Are Planes With Parachutes Really Safer?
Summary
TLDRThe video discusses the development and impact of the Cirrus Aircraft Parachute System (CAPS), highlighting its invention by Alan and Dale Klapmeier and Boris Popov. The CAPS is designed to enhance aircraft safety by deploying a parachute in emergencies. Despite initial skepticism, the system has proven effective in reducing fatal accidents among Cirrus aircraft. The video emphasizes the importance of training pilots to use CAPS and shows how it has saved lives by lowering the fatal accident rate over the years.
Takeaways
- ✈️ The idea of using a parachute system for airplanes was initiated by Alan and Dale Klapmeier and developed by Boris Popov's company, Ballistic Recovery Systems.
- 🪂 The Cirrus Aircraft Parachute System (CAPS) has been in use for over 20 years and aims to enhance safety by allowing planes to descend safely in emergencies.
- 💡 CAPS involves a rocket-extracted parachute system that deploys from the baggage compartment, requiring a 45-pound pull to activate.
- 📉 Initially, the fatal accident rate for Cirrus airplanes was slightly higher than the general aviation average, but it has since improved to be average or even below average.
- 🚀 CAPS training emphasizes using the parachute as the first option in emergencies, not the last resort, helping pilots overcome hesitation to deploy the system.
- 📊 Data from the Cirrus Owners and Pilots Association (COPA) shows 98 CAPS deployments with 84 considered successful in saving lives.
- ⚠️ CAPS has a 100% survival rate for occupants when deployed within a realistic operating envelope, though there have been cases where it didn't fully deploy or malfunctioned.
- 📝 The Cirrus training program encourages pilots to remind themselves of the parachute's availability during flights to ensure they are prepared to use it if necessary.
- 📉 The graph data shows a decrease in fatal accidents correlating with increased CAPS deployments and improved pilot training.
- 🛠️ Cirrus offers free training for buyers of used airplanes under the Embark program to ensure all pilots are well-trained in using CAPS.
Q & A
What is the name of the parachute system developed by Alan and Dale Klapmeier?
-The parachute system is called the Cirrus Aircraft Parachute System, or CAPS.
How long has the CAPS system been in use?
-The CAPS system has been in use for 20 years.
What is the general perception of pilots regarding the use of a parachute system in an airplane?
-Some pilots may view the use of a parachute system as a sign of inexperience or lack of confidence, as it might imply they cannot handle an emergency situation without it.
What are the components of the CAPS system and where are they located?
-The parachute and rocket extractor are mounted behind the baggage compartment. The system weighs about 80 pounds and has a 55-foot round canopy.
What is the activation process for the CAPS system?
-The activation lever is on the cabin ceiling and requires a 45-pound pull that ignites the rocket, which then pulls the canopy out of the airplane inside its deployment bag.
What is the purpose of the 'slider' in the CAPS system?
-The slider slows the canopy inflation to reduce deployment loads, preventing the lightweight nylon parachute from being shredded during opening due to high air loads.
How does the CAPS system help in reducing injuries during a crash landing?
-The system uses pyrotechnic fuses on snub lines to allow the airplane to assume a more upright attitude, spreading the impact load to the landing gear and energy-absorbing seats.
What was the initial safety record of Cirrus aircraft before the widespread adoption of CAPS training?
-Initially, Cirrus had a fatal accident rate slightly higher than the general aviation average. It was only after pilots were trained to use CAPS that the rate decreased.
How has CAPS training influenced the decision-making of pilots during emergencies?
-CAPS training has instilled in pilots the idea of considering the parachute as the first option in an emergency, rather than a last resort, reducing the stigma associated with its use.
What is the maximum demonstrated deployment speed for the CAPS system?
-Cirrus gives the maximum demonstrated deployment speed as 133 to 140 knots, depending on the model.
What is the current fatal accident rate of Cirrus aircraft compared to the general aviation average?
-The current fatal accident rate of Cirrus aircraft is average or slightly below the general aviation average.
How many lives has the CAPS system saved according to the Cirrus Owners and Pilots Association (COPA)?
-COPA tracks CAPS deployments and lists 98 events, claiming 84 of these as saves, meaning lives were saved by using the parachute.
What is the survival rate of aircraft occupants when CAPS has been used within a realistic operating envelope?
-The survival rate of aircraft occupants when CAPS has been used within a realistic operating envelope is 100%; nobody has died for having decided to use the CAPS parachute.
What is the significance of the '500-foot call-out' in CAPS training?
-The 500-foot call-out is a training routine where the pilot verbalizes 'CAPS available' to remind themselves that the parachute is there for emergencies, making its use part of the flight routine.
Outlines
✈️ Introduction to the Cirrus Parachute System
The video script opens with a humorous anecdote about two men proposing a parachute system for airplanes, which evolved into the Cirrus Aircraft Parachute System (CAPS). This system has been around for 20 years and, while initially met with skepticism, it has proven to be a significant safety feature. The script highlights early doubts and misconceptions about the system, such as accidental deployments and crashes. However, it also notes that these fears were largely unfounded. The development of the system included rigorous testing, and the parachute system has been credited with saving lives, despite some initial resistance from the pilot community.
🛩️ Cirrus Accident Rates and Pilot Training
The second paragraph discusses the initial safety record of Cirrus aircraft, which had a higher than average fatal accident rate. By 2012, the rate began to improve, and by 2018, it was comparable to or better than the general aviation average. This improvement is attributed to increased pilot training, particularly in the use of CAPS. The Cirrus Owners and Pilots Association (COPA) played a key role in advocating for this training. The military faced similar challenges with ejection seats in the 1950s, where pilots had to be trained to use them effectively. CAPS training encourages pilots to consider the parachute as a viable option during emergencies, not just as a last resort.
🪂 CAPS Deployment and Effectiveness
The third paragraph delves into the mechanics and effectiveness of the CAPS. The parachute system can be deployed at any altitude and speed, although its effectiveness varies. Despite some incidents where the parachute failed to deploy correctly, overall, CAPS has been highly successful in saving lives. The Cirrus Owners Group tracks CAPS deployments, noting 98 events with 84 classified as saves. While the term 'saves' can be debated, it is clear that CAPS has significantly contributed to the survival of pilots and passengers in many emergencies. The paragraph also highlights the importance of proper training and the effectiveness of CAPS in various scenarios.
📉 Impact of CAPS on Accident Rates
The final paragraph examines the impact of CAPS on Cirrus accident rates over time. Despite an upward trend in the total number of Cirrus accidents, the fatal accident rate has remained low, thanks in part to the effective use of CAPS. The data suggests that increased training and the use of CAPS have played a crucial role in improving safety. Cirrus also offers free training for buyers of used aircraft through a program called 'Embark.' The video concludes with an emphasis on the importance of CAPS training in ensuring pilot safety and reducing fatal accidents.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Cirrus Aircraft
💡Parachute System
💡Boris Popov
💡CAPS (Cirrus Aircraft Parachute System)
💡Pilot Ego
💡Activation Lever
💡Deployment Bag
💡Pyrotechnic Fuses
💡Touchdown
💡Survivability
💡Training
💡Accident Rate
Highlights
The concept of a parachute system for airplanes, called CAPS (Cirrus Aircraft Parachute System), has been in use for 20 years.
CAPS was developed by Boris Popov and his company, Ballistic Recovery Systems.
Initially, there was skepticism among pilots about the necessity and effectiveness of using a parachute system in airplanes.
Cirrus aircraft experienced a higher fatal accident rate before the widespread adoption of CAPS.
The CAPS system weighs about 80 pounds and uses a 55-foot round canopy for deployment.
Activation of CAPS requires a 45-pound pull to ignite the rocket and deploy the parachute.
The system is designed to reduce deployment loads with a device called a 'slider' to prevent the parachute from shredding.
CAPS has been credited with saving lives, with 98 events recorded, of which 84 are considered 'saves'.
Pilots were trained to consider using CAPS as a first option in emergency situations, rather than a last resort.
CAPS deployment at any altitude can offer some drag and reduce g-forces during a crash, even if it doesn't fully deploy.
There have been cases where CAPS deployment resulted in minor or serious injuries, but the survival rate remains 100%.
Data suggests that CAPS has contributed to lowering the fatal accident rate of Cirrus aircraft.
Cirrus provides free training for used aircraft buyers to ensure they know how to use CAPS, under a program called 'InSight'.
The introduction of CAPS has changed the perception of safety in general aviation, encouraging pilots to prioritize safety over ego.
Despite some accidents occurring due to incorrect CAPS deployment, no fatalities have been attributed to the use of the parachute system.
The overall trend in serious accidents is increasing, but the fatal accident rate remains low, indicating the effectiveness of safety measures like CAPS.
Cirrus's approach to safety, including the推广 of CAPS, has been a significant factor in the reduction of fatal accidents in general aviation.
Transcripts
[Music]
you can hit pause if you've heard this
one two guys walk into a bar there are
plain guys one says to the other hey how
about this we put a rocket in the
baggage compartment of an airplane and
then we tie a parachute to it and if the
pilots about to crash or he gets scared
he can push a button and lower the whole
thing to the ground who would do this
who would believe it well these two guys
did that's Alan and Dale clap Meyer this
guy sold into parachute his name is
Boris Popov his company is called
ballistic recovery systems and while you
weren't looking or maybe thinking about
it this parachute system called the
Cirrus aircraft parachute system or caps
has been out there flying for 20 years
yep that long but it's still enough of a
novelty that if there's a camera around
and when is there not a camera around
the footage will make the evening news
not quite up to Russian dashcam
standards maybe but I caching
nonetheless now I wouldn't say all
pilots are egotistical jerks exactly but
we can be kind of funny you know like
somehow you're not a real pilot if you
got to fly around with a parachute to
pull your fat out of the fire so when
the Cirrus parachute system first
appeared the whisper campaign started
right away like the first pole would be
on the ground or some kid would pull it
by accident or the airplane would landed
powerlines and blow up or worse plan
in the middle of a Black Friday
doorbusters none of that happened oh
we're one airplane got struck by
lightning on the ground and puked the
parachute out the back and a couple have
landed in paralyze but none blew up
sometime around 1998 I stood in this
place
it's the Cirrus Factory in Duluth
Minnesota and they were doing tests on
the airframe by dropping it from the
ceiling they'll clap Meyer told me two
things I clearly remember one the
parachute would be a wild ride and the
people in the airplane would live but
wouldn't escape injury and two the
airplane would be trashed never to fly
again those things turned out to be true
sometimes and sometimes not so what has
happened was the cirrus parachute system
just a clever sales gimmick or has it
actually saved lives and made the
airplane safer as it was intended to do
I'll get to the numbers in a minute but
first let's talk about how this system
works the parachute and rocket extractor
are mounted behind the baggage
compartment the system weighs about 80
pounds and the latest versions have a 55
foot round canopy this parachutes go
that's pretty big the activation lever
is on the cabin ceiling and requires a
45 pound pull that lights the rocket and
that pulls the canopy out of the
airplane inside its deployment bag you
can see that clearly in this footage
shot by the Coast Guard of a Cirrus that
had a fuel issue over the Pacific Ocean
in 2015 in two seconds the shroud lines
are fully stretched then the canopy
comes out of the deployment bag and
begins to inflate the skinny donut thing
is called a slider and it slows the
canopy inflation to reduce deployment
loads that's important because the
parachute has to be made of light enough
nylon to pack into a small volume and
the slider slows things down so the air
loads don't shred the parachute during
opening initially the airplane is nosed
down but there are pyrotechnic fuses on
what are called snub lines and they're
designed to burn through and allow the
airplane to assume a more
upright attitude that spreads the impact
load to the landing gear and the energy
absorbing seats as Dale clap Meyer said
depending on the landing surface the
touchdown is no picnic but it's not a
trainwreck either the vertical descent
speed under canopy is about 1,700 feet
per minute or about 19 miles per hour
it's less than that if the parachute has
horizontal component from drifting in
the wind depending on the wind and sea
state a touchdown on water can be on the
sporting side this is probably the best
video of an actual touchdown on grass
with what appears to be no horizontal
wind component the pilot got a small cut
on his head but essentially both people
were uninjured caps did exactly what it
was supposed to do but overall has the
cap system really delivered
I bet back into our early reporting on
the Sira starting in 1994 when the
company touted the parachute the 26 g
energy absorbing seats and structure
cabin flail space and state-of-the-art
avionics as safety items without
actually saying it serious invited
buyers to think they were getting the
safest light airplane ever initially it
didn't work out that way Sears had a
rash of early fatal accidents and when I
analyzed the accident data in 2012 the
Cirrus Line had a fatal accident rate
slightly higher than the general
aviation average six years later the
Cirrus airplanes now have a fatal
accident rate that's average or maybe
even a little below the general aviation
average so what happened well 2011
happened for one thing that year 31
Cirrus airplanes had accidents 16 of
them were fatal to on just one day in
November a little before that the Cirrus
owners and Pilots Association coppa and
specifically this guy the Association
safety expert Rick beech figured out
something
most of these fatal accidents could have
been prevented if the pilots had just
used the parachute this accident near
the Bahama Islands in 2012 got a lot of
press positive press and it kind of iced
the cake on the push to train pilots in
the use of caps the military had the
same problem when ejection seats first
appeared in the 1950s pilots just
weren't used to analyzing how to use
that get me out of this thing button so
they dug a bunch of smoking holes while
sitting in perfectly good ejection seats
so let's bore into captain egos noggin
here to understand the nature of the
problem when the poop hits the fan our
man doesn't want to immediately admit
defeat because he is after all the
immortal clone of Chuck Yeager so he
tries to work the problem and fix it
except maybe he gets a little TAS
saturated which is fancy psychobabble
for his brain turning to quivering mush
not only has he forgotten about the caps
handle a foot from his ear he may be
only vaguely aware he's in an airplane
at all Cirrus has dedicated caps
training kind of installs another gear
in the pilots head that makes thinking
about caps use part of the flight
routine for example when climbing out
after takeoff at 500 feet
the pilot verbalizes caps available to
remind himself that the parachute is
there for other emergencies say engine
failures turbulence upsets or loss of
control Cirrus now trains pilots to
consider the parachute as the first
option not the last resort training also
emphasizes that if you have any doubt
about the survivability of the situation
use the parachute forget the stigma it's
better to go home at night with a good
story than to ride your ego into a
crater the 500 foot call-out might
suggest that the parachute can't be
affected below that altitude but Boris
Popov he's the guy who makes the
parachute says the better way to think
about it is that the parachute can be
used at any altitude
any speed or at least speeds that aren't
too fast Cirrus gives the maximum
demonstrated deployment speed as 133 to
140 knots depending on the model but the
parachute has been successfully deployed
at speeds much higher than that
Popov says that even at very low
altitudes deploying the parachute will
offer some drag and reduce the g-forces
in a crash even if it doesn't fully
deploy the Cirrus owners group tracks
caps poles carefully and currently lists
98 events of these it claims 84 are
saves meaning lives were saved by using
the parachute I might quibble with that
term saved because it implies that
whatever emergency the pilot confronted
could only have been resolved by the
parachute that's not always true in the
case of an engine failure or even a loss
of control
in fact in two cases pilots pulled the
parachute but it failed to deploy
properly and the pilots were forced to
land trailing the malfunction parachuted
both did that safely in a third incident
the rocket didn't fire at all after the
pilot lost control in clouds but the
pilot regained control
and landed in a field it turned out to
have been a Fault in the handle cable
mechanism quite a few caps poles have
been at low altitudes as low as 300 feet
and the pilot and passengers have
survived often uninjured this much is
true
when caps has been used within a
realistic operating envelope survival of
the aircraft occupants has been 100
percent in other words nobody has died
for having decided to use the caps
parachute even when it didn't work
correctly but that's not to say there
having been fatal accidents Copas data
shows eight fatal crashes in which
parachute use was attempted or may have
been attempted one was a California
crash in which the airplane was flying
well over 200 knots far above the
maximum deployment speed eight others
appear to have occurred because
deployment was attempted at altitudes so
whoa the parachute just didn't have time
to deploy fully injuries have occurred
in caps landings but at a rate lower
than Sears may have initially expected
in those 84 saves
I counted 19 accidents with minor
injuries and 10 with serious injuries
those are small total numbers to
calculate meaningful rates but I call
the probability of a minor injury about
one in four and a major injury about one
and eight it should come as no surprise
that parachutes aren't perfect and
neither is capped in this accident for
reasons that weren't clear the airplane
struck nose first injuring all three
people aboard the NTSB called it a
faulty deployment these pictures were in
the accident docket because the aircraft
was in a planned practice formation
flight
a quick-thinking person in the wing
airplane took the photos injuries aside
has caps actually lowered the Cirrus
fatal accident rate the available data
suggests that it has although there are
probably other factors it took a while
to get there take a look at this graph
the red line traces fatal accidents
since 2001 the Green Line shows caps
deployments behinds cross after 2013
that's not just luck as pilots were more
aggressively trained to use caps they
used it and inevitably fewer of them
died in crashes pretty simple math
consider 2018 as just a single year of
accidents with more than 7,000 airplanes
out there the cirrus fleet flies about a
million hours a year 2018 was a bad year
for steers accidents 29 total but only
six were fatal coppa counted 10 caps
pulls in 2018 with the number of fatal
spend twice as high without all those
caps deployments hard to say for sure
but probably here's what the 2018
accident rate looks like with caps and
here's what it might have been without
it one last number here that yellow line
is a total number of serious accidents
it has been trending upward recently
although fatal accidents remain low the
rising trend is somewhat of a mystery
but the theory is that as more serious
airplanes get older they're cheaper to
buy and that expands ownership to more
pilots who being cheap might not take
the training on the other hand those
accidents look less worrisome if you
consider that as a cirrus fleet grows
the accidents aren't increasing much
that's the same as a declining rate to
its credit Cirrus offers these buyers of
used airplanes free training under a
program called in bark it's free how
could it not be a good deal and if you
wanted to figure out how to use that
parachute if you lose it in a series of
dark and stormy night it could save you
from being just another dot on one of my
annoying graphs for a bleb
I'm Paul bird or Ellie thanks for
watching oh and by the way this isn't
one of those weather channel clickers
it's the key fob for my truck
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