better unit) that is STC'd as it involved drilling holes up inside the headliner.
I think the FAA position is that any shoulder harness on a older aircraft that came with only lap belts, it better than none at all.
I feel better about it.........anyway
. Hope this helps!Mike
Hooker has an STC for wrapping as well.
There is only one real concern with any of this. The front seat harness usually runs up to the rear spar carry-thru. Now that is only a .058 wall tube, if I am not mistaken. If your attach point is in the center of that tube, good chance in a crash it will buckle and not offer very much restraint. On new aircraft and some that have retro-fit, there is a triangular truss that is welded on the back to prevent the carry-thru from buckling in this case. Now, if the belts are spread out, say, tied off at the corners, you would be looking at a much stronger restraint in the event of a crash.
There is only one real concern with any of this. The front seat harness usually runs up to the rear spar carry-thru. Now that is only a .058 wall tube, if I am not mistaken. If your attach point is in the center of that tube, good chance in a crash it will buckle and not offer very much restraint. On new aircraft and some that have retro-fit, there is a triangular truss that is welded on the back to prevent the carry-thru from buckling in this case. Now, if the belts are spread out, say, tied off at the corners, you would be looking at a much stronger restraint in the event of a crash.
Paul Agaliotis
New member
You can retro fit your airplane using three options. The STC issued to a supplier for multiple installations, a field approval, or minor repair (log entry). Consult ACE-00-23.561-01 for details and options.
Paul
Paul