A Whole Lot of Aircraft Mods

Tuesday, January 19, 2021 at 05:10 PM ET

Verified

The rugged, low-pressure tires provide a huge footprint and increased flotation, enabling operation on soft, loose surfaces such as sand and gravel. Jason McDowell

Key Takeaways:

Aircraft modifications for backcountry and STOL operations, such as Alaskan Bushwheels, Hartzell Trailblazer propellers, vortex generators, and STOL wing cuffs, improve off-airport capability, low-speed control, and reduce stall speeds.
Safety enhancements include brighter, pulsing AeroLEDs for increased visibility and bird strike reduction, AmSafe seat-belt airbags for occupant protection, Rosen visors to combat sun glare, and TKS ice protection systems for safe flight in icing conditions.
Speed and efficiency can be boosted through aerodynamic refinements like Knots 2U gap-seal kits and Whelen Aerospace Technologies cowls, or engine performance upgrades such as Power Flow exhaust systems, leading to higher cruise speeds, improved climb rates, and better fuel economy.

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Backcountry Adventure

Alaskan Bushwheels

Alaskan Bushwheels are one of the most ubiquitous backcountry and off-airport mods available. They’re popular for good reason: The rugged, low-pressure tires provide a huge footprint and increased flotation, enabling operation on soft, loose surfaces such as sand and gravel. Many pilots lower their tire pressure to the single digits to provide an exceptionally plush dose of shock absorption over particularly rough surfaces.