On Jun 8, 9:36*am, bildan wrote:
A couple of years ago I got hammered in a wave rotor while flying a
G102. *No matter how tight the shoulder straps, my head kept banging
into the canopy. *This is a big enough problem that some glider owners
are re-locating the shoulder strap anchors lower. I think modifying
the seat belt/shoulder harness is a primary structure issue requiring
337 field modification paperwork in most countries. *There's got to be
a better way.

This issue came up again recently which led me to some "out-of-the-
box" thinking which is the reason for this thread.

What if one had inverted "U" shaped, detachable shoulder pad(s) that
snapped or Velcro'd to the shoulder straps or maybe the parachute
harness? *They would come in various sizes to fit different pilots.
In effect, these would raise the pilots shoulders with pads instead of
lowering the strap attachment points. * The pads would press down on
the pilots shoulders as the straps were tightened preventing canopy
head banging. *These pads would be 'personal gear' and not require a
337.

Do these things already exist? *Discussion?

What you really need is a 6 point harness. ( 6 is better than 5
points )

see http://home.netcom.com/~pappa3/files...20harness.jpeg
Also do a search in in RAS for crotch strap, 5 point or 6 point
harnesses.

The problem with the 4 point system is that there is no force holding
the shoulder straps down except the waist belt. And since the shoulder
straps pull up on the middle of the waist belt, they will always
slip. I was able to rig the 6 strap system using the existing waist
belt anchors in my G102.

And always put foam in your hat for ridge flying.

Todd
3S