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Date: Sat, 04 Aug 2007 10:56:39 -0400
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From: Hamid Wasti <hwasti@lm50.com>
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Subject: Re: [LML] Re: lancair announcement?
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Jeremy Fisher wrote:
> I don't think that there can be any question but that an aircraft 
> parachute could be a life saver even with a 160 kt limit.  Just think 
> about:
>  
> Engine failure at night
> Pilot incapacitation
> Partial control failure
> Engine failure over the sea
> Instrument failure
> Weather going under limits with no diversion
> Structural failure
Other than pilot incapacitation & control failure, all of those are a 
direct consequence of pre-flight or in-flight decisions made by the 
pilot. If you did not have a parachute, would you avoid putting yourself 
in those situations?

As for pilot incapacitation, it is a possibility, but the accident 
history shows it to be an extremely rare situation. This also begs the 
question: Would you consider flying with a parachute where you would 
have grounded yourself without it?

On the issue of "partial control failure" I can not think of many likely 
scenarios where you will be left with enough control to slow down the 
airplane by close to 200 knots, but without enough control to do a 
controlled crash equivalent to what you would get by pulling the chute.

I hope people realize that once you pull the chute you are a passenger 
with NO control whatsoever, heading into a controlled crash.  You have 
no realistic expectation of saving the airplane and a real possibility 
of serious injury.  It is definitely a lot better than an uncontrolled 
crash, but not as good as avoiding situations where a parachute will 
become necessary. A parachute is not a substitute for good judgment or 
good airmanship.

In closing let me acknowledge that this is a subject where we are less 
likely to reach consensus than a discussions about religion or which is 
the best beer.

Regards,

Hamid