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  #1  
Old 02-15-2007, 04:54 PM
WJONES WJONES is offline
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Yuba City, Ca
Posts: 10
Default Preferences on 4pt vs 5pt seat belt harnesses?

Hello all,

So what do you think, for us non aerobatic guys is the 5pt systems really
necessary? The 4pt seems like less hassel and cheaper too! Thoughts?

Wes Jones
RV-9A
Fuselage
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  #2  
Old 02-15-2007, 04:58 PM
Kyle Boatright Kyle Boatright is offline
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Atlanta, GA
Posts: 4,218
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The seatbelt geometry on the side by side airplanes isn't good. I believe there is a significant chance that, in the event of a crash, you would submarine out of the belts if you didn't have the crotch strap.

If you are not sure, find someone with a side by side RV, adjust the seat and cushions to fit you and strap in without using a crotch strap. Try to visualize what could happen to you in the event of a hard landing which compressed the seat cushions and caused your body to slide forward.
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Marietta, GA
2001 RV-6 N46KB
2019(?) RV-10
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  #3  
Old 02-15-2007, 05:15 PM
erich weaver's Avatar
erich weaver erich weaver is offline
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: santa barbara, CA
Posts: 1,682
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I was told by someone I had faith in (I believe a fellow from Hooker Harness, but Im not positive) that the crotch strap was not so much to protect against submarining, but to hold the lap belt in the proper position - i.e. low on the waist. Without the crotch strap, the lap belt tends to ride up higher on the abdomen, where it is more likely to harm some internal organs during a crash. For this reason, it is NOT considered just extra protection that is only needed by those doing aerobatics. Makes sense to me.

regards

erich weaver

Last edited by erich weaver : 02-15-2007 at 05:36 PM.
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  #4  
Old 02-15-2007, 05:20 PM
jcoloccia jcoloccia is offline
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,110
Exclamation

Quote:
Originally Posted by Kyle Boatright
The seatbelt geometry on the side by side airplanes isn't good. I believe there is a significant chance that, in the event of a crash, you would submarine out of the belts if you didn't have the crotch strap.
This may be one of those situations where the cure is worse than the disease.

***OUCH***
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  #5  
Old 02-15-2007, 05:51 PM
Kyle Boatright Kyle Boatright is offline
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Atlanta, GA
Posts: 4,218
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jcoloccia
This may be one of those situations where the cure is worse than the disease.

***OUCH***
Well, as someone else said, the crotch strap's primary job is to keep the lap belt positioned properly. Hopefully, the strap isn't directly stopping you from submarining.

Of course, if you don't have a crotch strap, and do submarine, the stick is gonna put a hurt on you anyway...
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Marietta, GA
2001 RV-6 N46KB
2019(?) RV-10

Last edited by Kyle Boatright : 02-15-2007 at 07:06 PM.
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  #6  
Old 02-15-2007, 06:37 PM
John Clark's Avatar
John Clark John Clark is offline
 
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Santa Barbara, CA
Posts: 1,324
Default 5 Point please!

Having "tested" a 5 point system (not in an RV) I wouldn't be without one.

John Clark
RV8 N18U
KSBA
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  #7  
Old 02-15-2007, 06:46 PM
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Mel Mel is offline
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Dallas area
Posts: 10,768
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I had a 5-point system in my aerobatic motorglider when I did cartwheels across the ground starting with the left wingtip. I received one small scratch on my knee. the scratch was so minor that the paramedic didn't even put a bandaid on it. Glad I had the 5-point system!
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Mel Asberry, DAR since the last century.
EAA Flight Advisor/Tech Counselor, Friend of the RV-1
Recipient of Tony Bingelis Award and Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award
USAF Vet, High School E-LSA Project Mentor.
RV-6 Flying since 1993 (sold)
<rvmel(at)icloud.com>

Last edited by Mel : 02-18-2007 at 08:21 AM.
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  #8  
Old 02-15-2007, 07:57 PM
JohnR JohnR is offline
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Williamsburg, IA
Posts: 366
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I went with the 5 point due to the keeping the lap belt where it belongs. Hopefully I will never need the harness, but if I do I want everything I can have in my favour.
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John Roberts
RV-7A - Fuselage
Williamsburg, Iowa
VAF 393
N624KJ reserved
Numbers 6:24 - The LORD bless thee, and keep thee
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  #9  
Old 02-15-2007, 09:02 PM
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AlexPeterson AlexPeterson is offline
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Maple Grove, MN
Posts: 2,333
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See the thread titled "RV's and Turbulence", there is much discussion of this very topic.
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Alex Peterson
RV6A N66AP 1700+ hours
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  #10  
Old 02-15-2007, 09:05 PM
Larry Brons Larry Brons is offline
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 18
Talking

9A builder. Just got my 5 point from Hooker a couple days ago. For all the same reasons mentioned earlier.
Besides, it is kinda cool.
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RV 9A
N1695
Flying, tip-up, Aero Sport O-320-D2A
Sensenich FP, Advanced AF-3500, SL30,
KLN94 GPS, 396, Garmin GTX 327, Tru Track II
auto-pilot.
Did I mention FUN?
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