Static Test Procedures for Restraint Anchorages in Small Aircraft

Recent amendments to the Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) increase the requirements for installation and utilization of shoulder harnesses in small airplanes which are certificated in the normal, utility, or aerobatic category. Static testing of a combined lap belt and shoulder harness in a manner which produces a predictable load distribution to the anchorage points can be difficult. A series of tests were performed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Civil Aeromedical Institute (CAMI) to evaluate static test procedures for restraint anchorages on small airplane forward facing seats that have a lap belt and shoulder harness anchored to the airframe.