AOPA Sweepstakes: Safety first

The front and rear seats feature AmSafe four-point airbag seat belts. The supplemental type certificated seat belt system detects a crash within milliseconds and deploys the airbags from the shoulder harness and away from the occupant. This helps prevent the rear-seat occupant from hitting his or her head on the back of the front seat and the pilot in the front from slamming his or her head into the instrument panel or the V-shape airframe bars running from the middle of the panel to the top corners of the fuselage. The airbag deflates after deployment, making it easier for the pilot and passenger to get out of the seat belt and the aircraft. Hard landings, vibration, or turbulence won’t make the system deploy, according to AmSafe’s system operation documentation. Another benefit is that the cushioning on the shoulder harnesses prevent neck chafing.

An ACK Technologies 406-MHz emergency locator transmitter will transmit GPS position and other data, as well as a homing signal, to aid in search and rescue after an accident. The pilot can activate the ELT before an accident through a switch in the cockpit.

AeroLEDs wigwag landing lights increase the Super Cub’s visibility to aid in collision avoidance. The alternating flashing lights on each wing make the aircraft easier to spot. The pilot can control whether the lights flash or remain constant based on preference, flight conditions, or traffic congestion.

Should a mechanical problem arise while out in the backcountry, a portable tool kit from Snap-on will help the pilot address minor issues to be able to fly out for further repair. The kit includes wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers, sockets, miniature pick set, mirror, light, hammer, safety wire twisting pliers, and more in a red Snap-on tote that fits easily in the baggage compartment.

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