Shoulder Harness On Passenger Flights?

[carholme]

I think shoulder straps ahould be used regardless of any other potential event like the transmission ripping out of its mounts in the Bell mediums. The complaint I have with the straps installed in most of the fire fighting mediums is that they are there to meet the contract demand and in themselves are a liability in a situation where the a/c were to roll over.
We go to great lengths to ensure that the escape ladder is installed, seat legs are painted to be identified as an escape ladder, push out type windows are installed, etc. Yet, once the rollover happens and these shoulder straps are undone, they become traps for confused passengers trying to get out of the a/c as they just hang there at full length.
If safety were the real issue, these straps would be of the recoil type which would ensure that they are out of the way as soon as they are released. This would also apply to the lap belts in the pax seats.

Comments?

 

[Winnie]

Albert: Not getting any pressures! It was actually one of our ground crew who aired the issue, and that was due to "interpretation" more or less.

I said that they are there, USE THEM, and we agree to that.

The argument conversation really) was wether it'd save some time.
I agree to putting them on. The only time I've allowed anybody to sit in the back of the Jet Box without the Shoulder Harness on, was a kid whom I know, who is autistic (don't worry, he's 5 years old!), and he freaks when it is put on, but enjoyed flying.

IF my pax can't get the belt around them, they aint riding!

Did not believe I was going to stir such a pot...

 

[Albert Ross]

It's quite a pot - I remember having a standup row with Northern Mountain "management" about it. Actually, I'm not so fussed about shoulder straps in the back seat, even though I recognise they are a Good Thing - it just strikes me as daft that anyone would even think of not wearing one in the front seat.

cheers anyway

phil

 

[Over-Talk]

Winnie, don't worry, great question, great discussion.

P.S. the STC'd shoulder harness kits vary. The ones that 407 Driver mentions retract, do not suffer from pulling at the wrong angle, or pulling from something weak, and are apparently installed 12 months per year.

 

[downwash]

Over-Talk, we're in accord. The apparent difference seems to have been about which seats (front or rear) we spoke. 😀

The excellent '3-point' seat and shoulder harness combination mentioned by 407 Driver and yourself certainly do resolve most of the difficullty, including retractibility, but MAN do they cost!!! 🙁

 

[Winnie]

Since it seems a little front to back right now, let me clarify, I meant the back all the way.

We have a 206B with 4-point harnes in the back, and an L-3 with the 3-point in the back. It is somewhat faster with the 3 point, but with three seats, how long can it take?

They'll all be sinched in regardless, and that is the way it will continue to be!

 

[Zazu]

What about longlining in a medium, do you wear the shoulder harness???

 

[Over-Talk]

Yes, I wear the shoulder straps in the mediums, but I have to ease them all the way out.
With them eased out I can still see the load, and the straps actually support my upper body quite well as it hangs out, twisted sideways all day.
I don't know what good they will do for me if I need them, but I feel something is better than nothing.
Whoever designs a shoulder strap system that works well for long-lining in a Bell medium can become a wealthy man.