Latest Addition To Proven Design

Aircraft Manufacturing & Development (AMD) of Eastman, GA has made an important change to its Alarus IFR-certified airplane.

The company is now offering the FAA-certified SRS Airbag Seatbelt system -- which, as was previously reported by Aero-News, has been offered as an option on the aircraft since 2004 -- is now standard equipment.

"The Alarus was the first GA aircraft to get FAA approval for SRS Airbags. We are now making them standard equipment in all new 2006 Alarus aircraft" states John Degonia, AMD's sales director.

The Alarus has been around since 1994. It is FAA type-certified in both Utility and Normal categories, as well as for IFR operations. The company touts the CH2000 as a classically designed, ruggedly-built light two-seat aircraft (from a short distance, it bears more than a passing resemblance to a Piper Cherokee). The plane features a large, comfortable cabin area, excellent avionics, and inexpensive operation (cruise fuel burn is just 5.5 gallons per hour).

The aircraft is an ideal choice for flight schools, according to the company -- and AMD has learned something from those schools, as well.

"With positive feedback from Salt Lake Community College of Utah, who have 10 of our aircraft, and from other operators, the 2005 model was redesigned," said John Degonia.

The aircraft has also been received favorably from its customers.

"The Alarus is a pleasure.  It is responsive, roomy, economical, but most of all, it is fun to fly. I am 6'–5" tall and weigh more than I will print here. The 46" width and extra leg room is refreshing compared with other aircraft," said leaseback owner Ted Revis, who has 4 Alarus planes.

"If you are looking for a quality and tough IFR trainer, the CH2000 is the choice... Nothing is close to the Alarus. Our decision was easy. As soon as we had a chance to fly one, we bought two on the spot." added Revis.

Price of the 2006 model is $139,900.00 USD. The price includes SRS Airbags for pilot and co-pilot seats, Garmin GSN 430 GPS/NAV/COM, IFR certified airframe, and a lot more.

The company also offers the SRS Seatbelt Airbag system as an option on its light-sport offering, the Zodiac CH601.

FMI: www.newplane.com