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SE5a seat and harness
Greetings, all!
Does anyone have definitive information on the seat installation on the SE5a?
I've seen several interpretations on the area. These include a simple "bench" seat — essentially a board between the fuselage sides. And sometimes, a "box" seat shown as mounted on top of that. Where different installations offered by various manufacturers?
The seat back appears to be a simple board. The Memorial flight restoration shows this hinged. This would seem logical. Any period photo evidence to confirm this?
It would also appear logical that there was some sort of seat cushion to make the seat a bit more comfortable. The early Memorial Flight restoration had a simple seat cushion. But it appears that later the restoration got a cushion with a back as well, that slides over the wood seat back. Again any period photo documentation on making the SE5a pilot comfortable?
My last area of interest is the installation of the seat harness. I assume an early Sutton Harness. However I am unclear as to the exact attachment area for the lap portion. And where did the shoulder straps attach? Some sources indicate that the shoulder straps passed through openings in the bulkhead behind the pilot.
Well, there you have it. Another mystery to solve. Anyone have definitive answers out there? If so, I'd greatly appreciate. Thanks!
Tom
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