A Retrofit Crash Protection Installation in Two Models of General Aviation Airplanes

This paper describes the testing and installation of certain retrofit crash protection measures in Cessna models 185 and 206 aircraft. These are the types of aircraft that are operated in a “bush” type environment by Jungle Aviation And Radio Service (JAARS) and Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF).

The crash protection features described are in the areas of (a) maintaining a livable space; (b) reducing the “scooping” effect; (c) seat and occupant retention, including energy attenuation, and (d) fuel spillage control. Multiple FAA Supplemental Type Certificates were obtained for each of the installations in each type aircraft.