Shoulder straps or harness

[8322]

So the 140 that will soon be mine, if all goes well at the annual im having done on it, only has lap belts...

What are my best options, in terms of economic of purchase and install and safety, and comfort/functionality.

Looks like iniertia reels are pricey and many say hookers stink as if they are tensioned right its hard to reach all the panel.

I also see conflicting info on what the faa wants or cares about w should straps or harnesses...

Any input would be great, i think its the first upgrade ill give her...

Ray

[6643]

My opinion, worth at least as much as you are paying for it:

Inertial reels don't really fit the situation. There's no good place to mount them (IMHO). Sure, you can probably make it work, but it won't be pretty. They need to be high enough to avoid spinal compression.

Safety wise, the Hooker setup is as good as it gets. What on the panel can't you reach? They're easy to slip out of with one shoulder if you need to reach across the panel.

If money is an issue, the Wag-Aero setup is not bad. The shoulder strap anchors aren't as strong, but hopefully, you'll never prove that. The installation instructions call for making a hole in the cabin roof, but, you can install them through the ends of the spar if you have the wings off.

[6298]

I have installed several Hookers in customers airplanes. They are very well made.
I have owned several 120’s, 140’s and 150’s and they all had just lap belts.

[8322]

Im leaning towards hookers... $500 gets two plus install...

Idk what folks say you cant reach on em, just seen that on several posts. Im thinking that may be true for a plane with a large cockpit...

[6643]

I saw a post on the old forum where the poster stated the harnesses did not come with the pull tabs on the shoulder strap adjusters that allow you to quickly loosen them. Apparently, all you have to do is ask, and they will be included. (Just checked; there may be a $3.00 charge...)

Jack Hooker is a long time Association supporter and 140 owner.

[2066]

...and, there's Hooker's famous guarantee: "If you break a Hooker Harness in a crash, it will be replaced free of any additional charge" Seriously, as John and Randy indicate, Jack's exhaustive research, work, and significant investment to earn FAA "approval" for our planes combined with the harnesses being straightforward to install strongly influenced my decision -- I've been very pleased with them in our '46 140. Mac

[8322]

I saw a post on the old forum where the poster stated the harnesses did not come with the pull tabs on the shoulder strap adjusters that allow you to quickly loosen them. Apparently, all you have to do is ask, and they will be included. (Just checked; there may be a $3.00 charge...)

Jack Hooker is a long time Association supporter and 140 owner.

Good to know!!! Thanks- Well worth $3 or so!

[8322]

...and, there's Hooker's famous guarantee: "If you break a Hooker Harness in a crash, it will be replaced free of any additional charge" Seriously, as John and Randy indicate, Jack's exhaustive research, work, and significant investment to earn FAA "approval" for our planes combined with the harnesses being straightforward to install strongly influenced my decision -- I've been very pleased with them in our '46 140. Mac

Thats fantastic!. I definetly think they are what I will get. I told my GF I was going to buy two hookers one for her and one for me, I got quite the look! lol.