Midair in pattern at KFDK

[Gman]

As awful as this was, like many, and regardless of who was at fault, I was very interested to see the parachute recovery system on the fixed wing plane involved working, and saving lives.

What do you pilots here think about these systems on smaller light aircraft?  I realize there is no substitution for experience and consistent observation and other safe flying habits, but in cases where there is lapses in this, or even aircraft engine/control/etc failures, do these systems not represent a really good last resort option?  I know if I was to buy and fly in a light aircraft, I wouldn't be objecting to the inclusion of one of these rocket chute deals.

[colmbo]

I'm not opposed to a parachute system but on many light aircraft you're already limited on fuel/pax/baggage due to low gross weights….the parachute system means you have to leave something on the ramp.  There is no doubt they can save lives but for me it would be low on the list of things I'd install unless I was doing a type of flying with a very high risk of midair…but even then the Mk I eyeball and your brain are the best tools for staying alive.

[Wolfala]

As awful as this was, like many, and regardless of who was at fault, I was very interested to see the parachute recovery system on the fixed wing plane involved working, and saving lives.

What do you pilots here think about these systems on smaller light aircraft?  I realize there is no substitution for experience and consistent observation and other safe flying habits, but in cases where there is lapses in this, or even aircraft engine/control/etc failures, do these systems not represent a really good last resort option?  I know if I was to buy and fly in a light aircraft, I wouldn't be objecting to the inclusion of one of these rocket chute deals.

I am a Cirrus owner, but payload loss isn't really a consideration. I have 965 useful load, so I can't really get more utility out of it. That said, BRS as a weapon of last resort, that's why it's there if you have the presence of mind to use it. We treat it like an ejection seat with a envelope below 500 being a dead zone in a EFATO. 

[homersipes]

Wow that just gave me goosebumps all over, quite chilling to hear

[SysError]

As awful as this was, like many, and regardless of who was at fault, I was very interested to see the parachute recovery system on the fixed wing plane involved working, and saving lives.

What do you pilots here think about these systems on smaller light aircraft?  I realize there is no substitution for experience and consistent observation and other safe flying habits, but in cases where there is lapses in this, or even aircraft engine/control/etc failures, do these systems not represent a really good last resort option?  I know if I was to buy and fly in a light aircraft, I wouldn't be objecting to the inclusion of one of these rocket chute deals.

from a few years ago

Argentina RANS 7 Accident and Parachute Deployment

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mzh0gGj1zog

[rpm]

I think of that whenever people complain that the AvA no-enemy-icons settings are unrealistic....

I think of it when 2 planes collide in the MA. 1 flies away with zero damage and the other augers in. Now that's a realistic flight model.

[GScholz]

Regardless of how many mates I'd have to kick out onto the tarmac to stay within weight limits, if I buy a light aircraft I'll rather have a parachute like that...

[Gman]

Thanks Syserror I haven't seen that one before.  Pretty amazing how quickly it deployed and in only a few seconds, the remains of the a/c were floating serenely towards the earth.  Going from an insane rate of roll with a single wing to floating nose down nice and slow...incredible technology really.  I wonder how many lives would be saved if they made these things mandatory for pilots under a certain amount of logged time with light aircraft?