C
IRRUS
D
ESIGN
S
ECTION
10: S
AFETY
I
NFORMATION
SR20
C
IRRUS
A
IRFRAME
P
ARACHUTE
S
YSTEM
(CAPS)
P/N 11934-005
10-7
Pilot Incapacitation
Pilot incapacitation may be the result of anything from a pilot's medical
condition to a bird strike that injures the pilot. If incapacitation occurs and
the passengers are not trained to land the aircraft, CAPS activation by the
passengers is highly recommended. This scenario should be discussed with
passengers prior to flight and all appropriate passengers should be briefed
on CAPS operation so they could effectively deploy CAPS if required.
General Deployment Information
Deployment Speed
The maximum speed at which deployment has been demonstrated is 133
KIAS. Deployment at higher speeds could subject the parachute and
aircraft to excessive loads that could result in structural failure. Once a deci-
sion has been made to deploy the CAPS, make all reasonable efforts to slow
to the minimum possible airspeed. However, if time and altitude are crit-
ical, and/or ground impact is imminent, the CAPS should be activated
regardless of airspeed.
Deployment Altitude
No minimum altitude for deployment has been set. This is because the
actual altitude loss during a particular deployment depends upon the
airplane's airspeed, altitude and attitude at deployment as well as other
environmental factors. In all cases, however, the chances of a successful
deployment increase with altitude. In the event of a spin, immediate CAPS
activation is mandatory regardless of altitude. In other situations, the pilot
in command may elect to troubleshoot a mechanical problem or attempt to
descend out of icing conditions if altitude and flight conditions permit. As
a data point, altitude loss from level flight deployments has been demon-
strated at less than 400 feet. Deployment at such a low altitude leaves little
or no time for the aircraft to stabilize under the canopy or for the cabin to
be secured. A low altitude deployment increases the risk of injury or death
and should be avoided. If circumstances permit, it is advisable to activate
the CAPS at or above 2,000 feet AGL.
While CAPS activation above 2,000 feet is not necessarily safer than activa-
tion at 2,000 feet in terms of the altitude needed to deploy the parachute
and slow the descent of the aircraft, there are other risks associated with
delaying deployment. Distraction, deterioration in flight conditions,
aircraft damage, pilot injury or incapacitation all could take place above
2,000 feet and prevent a timely deployment. At any altitude, once the CAPS
is determined to be the only alternative available for saving the aircraft
occupants, deploy the system without delay.
Reissue A
