Seat belt choices

born2fly · #1 11-30-2007, 07:41 PM

What seat belts are "legal"?

We are all supposed to fly our experimentals in accordance with FAR 91.205, in which I read that I must have:
"91.205(b)(13) An approved safety belt with an approved metal-to-metal latching device for each occupant 2 years of age or older."

If you go to FAR Part 1.1 (definitions), "approved" means "approved by the Administrator".

I really doubt that any of the Hooker, Crow, or other automotive racing harnesses have been approved by the FAA Administrator, yet EVERYONE is using them. The regular cross-the-chest automotive retractable belts are also clearly as good as the similar aircraft-approved belts available, and are a LOT cheaper. Automotive belts look like a real good deal, regardless of the style - but they can't possibly be "approved", can they?

Can anyone explain this situation to me?

yakdriver · #2 11-30-2007, 10:30 PM

Hooker makes tso and non tso belts. I called them and asked why the tsod belts were over twice the money as the regular belts as they looked identical. The guy said the only difference was the tso tag. You don't need tso'd belts in a homebuilt. Crow makes the nicest belts for the money and they are a great company to deal with. Don

Ironflight · #3 11-30-2007, 10:49 PM

When I was building, I did the research on the requirement for TSO'd belts (none, as yakdriver pointed out), and then did some research on the actual strength and engineering behind aviation belts and auto racing belts. The aviation belts are based on an old automobile spec from decades ago, while the racing harnesses are built to a much more recent - and much stronger - spec (sorry for the lack of details - I can't find the files right now). I bought Crow's, and am very confident that they can take much more abuse than my body can. If they break, I'm probably toast.

There is no doubt that Hooker and Schroth make some fine harnesses. But so does Crow, to a better spec, and for less than half (about a third) the money. This is one case where you really can save money and get a product that is far more than adequate.

Paul

craigvince · #4 12-01-2007, 12:43 AM

So what's the difference between Hooker, Crow, etc and Van's seatbelts?
I am building a 9-A, so no acrobatics. Any reason to spend the extra money? Also, do I need 5 point or is 4 point OK?

captainron · #5 12-01-2007, 06:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by craigvince

So what's the difference between Hooker, Crow, etc and Van's seatbelts?
I am building a 9-A, so no acrobatics. Any reason to spend the extra money? Also, do I need 5 point or is 4 point OK?

All depends on your "landings"-especially the last one you make in that plane!

Allen231ah · #6 12-01-2007, 07:38 AM

Paul, do you remember what length belts you ordered for your -8

Jaypratt · #7 12-01-2007, 07:46 AM

Mine and Carols experience,,,,,, we have Hookers in the RV8 'Borrowed Horse'.
They are bulky and awkward to use. I am going to try on Pauls next time we see him. If the Crows are better and easer to use. I will have Some RED Hookers for sale.

tommylewis · #8 12-01-2007, 08:46 AM

After seeing Paul's Crow belts, I bought Crow belts a year ago for our RV7a, and have been very pleased. I ordered them 4 inches longer than their standard length, 2 inches per side. When you order, tell them they are for an experimental RV and they will ask some questions, like do you want the size of the hole in the metal piece that connects to the airplane to match the RV size. I forget the dimensions.

EDIT: I specified 2 inch belts. The following link is the 5 point belt:

http://www.crowenterprizes.com/shop_...OTARY+KAM+LOCK

Mel · #9 12-01-2007, 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by born2fly

We are all supposed to fly our experimentals in accordance with FAR 91.205, in which I read that I must have:
"91.205(b)(13) An approved safety belt with an approved metal-to-metal latching device for each occupant 2 years of age or older."

Can anyone explain this situation to me?

FAR part 91.205 applies to "Standard Certificated Aircraft"
Experimental aircraft are only required to comply with 91.205 during night or IFR operations per your operating limitations.

Rockyjs · #10 12-01-2007, 08:56 AM

I just received some Crow harnesses for my 7. The quality of workmanship is outstanding. They were custom made and I had them in about 8 days, and that was over the Thanksgiving holiday. They were 3" lap belt with pull-up adjustment, 2" crotch and "Y" harness, sewn in shoulder pads, 1/4" mounting holes and a camloc buckle. The "Y" has an adjustment on the end attaching to the harness cable. I believe the lap belts are 55" and not sure what the overall length of the harness strap is.