Impact Dynamics seats
One of the best but lesser-known additions to the 1997 Cessnas currently making their way down the production line in Independence, Kansas, is the improved seats and the accompanying new seat track design. Worn Cessna seat tracks of the previous design could give way under a load, potentially sending the pilot and/or passenger careening aft on takeoff. The pilot's initial reaction was to pull himself forward with the yoke, which sometimes resulted in a low-altitude stall — often with fatal results.
The new Cessna seats and tracks are of a design lifted from the Caravan line of single-engine turboprops and represent a substantial improvement and long-awaited fix to a serious problem. Now, Impact Dynamics Inc. (IDI) raises Cessna's ante one higher and offers crashworthy seat systems for less-than-new 172s.
Impact Dynamics offers beefy replacement seat tracks, a new 26-G seat with headrest, and a four-point inertia-reel harness as part of its system, which is designed to exceed all FAR Part 23 safety requirements. By replacing the Cessna or other aftermarket seat tracks, the IDI system will eliminate the inspection/replacement AD for Cessna seat tracks.
As IDI will tell you, safety is a tough sell, and at $2,250 for one seat system (one seat, tracks, and four-point harness), it is easy to see why. But as IDI's vice president for sales and marketing, Harry Goodyear, explains, many folks are spending a good deal of money on rebuilding and recovering existing seats. Also, when the changes are complete, they still have the same ADs, only two- or three-point harnesses, and the same potential for seat sliding. In terms of comfort, the IDI seat on display at AOPA Expo was far more comfortable than older Cessna seats — more in line with those of corporate-jet seats. Keep in mind that the test sitting was all of 30 seconds.
Installation of the IDI seat system in a 172 will require the replacement of the seat tracks and attachment of the inertia-reel belt assembly to the rear spar carry through. The only downfall to the system is an addition of 10.5 pounds to the airplane's operating weight for each seat system installed.
Presently, IDI has certified its replacement seats in Cessna 172 models L through Q and RG. Certification is pending for earlier models. STC paperwork has already been submitted for the 182 and 210 series. IDI then plans to pursue Pipers and the legless Mooney and Beech seats.
Sometime in the near future IDI also intends to introduce air bags for aircraft. Airplane air bags would be installed in the yoke and will be smaller than those used in cars. Goodyear promises that the yoke will not be cumbersome; in fact, it will be smaller than that of a Cessna Centurion. The company is in the midst of certification criteria meetings with the FAA and hopes to have an installed air bag system in early 1997. For more information, contact IDI at 2610-A South Sheridan, Wichita, Kansas 67217; telephone 800/285-7670; E-mail: [email protected]. — Peter A. Bedell
II Morrow debuts Slimline
II Morrow demonstrated its new Apollo SL Slimline GPS, communications radio, and GPS/com during AOPA Expo in October. The SL40 transceiver, SL50 GPS navigator, and SL60 GPS/com each measure 6.25 2 1.3 2 10.5 inches, have sunlight-readable displays, and are TSO approved. The GPS receivers meet TSO C129(A2) requirements for en route and terminal operations. The com receivers can monitor standby frequencies and will store and recall eight user-defined frequencies, as well as the previous eight frequencies used. Drawing upon its database, the GPS/com will suggest frequencies based upon the aircraft's location, and the GPS receiver can drive a moving map such as the company's Apollo 360 Map. The SL line was to be available on December 1.
Until the end of the year, II Morrow is offering a free Apollo 360 Map with the purchase of each Apollo 2001 GPS ("IFR GPS Report, Part 2: II Morrow Apollo NMS 2001," November Pilot).
The panel-mount Apollo 2001 GPS is IFR-approach certified, and the 360 Map fits into a standard 3-inch instrument hole. For more information, call II Morrow at 800/525-6726 or 503/391- 3411. — Michael P. Collins
Wild Blue Yonder
Ever wish that you could poke around the cockpit of an F-117 Stealth fighter or that of the B-2 bomber, or hear the pukata-pukata of an OX-5 engine in a Jenny? With Wild Blue Yonder, an exceptionally well done twin CD-ROM set, you can. You'll learn things about the F-117 that many believe are still classified facts, like its range, speed, and maximum altitude.
You can get all the specs on aircraft from a broad range of history, including the Gulf War and World War II; hear their engines, see still photos, and watch movies of the aircraft in action. Cambrix Publishing and a company called Digital Ranch have done themselves proud with Wild Blue Yonder. While the suggested retail is $34.95, most prices on the street range from $24.95 to $29.95. But, as the television advertisers say, have we got a deal for you. Cambrix account manager Rod Baker says that the two-CD set is available to AOPA members for $19.95 by calling 800/992- 8781 or 818/993-4274. Write to Cambrix Publishing at 9304 Deering Avenue, Chatsworth, California 91311. — Alton K. Marsh
York Gust-Lok
Owners of many Piper aircraft have perfected the seat-belt, control-lock tango. With the recommended means of securing the flight controls being the somewhat inelegant looping of the front seat belts around the control yokes, it doesn't take long to wonder if there's a better way. Now there is, with the York Gust-Lok. For $119.95, the steel York lock secures the control yoke on one side of the cockpit by the simple expedient of looping over part of the rudder-pedal structure at the bottom and the crossbars of the yoke at the other end.
We tried the York lock on a PA-28-161 Warrior and found the device to work as described. Looping the bottom hooks over the rudder-pedal supports takes a bit of practice, and you'll spend a few minutes setting the adjustable-width legs to your aircraft. You also have to remember to center the rudder pedals when you park.
Then it's just a matter of slotting the lower section in place, releasing the large locking knob on the telescoping bar, and placing the U-loops over the yoke. The Gust-Lok holds the Cherokee stabilator in the nose-down position — the right way, considering that the water-drain holes are near the stabilator's leading edge — and does not impose loads on the control columns the way the seat belt method does. As a bonus, the Gust-Lok can be fitted with a padlock to add a measure of security.
For more information, contact York Associates, LLC, 7100 NW 63rd Street, Hangar 505, Bethany, Oklahoma 73008; telephone 405/495-8946; fax 405/495-8948. The Gust-Lok is also available from Sporty's Pilot Shop at 800/SPORTYS. — Marc E. Cook
Briefly Noted
Need a ride after you land? You can use the California Go-Ped motorized scooter instead of renting a car or calling for a cab. It weighs 20 pounds and folds small enough to be carried in one hand or in an optional carrying case. Prices start at $459. For information, contact L. Scot Enterprises at 707/422-6755. — PAB
Looking for a unique aviation gift for the holiday season? Nouveautes, Inc. of West Paterson, New Jersey, will make custom chocolates with your company's logo imprinted on the package and a chocolate hangar that houses chocolate airplanes. AOPA's publications staff ravaged the delicious product in a little more than 3 hours — hangar and all. FBOs, airports, and other aviation organizations will find this to be a unique and tasty gift. Prices start at $11.95 a box. For information, call 800/894-GIFT. — PAB
Reiff Preheat Systems is now offering its CH2000 cylinder preheating system to complement any brand of pad-type engine preheater. The system uses heated stainless-steel bands that clamp around the unfinned area at the base of each cylinder. Reiff claims that the system heats cylinders faster and more evenly than preheaters with probes in the cylinder heads. The cost is $189 for a four- cylinder application and $283 for six-cylinder engines. For information, call Reiff at 414/968-2342. — PAB
Tom Moore was as tired as anyone trying to figure out the new International Civil Aviation Organization-format weather when it came to us earlier this year. But rather than complain about it, Moore concocted the TAF/METAR decoder wheel. A simple laminated-paper wheel about 8 inches in diameter, the decoder walks you through each portion of the TAF and METAR abbreviations in the order in which you'll see them in a Duats briefing. On the back is a full list of abbreviations, weather descriptors, qualifiers, a Celsius-to-Fahrenheit converter, and other explanatory notes. The $14.95 decoder is available from Moore Aviation Group; fax 503/635-9066 or Sporty's Pilot Shop, 800/SPORTYS. — MEC
King Schools is offering on CD-ROM its Multimedia Exam Review for the FAA private and instrument written exams. A student using the CD-ROM will be able to view a specific video clip explanation at the moment he is reviewing the related question. The CD-ROM allows the student to personalize the way he studies the questions and takes practice exams. The CD-ROM runs on Windows 3.1 or higher and is available for $139 (or $99 if purchased with a set of King Schools videos). For information or orders, call 800/854-1001. — PAB
Safe Flight Inc. now offers two-sided laminated checklists for 50 models of Beech airplanes. The color checklists measure 6.5 2 9 inches and are the official checklists used by the Bonanza/Baron Pilot Proficiency Program, a subsidiary of the American Bonanza Society. Safe Flight makes checklists for 120 other single and twin-engine aircraft. Prices for singles start at $14.95 plus shipping. Call 800/359-3741. — PAB
Unless otherwise stated, products listed herein have not been evaluated by AOPA Pilot editors. AOPA assumes no responsibility for products or services listed or for claims or actions by manufacturers or vendors. However, members unable to get satisfaction regarding products listed should advise AOPA. To submit products for evaluation, contact: New Products Editor, AOPA Pilot, 421 Aviation Way, Frederick, Maryland 21701; telephone 301/695-2350.
