AmSafe airbag woes

[Pbwears1]

Has anybody been successful lately in getting their airbag bottle/ etc replaced? I've hit the one year mark with a 4000 deposit tied up at SouthTec awaiting parts?

[gyro3816]

Unlike the cirrus, the DA40 AmSafe is not airworthiness /certification tied . Its up to you if you want to follow changeout mfr recommendations, but this doesn’t ground you.
This is my understanding talking with APs in my area.

[mhoran]

It's been over a year since I had mine placarded INOP. At the time I believe the shop ordered new parts, but didn't take a deposit. That shop hasn't gotten back to me despite numerous attempts to get an update. I plan to have SouthTec pull both belts and replace them with standard belts for $1,500 at next annual. Presuming I have a plane by May, which is not a given as the turn time for my overhaul has slipped indefinitely.

[Pbwears1]

Thanks guys...Mine is placarded INOP and Ill either just keep what I've in the way of the seatbelts or have Glenn yank and replace...ill sleep on and chat with Glenn

[dmloftus]

I had Glenn disconnect and placard mine as well. I don't think there is any sacrifice in overall flight safety, and I'm definitely not motivated to spend the $$$ to replace perfectly good seat belts.

[Rick]

In my case, we kept the nice padded belts but pulled out the inflators and all of the electronics under the seats and now we just have ... padded seatbelts with no more maintenance required. I'm perfectly happy with this outcome and was also tired of waiting for parts - not to mention the annoying but expensive 30-second annual inspection.

[mhoran]

That is our situation as well. But you must have an INOP placard and maintenance log entry. Some passenger (or CFI) may ask you about that, or be uncomfortable about "INOP" equipment. Or you may run into an inspector or DPE who is unhappy with your interpretation of the regs (even though most everyone is in agreement here -- some are still stubborn.) Our long term plan is just to pull the belts altogether and avoid any potential hassle down the road, should we ever run into one of these stubborn folks, or sell the airplane to someone who makes a big deal of it.

[Rick]

I am always on the lookout for a used pair of OEM DA40 front seat belts to have on hand just in case I ever need to swap them.

[Scottsware]

I haven’t got the bill yet but during this years annual I had the airbags part replaced. It’s my understanding that the original equipment was no longer available so along with new inflators and electronics a harness converter was required. The good news is the parts were ordered and received with in 4 weeks.

[firedwg1]

I had them replaced after an 8 months waiting last year. If anyone needs the parts I have a buyer account with amsafe @ cost no markup. Or at least I have a direct price to compare to. IMHO there should be no markup on parts of your are paying for labor!