Under flight crew operating rules, when must safety belts and shoulder harnesses be fastened?

• A. Safety belts during takeoff, landing, and en route; shoulder harnesses during takeoff and landing
• B. Safety belts are only required during takeoff and landing
• C. Shoulder harnesses are required at all times, belts only during taxi
• D. Belts required only when passengers are present

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that restraints for flight crew depend on the phase of flight. A seat belt is worn whenever you’re seated, including during takeoff, landing, and en route, to keep you in the seat through ordinary movement and any turbulence. The shoulder harness adds upper-torso restraint, but it’s specifically required during the more critical phases—takeoff and landing—where sudden accelerations can throw you forward and cause injuries if you’re not restrained.

So, the rule means you fasten the safety belt during takeoff, landing, and while the aircraft is in flight. You also fasten the shoulder harness during takeoff and landing to provide extra protection. During cruising flights, the shoulder harness isn’t required, and the belt alone keeps you secured.

This fits because it ensures maximum restraint during the riskiest moments (takeoff and landing) while still keeping you protected and restrained during normal flight. The other options would either omit restraint during en route, require the shoulder harness at times when it isn’t mandated, or imply restraint only when passengers are present, which isn’t how crew safety rules are structured.