Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (Caps); Deployment Scenarios - Cirrus SR22 Pilot Operating Handbook

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SR22
• Leaking brake fluid at the caliper. This can be observed by checking for
evidence of fluid on the ground or deposited on the underside of the
wheel fairing. Wipe the underside of the fairing with a clean, white
cloth and inspect for red colored fluid residue.
• Overheated components, indicated by discoloration or warping of the
disk rotor. Excessive heat can cause the caliper components to discolor
or cause yellowing of the part identification label.
Refer to Section 8: Handling and Servicing, "Brake Servicing"
brake system servicing information and brake overheat inspection

Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS)

The Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS) is designed to lower the
aircraft and its passengers to the ground in the event of a life-threatening
emergency. CAPS deployment will likely result in damage to, or loss of, the
airframe, and possible injury to the aircraft occupants. Its use should not be
taken lightly. Instead, possible CAPS activation scenarios should be well
thought out and mentally practiced by every Cirrus pilot. Pilots who regu-
larly conduct CAPS training and think about using CAPS will often have a
higher probability of deploying CAPS when necessary.
The following discussion is meant to guide your thinking about CAPS acti-
vation. Cirrus also recommends that pilots discuss CAPS deployment
scenarios with instructors as well as fellow pilots through forums such as
the Cirrus Owners and Pilots Association. In the event of a spin or loss of
aircraft control, immediate CAPS activation is required. (See Section 3) In
other situations, CAPS activation is at the informed discretion of the pilot
in command. The following discussion is intended to be informative, not
directive. It is the responsibility of you, the pilot, to determine when and
how the CAPS will be used. It is important to understand, however, that
numerous fatalities that have occurred in Cirrus aircraft accidents likely
could have been avoided if pilots had made the timely decision to deploy
CAPS. It is also important to note that CAPS has been activated by pilots at
speeds in excess of 180 knots on multiple occasions with successful
outcomes. While the best speed to activate CAPS is below 140 knots indi-
cated airspeed, a timely activation is most important for loss of control situ-
ations.

Deployment Scenarios

This section describes possible scenarios in which CAPS activation is
appropriate. This list is not intended to be exhaustive, but merely illustra-
tive of the type of circumstances when CAPS deployment could be the most
appropriate means of saving the aircraft occupants.
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