Seat Belts & Restraints

Introduction:

  • U.S.-registered civil aircraft operating under part 91 are required to abide by a set of seat belts, shoulder harnesses, and child restraints
  • More than the physical requirement, however, comes the pilot's responsibility to brief all passengers on their use
  • The use of a restraint, however, depends on if you are a passenger or crew member

Briefing and Notification:

  • Seatbelt Briefing:

    • Before takeoff, the pilot-in-command of a U.S.-registered civil aircraft must ensure that each person on board is briefed on how to fasten and unfasten that person's safety belt and, if installed, shoulder harness
    • The act of briefing may be conducted by anyone so long as the PIC verifies that it has occurred
    • This is a one-time requirement

  • Seatbelt Notification:

    • The pilot-in-command must then ensure each person on board has been notified to fasten their safety belt and, if installed, their shoulder harness before surface movement, take off, or landing
    • Note that notification is required during three separate occasions (surface movement, takeoff, and landing)
    • You may recognize this requirement being met on airliners between announcements when you board, videos/recordings after boarding, and final announcements before landing
  • No briefing or notification is required for free balloons that incorporate a basket or gondola, or an airship type certificated before November 2, 1987

Passenger Use:

  • Except as provided in this paragraph, each person on board a U.S.-registered civil aircraft(except a free balloon that incorporates a basket or gondola or an airship type certificated before November 2, 1987) must occupy an approved seat or berth with a safety belt and, if installed, shoulder harness, properly secured about their during movement on the surface, takeoff, and landing. For seaplane and float-equipped rotorcraft operations during movement on the surface, the person pushing off the seaplane or rotorcraft from the dock and the person mooring the seaplane or rotorcraft at the dock are excepted from the preceding seating and safety belt requirements
  • Notwithstanding the preceding requirements of this paragraph, a person may:
    • Be held by an adult who is occupying an approved seat or berth, provided that the person being held has not reached their second birthday and does not occupy or use any restraining device;
    • Use the floor of the aircraft as a seat, provided that the person is on board to engage in sport parachuting; or
    • Notwithstanding any other requirement of this chapter, occupy an approved child restraint system furnished by the operator or one of the persons described in FAR 91.107 paragraph(a)(3)(iii)(A) of this section provided that:
      • The child is accompanied by a parent, guardian, or attendant designated by the child's parent or guardian to attend to the safety of the child during the flight;
      • Except as provided in FAR 91.107 paragraph(a)(3)(iii)(B)(4) of this action, the approved child restraint system bears one or more labels as follows:
        • Seats manufactured to U.S. standards between January 1, 1981, and February 25, 1985, must bear the label: "This child restraint system conforms to all applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standards.";
        • Seats manufactured to U.S. standards on or after February 26, 1985, must bear two labels:
          • "This child restraint system conforms to all applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standards"; and
          • "THIS RESTRAINT IS CERTIFIED FOR USE IN MOTOR VEHICLES AND AIRCRAFT" in red lettering;
        • Seats that do not qualify under FAR 91.107 paragraphs(a)(3)(iii)(B)(1) and(a)(3)(iii)(B)(2) of this section must bear a label or markings showing:
          • That the seat was approved by a foreign government;
          • That the seat was manufactured under the standards of the United Nations;
          • That the seat or child restraint device furnished by the operator was approved by the FAA through a Type Certificate or Supplemental Type Certificate; or
          • That the seat or child restraint device furnished by the operator or one of the persons described in FAR 91.107 paragraph (a)(3)(iii)(A) of this section was approved by the FAA per FAR 21.8(d) of this chapter or Technical Standard Order C-100b or a later version. The child restraint device manufactured by AmSafe, Inc. (CARES, Part No. 4082) and approved by the FAA per FAR 21.305(d) (2010 ed.) of this chapter may continue to bear a label or markings showing FAA approval per FAR 21.305(d) (2010 ed.) of this chapter
        • Except as provided in Sec. 91.107(a)(3)(iii)(B)(3)(iii) and Sec. 91.107(a)(3)(iii)(B)(3)(iv), booster-type child restraint systems(as defined in Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 213(49 CFR 571.213)), vest- and harness-type child restraint systems, and lap held child restraints are not approved for use in aircraft; and
      • The operator complies with the following requirements:
        • The restraint system must be properly secured to an approved forward-facing seat or berth;
        • The child must be properly secured in the restraint system and must not exceed the specified weight limit for the restraint system; and
        • The restraint system must bear the appropriate label(s)

Crew Member Use:

  • Seatbelts:

    • During takeoff and landing, and while en route, each required flight crewmember shall:
      • Be at the crewmember station unless the absence is necessary to perform duties in connection with the operation of the aircraft or in connection with physiological needs; and
      • Keep the safety belt fastened while at the crewmember station

  • Shoulder Harnesses:

    • Each required flight crewmember of a U.S.-registered civil aircraft shall, during takeoff and landing, keep his or her shoulder harness fastened while at his or her assigned duty station

    • Exceptions:

      • The seat at the crewmember's station is not equipped with a shoulder harness; or
      • The crewmember would be unable to perform required duties with the shoulder harness fastened

Conclusion:

  • Note that while shoulder harnesses are required for takeoff, landing, and surface movement, they are not required enroute if it interferes with pilot duties or if not installed
  • These requirements for seat belts, harnesses, and child restraints apply to general aviation operations
    • The rules above do not apply to operations conducted under parts 121, 125, or 135 of this chapter
  • Although much regarding seat belts and restraints is grounded in law, don't forget to show passengers how to adjust this safety equipment for their comfort
  • To learn more about seat belt inspection, see AOPA's Tips for Examining Your Aircraft Seat Belts
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