Doing the Safety Dance

While cool accessories are fun, don’t forget the gear that can make your aircraft safer.

Wednesday, December 29, 2021 at 09:11 AM ET

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Whether venturing over mountains or just to a nearby grass strip, investing in parts and accessories that improve safety is a wise move. [Credit: Jason McDowell]

Key Takeaways:

Aircraft owners, especially of older planes, should prioritize crucial safety modifications over solely "cool" or performance-enhancing upgrades.
Key safety improvements include installing shoulder harnesses, secondary seat stops (for specific aircraft types), and upgrading sun visors to prevent injuries and reduce pilot distraction.
Thorough research into type-specific issues, consulting experienced mechanics, and engaging with aircraft owner groups are vital steps to identify and implement further safety enhancements.

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If nothing else, an airplane is an excuse to buy cool parts and modifications. From the latest avionics to mission-specific mods like tundra tires and STOL kits, every airplane is a blank canvas, ready to be crafted into a unique, one-of-a-kind creation that’s perfectly set up for one’s specific vision.

I’ve certainly been infected with the accessorizing bug. Before I even found an airplane to purchase, I had compiled an entire spreadsheet dedicated to future potential mods, complete with columns for parts costs, labor costs, and their order of priority. Like Ralphie lusting over his official Red Ryder, carbine-action, 200-shot, range model air rifle, I set my sights on the coolest parts and constantly envisioned myself enjoying them on various adventures.