BeechTalk - BT

Username Protected · **Posted:** 26 Jun 2017, 23:18

I know there a few C340 guys on here that are not also in the TCF group... AMSAFE recently said they would consider developing an STC for putting their Airbag belts in the C340 (and perhaps by extension the other Twin Cessnas), but only if they had enough up-front interest (75 owners). They would be looking for $500 non-refundable to fund the NRE. So far, his query through TCF has only gotten just over 20% of the way there.

If you would be interested in this, contact Jim Crupi at: jcrupi@amsafe.com

Here are some of the details Jim shared in a recent email (which also said they couldn't justify it at this time without more interest):

Quote:

· Pricing - $4000 - Estimate based on other similar 3-point General Aviation airbag systems
o Includes airbag system components for Pilot/Co-Pilot seats
o Deposit intended to maintain customer engagement and help offset NRE for a unique design application (every aircraft model has a different problem to solve)
§ In other words, our business case considers a certain number of orders to cover the NRE and cancelling because there is no commitment negates the business case. If we commit to the program it will be done and the FAA is quite supportive is moving these programs forward.
· Weight - typical delta weight when considering standard restraint system versus airbag restraint system is 2.4 – 3 lbs/seat
· Installation – Since every aircraft is configured/personalized a little differently this can vary from 6-10 hours depending on the other items that may be installed under or around the seats
· Maintenance – At annual inspection the system diagnostic must be completed (approximately 8-10 minutes for both seats)
o Standard visual inspection as with standard restraint for wear
o EMA would need to be replaced at 10 years (if NexGen system part of STC)
§ Alternate (current) EMA, depending on FAA approval, V23 EMA requires refurbish at 7 years and replaced at 14 years
o Inflators would need to be replaced at 10 years

My only interest in this is that I'd like to see this move forward as an owner. I suspect the original query looking for interest via the post on the TCF forum and an email only reached a small fraction of the potential customers.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 30 Jun 2017, 00:01

Hello Abram...Noticed your post re Twin Cessna Airbags from AmSafe. I used your link to contact Jim Crupi at AmSafe to add our Twin Cessna 310R to his list. I think this would be the exact same system they plan to use in the 340.
Many years ago, my wife and I were the very first to have their system installed in our
Piper Arrow III. At the time we were required to use only their pre selected installation shops (They sent me to Toms Aircraft in Long Beach, Ca). In my email to Jim, I mentioned that I will only buy his system if they allow my own A/P-A/I to install the system in our 310R. My mechanic is very familiar with their systems as he has installed them and does the checkups on our Arrow each year. My cost to install with him would be less than 1/2 what Toms would charge.
I note that Jim Crupi of AmSafe said he would contact me if they ever considered doing
Twin Cessnas...He did not.
You are welcome to send this on to TCF or AmSafe
Peter Murray

AMSAFE Airbag Belts for C340