Private Pilot Flight Training and Instruction Flight Training Article Library | Back To 4VFR.COM Pre-start/Start Checklist Once in the aircraft we begin the pre-start tape recording. Seats, doors, window open, belts. FAR 91.107 requires the pilot to brief all passengers on how the seat belt and harness operates this may be done via an series of questions or an informational card. The passengers must be advised to buckle up before the aircraft moves and again before takeoff and landing.FAR 91.105 requires the pilot, a required crewmember, keep his belt fastened at all times. The shoulder harness need be fastened only during takeoff and landings if other duties at other times require its removal. Two people of aggregate weight below 170 pounds may use one seat belt. Under such usage the likelihood of injury is much greater. As of 1992 child seats were approved and must be labeled as certified for use in aircraft. This is in addition to the allowing of holding, outside of the belt, children less than two. The requirement that passengers have seat belts available and used on takeoff applies to parachutists. FAR 91.107(3) states that seat belts and shoulder harnesses are required for all occupants during takeoff, landing, and movement on the surface. The FAR is unclear in this regard since requiring the belts to be available is not the same as requiring that they be worn. The PIC is not required to make occupants wear belts. The government-gods are crazy. I require my students to advise me of my belts. (It is surprising how often my door seems to open on takeoff when student has failed to call it from a checklist.) Key in. (Amazing how often the key is in the pocket beneath the tightened seatbelt.) Check trim, radios set, Carb heat cold, and mixture rich. Prime. In cold weather it helps to give the primer a squirt or two during the preflight. Written by Gene Whitt Flight Training Article Library | Back To 4VFR.COM