The Door Steward™ is a product improvement installation that greatly improves the operation of the aircraft doors.  The installation consists of a gas spring attached to brackets mounted on the door and the airframe.  When the door is unlatched the gas spring gently but firmly opens the door to the full open position.  The gas spring while in the open position protects the aircraft and occupants from unexpected openings and closings by providing resistance to considerably higher wind gusts and prop wash than the original stops. 

In addition, the gas spring is extremely simple and reliable.  The weight of each door installation is ˝ Lb.  The original door stops can either be removed or left on the door as long as they are operating properly and not interfering with the Door Steward™.  Closing the door compresses the gas spring.  The gas spring can easily be removed from its brackets to facilitate removal of the aircraft door, replacement of a defective gas spring or to conduct other maintenance.

The Door StewardTM received FAA – STC approval for the Cessna Cardinal 177 and 177RG series on October 27, 2006.  And they have received PMA approval. Installation time is approximately one hour per door and the modification kit weighs one pound per door.

The Door StewardTM dampens the opening rate of the door to help control the door in the dreaded tailwind situation.  The Door StewardTM consists of a modern inert gas spring and the necessary brackets.  It is easy to install and with virtually no maintenance.