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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
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