Piper Aircraft Offers the AmSafe Aviation Airbag System Through Its Network of Service Centers & Dealers

Business Wire, Feb 26, 2009

AmSafe Aviation Airbag System Now Available for Sales & Service at over 500 Locations Worldwide; Life-Saving Device Now a New or Aftermarket Option for More Than One-Third of All GA Aircraft Models

PHOENIX -- AmSafe®, Inc., the leading provider of safety and securement products for the aviation, defense and ground transportation markets, today announced an agreement with Piper Aircraft to distribute the AmSafe Aviation Airbag System throughout the Piper Aircraft Service Network of service centers. Beginning today, the AmSafe Aviation Airbag System is an available option on all new PA-46 aircraft and for aftermarket installation on entry level and twin engine Piper models (PA-28, PA-32, PA-34, PA-44 and PA-46). With this agreement, AmSafe expands its network of authorized AmSafe Aviation Airbag service centers to over 500 locations worldwide.

“AmSafe is pleased to expand the number of Piper Aircraft models that support the Aviation Airbag System. By incorporating the Piper Aircraft Service Network into our own, it is easier than ever for more Piper operators to take advantage of the increased safety and protection this system affords,” said AmSafe Aviation President Bill Hagan. “Currently installed in roughly 80 percent of all new single-engine general aviation aircraft, the AmSafe Aviation Airbag System is a proven technology that saves lives. We look forward to working with Piper Aircraft and other manufacturers to ensure it is available in the most popular GA aircraft models.”

The AmSafe Airbag System is a self-contained, modular restraint designed to improve occupant protection from serious head-impact injury and enhance one’s ability to exit the aircraft following an otherwise survivable accident. When the system’s sensors detect a crash, an airbag built into the restraint deploys up and away from the seat occupant—unlike automobile airbags which deploy toward the occupant. The AmSafe Aviation Airbag System has been rigorously tested to meet Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) requirements.

“Piper customers around the world depend on our network of authorized sales and service centers. They rely on the thousands of skilled service technicians to safely outfit and maintain their aircraft,” said Ray Phair, director of customer support/service/spares, Piper Aircraft. “Becoming an authorized sales and service partner for the AmSafe Aviation Airbag System is yet another example of Piper’s commitment to innovation and ensuring the safety of the Piper family of pilots and customers.”

In service since 2001, the AmSafe Aviation Airbag System adds less than three pounds (1.36 kg) to existing pilot and co-pilot restraint systems and costs approximately $1,500 per seat placement (plus installation). The AmSafe Aviation Airbag System is installed in new GA aircraft manufactured by Air Tractor, American Legend, Aviat, Cessna Aircraft, Cirrus Design, Cub Crafters, Diamond Aircraft, Hawker Beechcraft, Lancair International, Mooney Airplane Company, Pilatus, Quest Aircraft, SportAir USA, Zenair, and now Piper Aircraft. In addition to having been embraced by general aviation pilots and manufacturers, the AmSafe Aviation Airbag System is featured in the fleets of more than 30 commercial airlines around the world. For more information about the AmSafe Aviation Airbag System and to find an authorized service center near you, please visit www.amsafe.com.

About Piper Aircraft, Inc.

Piper Aircraft, Inc. is headquartered in Vero Beach, Fla. Piper’s rich legacy is born of 71 years of unparalleled history, with almost 150,000 aircraft brought to market and more than 160 models certified. Approximately 90,000 of those aircraft are still flying and being serviced and supported on every continent by Piper’s 65 service centers, 40 dealers and 2,500 field personnel. Today, Piper is the only general aviation manufacturer to build and offer aircraft for every general aviation mission, from trainers and high-performance aircraft for personal and business use, to turbine powered business aircraft and now the PiperJet. For more information about Piper Aircraft and to find an authorized service center near you, please visit www.piper.com.

About AmSafe, Inc. and AmSafe Aviation

AmSafe, Inc., and its affiliated business units are world leaders in safety and securement products for the aerospace, defense and ground transportation industries. AmSafe’s innovative products can be found on virtually every commercial aircraft in the world and include seatbelts, restraints, airbags, cargo and barrier nets, tie-downs and cabin interior textiles. Headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, AmSafe operates manufacturing and service facilities around the globe and is committed to providing quality products and timely, cost-effective solutions to customers worldwide. For more information, visit www.amsafe.com.