📘14 CFR §91.107 – Use of Safety Belts, Shoulder Harnesses, and Child Restraint Systems
🚩 Overview
As the pilot-in-command (PIC), you are responsible for briefing your passengers on how to use seatbelts and shoulder harnesses and ensuring they use them during critical phases of flight.
✅ Key Requirements for Safety Belts and Harnesses
🛫 1. Passenger Briefing
Before takeoff, you must brief each passenger on how to properly fasten and unfasten their safety belt and shoulder harness (if installed).
Ensure all passengers are notified when seatbelts must be secured (for takeoff, landing, and taxi).
🛫 2. Passenger Use
All passengers must have their safety belts and shoulder harnesses (if available) properly secured during:
Taxi
Takeoff
Landing
🛫 3. Child Restraint Systems
Children under 2 years old may be held by an adult or placed in an FAA-approved child restraint system.
If a child restraint system is used, it must:
Be FAA-approved and installed according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Not obstruct emergency exits or passenger evacuation.
🛫 4. Pilot-in-Command Responsibility
The PIC must ensure compliance from all passengers regarding safety belt and shoulder harness use.
🛩️ Example Scenario
Before taxiing to the runway, you clearly demonstrate to all passengers how to fasten their safety belts and shoulder harnesses. You check to ensure each passenger is secure before starting the taxi. You continue monitoring compliance during takeoff, landing, and taxi phases to ensure safety and regulatory adherence.
📌 CFI Pro Tips
Effective Briefings: Teach students to deliver concise but clear passenger briefings as part of their standard preflight procedures.
Checklists and Reminders: Incorporate seatbelt checks into your pre-taxi, pre-takeoff, and landing checklists, building good habits and enhancing safety.
📚 Further Reading and Official References
14 CFR §91.107 (Full FAA Regulation): https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/chapter-I/subchapter-F/part-91/subpart-B/section-91.107
FAA Safety Briefing - Safety Belts & Shoulder Harnesses: https://www.faa.gov/newsroom/safety-belts-and-shoulder-harnesses-smart-and-simple
FAA Child Safety on Airplanes: https://www.faa.gov/travelers/fly_children
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