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.

FMI: www.fourwindsaircraft.com, www.amsafeaviation.com