Dan W
I recall that bizarre incident at N.Weald. I believe I know why the decision was made at the time not to have live seats fitted. Have subsequently flown in XN629, and in several of the owner's subsequent aircraft. Every time he has treated me like a first-timer although he knows how much I know. His briefing is impeccable and his narrative whilst pulling out the pins and popping them in the board (on my side) loses none of its serious nature. I felt I had been properly briefed, but it was still my decision to go, knowing what an ejection with one of those early seats could do to my stature (20G up the butt?). It would certainly have precipitated the lower back surgery I had a year ago!
Incidentally, the pax in that incident has not flown since, except perhaps on an airliner to a holiday destination.
Was there not an incident to an aircraft on static display at a Paris air show several moons ago?
brgds