Thread: Inertial seatbelts

I need to keep the top part of seatbelt fairly loose, especially on my right shoulder, so I can reach the right side of the panel during flight. Unfortunately, the right shoulder belt keeps sliding off my shoulder during flight, which is at best annoying and at worse dangerous (because it restricts the movement in my right arm until I put the belt back up).

I think it would be great if the plane had inertial shoulder straps like a car. Two small slots in the back wall, and the belts feed through to two small spring-loaded spools mounted on the cargo side. I think it can be reliable and light-weight.

Hi Hedger,

Sew on a 1" chest strap with a buckle. This works very well to keep the shoulder straps in place when they are a little lose. The strap only keeps the harness from sliding off sideways. Go to the sporting goods store or a Hardware store and pick up some black 1" strap and two quick release buckles.

Originally Posted by Roger Lee

Hi Hedger,

Sew on a 1" chest strap with a buckle. This works very well to keep the shoulder straps in place when they are a little lose. The strap only keeps the harness from sliding off sideways. Go to the sporting goods store or a Hardware store and pick up some black 1" strap and two quick release buckles.

That sounds like a good fix for a bothersome problem. Can you take a digital pic and send it to me? That would be much appreciated. How tough was it to remove the belts to do the sewing?

You do not need to remove the shoulder straps. Just use a needle and thread. You can buy the 1" strap and 1" buckle at a camping or hardware store.

I bought mine at Orchard Supply Hardware, they call them luggage straps. They are 1" wide adjustable straps with a quick release buckle. I had an upholstery shop put a set of snaps on both ends, that way I can completely remove them if needed. They didn't even charge me.

I will take pictures this weekend and also get some measurements of the straps and how far apart to put the snaps.

I also took the shoulder belts out of the loops on the top sides of the seats, that way I can tilt or remove the seats easily. Their is some good storage under the seats.

Look at any REI-type store for webbing and buckles. This is a standard item for use on backpacks to keep the shoulder straps in place - one common name is a "sternum strap".

Doug

I see this strap for sale on a lot of sites. $5.95

http://www.altrec.com/shop/detail/19137/

Thanks, Ed! I just placed an order for two of these.