10-6 P/N 21399-004
Section 10 Cirrus Design
Safety Information SR20
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 decision has been made to deploy the CAPS, make all
reasonable efforts to slow to the minimum possible airspeed.
However, if time and altitude are critical, 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
demonstrated 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
activation 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.
Revision A1
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