Strapping in to the Seat

T-6A CONTACT

CHAPTER FOUR

406.

STRAPPING IN TO THE SEAT

Upon completion of the preflight inspection, your instructor will show you how to enter the

cockpit (take care not to step on the canopy rail). Respect the ejection seat. The T-6A is not a

particularly simple aircraft to strap into and it is easy to forget one or more buckles or straps. Be

patient, but precise; there is no fast way to do it. Reference Figure 4-3

Ensure all of the harness buckles are fastened and G-suit zippers are secure before entering. A

good technique is to start at your feet and work up. Fasten your leg garters, the seat survival kit

(SSK) V-rings, your lap belt, and then plug in your G-suit. Attach the main oxygen hose and

emergency O2 hose to your CRU-60/P (before putting on the helmet) and then reach back, grab,

and fasten the parachute risers to the harness frost fittings. You should now be ready to don

the helmet and lower the visor. Attach the oxygen mask hose to the CRU-60 and plug into one

of the two available ICS cords. Consult the NATOPS manual for notes, cautions, and warnings

during pilot hookup (as referred to in NATOPS).

Each time you fly, your seat position should be the same. The electronic seat adjustment switch

is located on the left console behind the PCL. When sitting straight in the seat, line up the front

edge of the instrument glare shield with the upper part of the instrument panel so the top of the

EADI is just visible. Adjust rudder pedals so you can get full forward throw of either pedal with

the corresponding brake fully depressed without locking your knee.

NOTE

Take extra care to ensure no straps or buckles are entangled with

any of the side panel switches or components before actuating the

electronic seat adjustment to prevent inadvertent (and potentially

very costly) damage to the ejection seat and/or cockpit side

consoles.

GROUND PROCEDURES

4-5