----[Please read http://ercoupers.com/disclaimer.htm before following any
advice in this forum.]----

Unfortunately, the Policy Statement printed in Coupe Capers does not
apply to coupes. The Statement basically says that those older aircraft
that have structure that a harness can be tied to by following the
methods in AC43.13-2A can have a harness installed as a "minor
modification."  The coupe has no structural elements at or above
shoulder level behind the seats, so the Notice doesn't apply. This
Statement is aimed primarily at tube and fabric planes or at those with
high wings.

The fact that this notice doesn't apply should not deter you from
installing a harness. The fuselage skin of a coupe is a legitimate
attachment point for a harness, if done properly. The entire process is
relatively straightforward and ends with a field approval. Fortunately,
the Statement allows the use "Approved Data" from previous Field
Approvals and does not require pull tests if attaching parts are FAA
approved.

Here's how I did it:

* I discussed a proposed method with our FAA FSDO inspector. He
indicated that he would only approve a harness installation if I
presented engineering data showing it was strong enough and properly
attached.
* I hired a Designated Engineering Representative to do the detailed
design and an analysis of stresses. This became FAA "Approved Data."
* I presented the analysis to the FSDO and got telephone approval from
the inspector to proceed with his admonition to keep the tailcone open
so he could inspect it when I was done.
* I purchased materials and fabricated the parts according to the
drawings, installed them, and and had my A&P call the inspector to look
at the installation.
* The inspector came to my hangar with the A&P and said all was OK, but
would not sign a 337 until I actually had harnesses attached. (IMHO,
this was uncalled for but I had little choice but to go along.)
* My harnesses arrived, I installed them, and once again called the
inspector. He spoke with the A&P and asked if they were installed in a
workmanlike manner. The A&P said he would sign the 337, so the inspector
said he would as well, without a second inspection.

While the process went smoothly, the DER was very expensive. I am
offering a full package of photos, drawings and the DER's data for
$25.00 (to defray my cost) in the hope it will speed your harness
installations. While legally the data applies only to my serial number,
it is very likely that the FAA will accept it as a valid analysis. I've
attached a photo of the installation to this email. If you would like to
see a high resolution photo or a sketch of the method, or purchase a
package, please email me.

David
N6359V


[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
>
> Dennis,
>
> Read this month's Coupe Capers, it gives all and probably more than we
want
> to know about shoulder harnesses.  Thanks Skip!
>
> Hank Gallagher (Still harnessless but thinking about it)
> N47HG
> Austin
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: dennis spiegel <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> To: Coupers Tech <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> Sent: Sunday, November 19, 2000 7:46 PM
> Subject: [COUPERS-TECH] shoulder harnesses
>
> > ----[Please read http://ercoupers.com/disclaimer.htm before following
any
> advice in this forum.]----
> >
> > hello to all !! Do we know the outcome of the rule to allow us to
> > install harnesses with perhaps just a field approval or the
like.Instead
> > of all the usual crap we needed to go through ?
> >
> > dennis 99564 IN ILL

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