Company Touts High Level Of Available Safety Features

The folks at Aircraft Manufacturing & Development Co. (AMD) told ANN Friday of the first BRS parachute installation in a Zodiac 601XL light sport aircraft (LSA). The aircraft was certified January 30, 2007.

AMD states the availability of the BRS option means the Zodiac 601XL boasts more safety features than any other LSA. Those features include the 'chute, AMSAFE SRS airbag seatbelts, lightning protection (available on the IFR-certified Zodiac XLi), Tetra foam seat foam to absorbs "g" loads on a hard landing), a tough nose and main gear system, metal construction, and a FAR 33-certified Continental 0-200 engine.

"I just wanted to let you know how pleased I am so far with my new Zodiac CH601 XLi (above) said Greg Hopkins, who purchased the first BRS-equipped Zodiac. "Everywhere I go other pilots comment on the styling and high quality workmanship. I am most pleased with how it performs. It climbs at 1000fpm at gross, is very stable in rough air, handles crosswinds better than anything I have flown, and doesn't get "mushy" in slow flight."

"I have flown two other LSA's, but the Zodiac is much more like a "real airplane" than a typical LSA," Hopkins added. (Click here for ANN Managing Editor Rob Finfrock's impressions of his short flight in an AMD Zodiac.)

"Flying the Zodiac is super fun. Its maneuverability and visibility are great features. Pilots and passengers are always looking at increasing safety and the BRS parachute provides that added security," said AMD Sales Manager John Degonia.

A basic VFR Zodiac starts at $79,900, with an IFR-certified XLi available for $94,900. The BRS 'chute adds $5,990 to the price of either aircraft.

FMI: www.newplane.com