Definition
Restraint devices installed at each seat in an aircraft, consisting of a lap belt and, in most installations, a separate or integrated shoulder harness, designed to keep occupants secured to the seat during taxi, takeoff, landing, turbulence, and in the event of an accident. Their condition, anchorage, and proper operation are checked during the visual preflight assessment.
Plain English
The straps that hold you in your seat. Before flying, check that they aren't frayed or damaged, that the buckles work, and that the points where they attach to the airframe are secure.
Context Anchor
Encountered during the visual preflight check, before engine start, during passenger briefing, and before taxi, takeoff, and landing.
Why Pilots Care
Secure seat belts prevent injury and meet FAA requirements for all occupants during flight.
Intuition Check
Do not treat seat belts as a casual comfort item. In an airplane, they are safety equipment the pilot checks for condition and proper use before flight.
Example Sentence 1
During the cabin check, the pilot inspected each seat belt for fraying and confirmed that all buckles latched and released properly.
Example Sentence 2
Before starting the engine the instructor asked the student to fasten the seat belts and adjust the shoulder harness.