📘14 CFR §91.105 – Flight Crewmembers at Stations
🚩 Overview
As a pilot, you must remain properly secured at your station during critical phases of flight to ensure safety. This regulation outlines exactly when and how you must use your safety belt and shoulder harness.
✅ Pilot Seatbelt and Shoulder Harness Requirements
🛫 1. Takeoff, Landing, and En Route:
During takeoff and landing, and while en route, all required flight crewmembers must:
Be seated at their appropriate station (seat).
Have their safety belt fastened at all times.
🛫 2. Shoulder Harness Requirements:
During takeoff and landing specifically, each required crewmember must also:
Have their shoulder harness fastened, if installed, unless it interferes with the safe operation of the aircraft.
🛫 3. Exceptions:
Pilots may leave their station briefly during flight if it's necessary to:
Perform duties related to the operation of the aircraft.
Respond to physiological needs (such as stretching or restroom breaks), provided safety considerations are met.
🛩️ Example Scenario
During a long cross-country flight, you briefly unbuckle your shoulder harness to reach for an item in the back seat. This is permissible en route, as long as your safety belt remains fastened, and you're safely in control of the aircraft. However, both your safety belt and shoulder harness must be fastened during takeoff and landing, unless doing so interferes with controlling the airplane.
📌 CFI Pro Tips
Good Habits from the Start: Always reinforce seatbelt and shoulder harness use with students from their very first flight. Establishing good safety habits early ensures compliance later on.
Safety First Mindset: Remind students the reason for these rules is directly tied to safety and accident prevention, emphasizing personal responsibility.
📚 Further Reading and Official References
14 CFR §91.105 (Full FAA Regulation): https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/chapter-I/subchapter-F/part-91/subpart-B/section-91.105
FAA Airplane Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-3C): https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/airplane_handbook
FAA Safety Briefing (Safety Belts & Harnesses): https://www.faa.gov/newsroom/safety-belts-and-shoulder-harnesses-smart-and-simple
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