General Deployment Information - Cirrus SR22 Pilot Operating Handbook

Cirrus Design
SR22

General Deployment Information

Deployment Speed
The maximum speed at which deployment has been demonstrated is 140
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.
Deployment Attitude
The CAPS has been tested in all flap configurations at speeds ranging
from Vso to Va. Most CAPS testing was accomplished from a level attitude.
Deployment from a spin was also tested. From these tests it was found that
as long as the parachute was introduced to the free air by the rocket, it
would successfully recover the aircraft into its level descent attitude under
parachute.
P/N 13772-004 P/N 13772-004
Original Issue
Section 10
Safety Information
10-7 10-7