UNITED STATES- Airframe Innovations Inc, based in Fairbanks, Alaska, has developed the PDQ Emergency Egress System for Cessna 206 aircraft. It is a straightforward and efficient solution that enables swift egress for the rear occupants of the aircraft.
As a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Parts Manufacturer Approval facility, the company has successfully addressed a longstanding design limitation in the Cessna 206 aircraft using its expertise in engineering and design.
Airframe Innovations has highlighted a significant design challenge in the Cessna 206. Deploying the flaps during landing creates an obstruction in the rear passenger door, which impedes the rapid exit of occupants during emergencies.
Aircraft equipped with floats particularly experience this issue critically in water-related emergency scenarios.
The PDQ Emergency Egress System Specifications
Airframe Innovations has developed the PDQ Emergency Egress System to address the 206 egress issue. The design of this system comes with fail-safes that can withstand in-flight uncertainties. As well as comply with airport security protocols, providing a dependable solution to the problem.
If the alignment of both the Forward door hinges is proper, then the system installation is simple, according to the company. The transition from two hinge pins to a single hinge pin assembly allows for the completion of the installation process within approximately one to two hours.
All of the system’s exterior components use Stainless Steel Construction. Despite its durability, the entire system weighs only two pounds. Its less weight ensures minimal impact on the overall weight distribution of the aircraft.
Testing of The System
In close collaboration with the FAA, Airframe Innovations conducted extensive testing. The testing ensured that the emergency exit door release located in the interior of the rear door is incapable of accidental activation during flight.
After conducting numerous testing scenarios using the actual equipment, Airframe Innovations concluded that the system’s mechanical fail-safes, inherent in its design, require intentional actions in the correct sequence to release the door, following the provided operating instructions.
The company emphasizes that pulling the red handle alone does not detach the door when it is in the “in-flight locked” position. Attempting to pull the red handle on a locked door will prove exceedingly challenging.
Approval Type & Compatibility of The System
Airframe Innovations confirmed that the system has obtained Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) approval for installation in Canada and the U.S. Importantly, no modifications are necessary for the door.
The fuselage wall installation includes the installation of a base plate, along with a small hole to accommodate the shaft.
This design ensures compatibility with the current Cessna Service Manual and provides the flexibility of seat placement without any STC-imposed restrictions, according to Airframe Innovations.
Airframe Innovations confirmed that the current Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) extends to various models. Including the 206, U206, U206A, U206B, U206C, U206D, U206E, U206F, U206G, TU206A, TU206B, TU206C, TU206D, TU206E, TU206F, TU206G, 206H, and T206H.
Regarding system availability, Airframe Innovations noted that stock availability determines immediate shipping for in-stock items. The out-of-stock items have a lead time of one week.
While the system has received approval from Transport Canada (TC). Airframe Innovations is still awaiting TC’s Alternative Means of Compliance (AMOC) document. This document will serve as an exemption for operators from Airworthiness Directive CF-2020-10.\
The Egress Door Deposit option implementation for Canadian customers by Airframe Innovations. Once the Alternative Means of Compliance (AMOC) is issued, it secures their kit for shipment.
Canadian customers are not prohibited from installing the system. The company has disclosed that it has been waiting for TC to issue the AMOC since May 30, 2023. The latest update indicates that an individual has been assigned to complete the AMOC process.
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