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

Section 10 Cirrus Design
Safety Information SR22

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 is likely to result in damage
to the airframe and, possible injury to 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 regularly 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
activation. 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 indicated
airspeed, a timely activation is most important for loss of control
situations.

Deployment Scenarios

This section describes possible scenarios in which the activation of the
CAPS is appropriate. This list is not intended to be exclusive, but
merely illustrative of the type of circumstances when CAPS
deployment could be the only means of saving the occupants of the
aircraft.
Mid-Air Collision
A mid-air collision likely will render the airplane unflyable by damaging
the control system or primary structure. If a mid-air collision occurs,
immediately evaluate if the airplane is controllable and structurally
capable of continued safe flight and landing. Unless it is apparent that
structural and control system damage has not occurred, CAPS
10-4 P/N 13772-004
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