Pull Early, Pull Often!
That's the phrase that I posted for the first time on March 31, 2006. I encouraged Cirrus pilots to consider using the airframe parachute system, CAPS, earlier in the accident chain and more often in difficult situations.
Every Cirrus aircraft has one. Yet, people were dying in safe airplanes without using their last safety option.
Pull Early!
The Cirrus POH recommends that upon loss of control of the aircraft, the pilot must activate CAPS. "If loss of control occurs, determine if the airplane can be recovered. If control cannot be regained, the CAPS should be activated. This decision should be made prior to your pre-determined decision altitude (2,000' AGL, as discussed below)."
But it was obvious that many accident scenarios were progressing far beyond loss of control. Cirrus pilots needed to take action earlier. In the Norden, CA, icing accident, the parachute separated from the airframe when it was deployed well above the demonstrated airspeed of 133 knots. Radar tracks indicate airspeed was 270 knots or greater. In the Parish, NY, accident while practicing maneuvers above 5,000 feet, the plane entered a flat sping and impacted the ground with the safety pin in place and the parachute deployed after hitting the ground.
Lose control, then pull early!
Pull Often!
That thread in 2006, "Would you pull the parachute?" discussed reasons to use the CAPS parachute more often. It was the physics of impact. Under canopy, your velocity is about 20 knots. In a spin, your velocity is about 110 knots. That 5.5 times faster. And with energy going up as the square of velocity, you hit with 30 times more without CAPS.
Plan Ahead!
But words alone are not enough. You have to practice. You have to stay aware of your situation. You have to act.
This blog will provide glimpses into the lessons learned from the tragedies of others. COPA members have demonstrated a remarkable safety record. And learning about safety contributes to our enjoyment of flying.
Cheers
Rick
Posted
2 Oct 2008 8:20
by
Rick Beach