TA-4 Ejection Selector Lever/Switch
That was the situation in the TA-4. A selector lever/switch enabled both seats to eject OR only the rear to eject - if the rear seat aircrew/passenger ejected - leaving the pilot to fly without the canopy; which like the rear seat, also has to be 'ejected' first (so that a front seat first rocket seat did not cook the rear seat occupant).
If flying solo the pilot had to wait some 0.25/0.5 seconds after pulling the handle to have the canopy jettison and then the unoccupied rear seat eject before front seat ejected. This situation was required when passengers were in the rear seat also, so that they would not be left behind if unable to eject for whatever reason. This selection was standard. Conversely a panicked passenger ejecting could not eject the pilot.
When two pilots flying instruments, with the rear seater under the canvas hood for example, then the selector lever reversed allowed the rear seater to eject; which also ejected the front seater in turn (after canopy jettisoned automatically first). Pilots would discuss and select this option (non standard). Also this selection would be when front seater under training or two pilots in the aircraft otherwise for whatever reason.
Last edited by SpazSinbad; 8th Sep 2013 at 17:03.