We all enjoy the convenience, fun and safety of flying. We also understand that there may be times when our best efforts for a safe flight will be inadequate, and an accident could happen.
While most accidents are minor and pose no significant risk to the airplane or its occupants, some can result in major injuries or fatalities. However, studies of serious accidents have shown that the proper use of shoulder harnesses, in addition to the safety belt, would reduce major injuries by 88 percent and reduce fatalities by 20 percent.
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INSTALL SHOULDER HARNESSES IN YOUR AIRPLANE
Shoulder harnesses have been required for all seats in small airplanes manufactured since December 12, 1986. If your airplane is not equipped with them, you should obtain kits for installing shoulder harnesses from the manufacturer or the manufacturer's local sales representative.
USE THE RESTRAINT SYSTEM... PROPERLY
FAA regulations require that safety belts and shoulder harnesses (when installed) be properly worn during landings and takeoffs. If the restraint is not worn properly, it cannot provide full benefits and can even cause injury in a serious impact.
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Tests have shown that slack in the restraint system should be minimal. In an impact, your body keeps moving until the slack is taken out of the restraint, but then must be abruptly stopped to "catch up" with the airplane. The restraint should be adjusted as tightly as your comfort will permit to minimize potential injuries.
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The safety belt should be placed low on your hip bones so that the belt loads will be taken by the strong skeleton of your body. If the safety belt is improperly positioned on your abdomen, it can cause internal injuries. If the safety belt is positioned on your thighs, rather than the hip bones, it cannot effectively limit your body's forward motion.
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