4 point vs. 5 point belts...

[Don]

Originally Posted by comfortcat

I'm planning on a 4 point seat belt system for my RV-9A. I have no intention of flying upside down, so I thought 4 point would be better for pilot and passenger.

My friend says he has heard of significant problems with the shoulder harness pulling the lap belt out of place when you tighten it down. He says it makes the lap belt ride on your stomach instead of low across your lap.

Are folks normally using 4 point or 5 point belts in the 9?

CC

I think your friend is right. I fly with 4 pt harnesses in my 9A now and I always snug the lap belt tightly before snugging the shoulder harnesses, and the lap belt still rides up. Most passengers need an explanation just to use the 4 pt harness and don't seem able to grasp the finer points (like keeping the lap belt low) very quickly. FWIW, the 9A I'm building has 5 pt harnesses.

[Steve Melton]

I fly with the 4 point but try to snug up the lap belt. It tends to ride up if I snug the shoulder belts too tightly. I'm thinking of adding the 5 point at annual inspection and purchased the brackets four months ago.

[comfortcat]

What is the part number for the bracket kit?

Thanx everyone! I guess the 5 point is a good idea! I just want to get a light one.

Originally Posted by Steve Melton

I fly with the 4 point but try to snug up the lap belt. It tends to ride up if I snug the shoulder belts too tightly. I'm thinking of adding the 5 point at annual inspection and purchased the brackets four months ago.

[scrollF4]

I stuck with the 4-point because it worked so well for me over 2000+ hours in the F-4. We just always cinched up the lap belt first, then the shoulder harness. Also, the absence of a center cinch belt meant we had access to our bits and pieces when we needed to use the piddle pack on long-duration flights.

Now, I hope this plan works, because N260KM is still under construction. Time will tell.

[strahler13]

Took out Vans 5-Point and replaced with Crows. Make me an offer on the Vans. Two sets, black, but the crotch strap is red.
Mark

[LifeofReiley]

Install 5 point, you will be glad you did.

[vfrazier]

5 point only in my opinion for all of the reasons that others have already listed.

[Bill Dicus]

A concern with the 4 point is "submarining" when the hips slide forward as the lap belt rides up. Knees can hit interior parts and the lap belt can damage internal organs as mentioned before. The shoulder straps become loose and allow forward movement, the head may impact the panel or glare shield, and spinal compression fractures can result. Think there's a reason that fighters, race cars and aerobatic airplanes have the 5 point? You may never miss the crotch strap if you fly upright in smooth air and experience no severe frontal impact. In other cases you'd be grateful for that 5th strap. I am putting them in and hope you all consider them.

[Ironflight]

After flying around in the real bumps out west for the past year, I'm thinking more than ever of retrofitting the RV-6 with 5-points when we move it out here next month - already have them in the -3 and the -8. I like to be well-connected with my machine....

[pilotpip]

I've flown a variety of aircraft with 4 and 5 point harnesses. I would go with 5 points because of all the reasons above. They are much more secure and keep the belts where they belong. 4 points will ride up, especially if your shoulder straps have inertia reels.