Another Layer Of Safety
Four Winds Aircraft
announced an agreement this week with AmSafe Aviation to offer seat
belt airbags as an option in their FX-210 and FX-250T aircraft.
Over 20 aircraft models now use this proven technology to enhance
aircraft safety.
"It's an awesome product and a terrific company," said Jeff
Rahm, president of Four Winds Aircraft, in an interview with ANN.
"We're excited about the marvelous steps that have been made in
general aviation safety with respect to the AmSafe Aviation
Inflatable Restraint (AAIR(R)). AmSafe offers a level of customer
service that is unbelievable, including quick response time to
inquiries about the AAIR(R). Overall customer response to AAIR(R)
safety technology has been overwhelmingly positive."
AmSafe Aviation General Manager Joe Smith, said, "AmSafe is
equally pleased to be working with Four Winds Aircraft to further
enhance the safety of those who fly with the latest in airbag
technology. Anyone who flies should have the same level of airbag
protection in the aircraft as the vehicle driven to the
airport."
"Our goal has always
been to make the safest and best airplane in the industry." said
Rahm. He is serious about safety. Four Winds Aircraft designs
incorporate a steel safety cage, energy absorbing seats, a
ballistic recovery system, lighting protection, deicing and more.
They use the latest composite technologies to ensure lightweight
and strong parts.
Four Winds Aircraft has built over 50 airplanes of various
designs in the past and have incorporated the best features they've
found into their airplane designs. They're in production (S/N 29)
and have a builder's assistance program to help pilots get their
planes into flying condition. Although no customer built airplanes
are flying yet, Rahm expects that it won't be long.
Rahm prefers to take the long view for his company plan. Rather
than collect money from customers to fund the company, he secured
capital from an investment group to fund the development and
testing of the airplanes. Even though they're not planning to
certify their design anytime soon, they've "dropped, broken and
burned" their prototypes and parts during testing to ensure that
they'll exceed certification standards.
The FX-210 uses a 310 hp Continental engine and the FX-250T (420
hp) uses an Allison 250 B-17 engine. A turbocharged Lycoming
TIO-540 (350 hp) installation is also under development. The
company is even designing their own floats, which aim to increase
useful load and lower drag compared to conventional floats.