Seat belt/shoulder harness,, recommendations?

[al Starner]

BC 12D N95600 is about to fly after 4? year restoration. I have advisory 43-13-3A but wonder if anyone has more specific information. Crossmember above and behind seat seems a bit light for harness attach. Also, need info on parking brake I see place to mount it and have handle with wire and ratchet but no idea how it routes or how to hook-up. I'm sure I'll have more questions and will appreciate help.
Al Starner

[lktiller]

Re: Seat belt/shoulder harness,, recommendations?

The harness will be attached near the end of the cross bar (spar carry thru tubing). If enough stress has been put on the bar to bend it then you have just had an accident and the bar/harness has saved your life! You will not be able to bend the bar under normal use.
My HOOKER 'Y' harness is simply wrapped around this bar with a belt clip holding it in place. very strong. Passes through a small slit in the headliner.

search this forum for lots more info on attaching the harness.

One note: the harness can be installed with only a log book entry as long as there are NO modifications to the aircraft. Modifications include welding.

On the parking brake cable: There should be another routing tube attached to the firewall tubing. The cable makes a smooth loop from the bottom of the instrument panel, to the firewall , then to the attach point between the brake pedals.
In use, press both pedals, THEN pull and latch the bar.

[Len Petterson]

Re: Seat belt/shoulder harness,, recommendations?

My ratchet can not be trusted so I use TRUCKER TYPE black bungie cord, dubble folded, to the stay by the seat It will hold the plane STILL to 1000 rpm or so. I apply it when parked without tiedowns .
Len

[lktiller]

Re: Seat belt/shoulder harness,, recommendations?

good point! Especially DON'T rely on the parking brake to hold the airplane when starting it from in front of the prop.

[VictorBravo]

Re: Seat belt/shoulder harness,, recommendations?

IMHO, the standard parking brake on a Taylorcraft is useful only to prevent the plane from moving a fraction of an inch and getting the CHOCKS dirty! Many an experienced owner has found out the hard way about not trusting the parking brake. It also represents just one more mechanical thing to fail. Mine has been cheerfully disconnetcted.