The NTSE has reemended since 1964 t h a t shoulder harnesses be required f o r each occupant o f gene r a l a v i a t i o n a i r c r a f t . The FAA presently requires a shoulder harness for each f r o n t seat i n c e r t a i n ncwly manufactured small afrplanes, but not for y -. . other seat positions. This paper brings together technical background and current experience t o evaluate whether shoulder harnesses should be r equired i n r e a r seats.