Hi! Frans
I've "kept my head down" hoping someone would tell you that one
"Miles.McAllum....." an editor of one of the UK magazines was developing a
suitable system of slings to which the BRS could be attached. It was a major
problem since the forward sling needs to be attached just behind the
propeller. The only place for the BRS canister would be central to the rear
of and between the back rests in the roof. He had loads of design problems
with the then -PFA. The forward sling required to either split the
windscreen inside or outside and certainly visually it was going to be a
"dogs dinner" Ultimately he ran out of steam on the project as a whole and
sold his kit on. If Miles or anyone has info contrary then I will rescind my
statements.
The rate of descent is likely to be pretty fast so ground impact would wreck
the aircraft anyway.
These things are a chance we all take so we need to be constantly aware of
"what if the donkey stops" where are we intending to land and will we likely
be cinders prior to impact ?
I think you need to be aware but as prepared as possible but then erase it
---From your worried brow !
Regards
Bob Harrison. G-PTAG
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-europa-list-server@matronics.com
[mailto:owner-europa-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of Frans Veldman
Sent: 14 December 2009 11:48
Subject: Europa-List: Emergency parachutes, opinions?
Dear fellow experimental aviators,
I'm looking at the pro's and con's of emergency parachutes. I'm sure
some people on this forums have thought about this subject and formed
opinions about it, and I would like to hear more about it. I have no
experience with parachutes nor any opinion further than that I can
imagine that there are a few occasions where parachutes could save ones
life. Even this could be unrealistic imagination of course.
Questions are:
1) What are the chances of getting out of a Europa in level flight
(frozen controls). Will you get hit by the tailplane if you just climb
out and let go?
2) What are the chances of getting out of a Europa after some sort of
structural failure where the aircraft may be spinning and tumbling? Will
G-forces pin you down in your seat?
3) Is there any statistics about the amount of lifes saved due to
parachutes in General Aviation applications?
Personal opinions, in case of being forced to make an emergency landing:
1) Over water, would you opt for being the first one to try to land the
Europa on open water, or rather jump out by parachute?
2) In non-hospitalised area's (like mountainous terrain), would you try
to make the best of it and land in the trees or river down the valley,
or rather jump out?
Any opinions welcome,
Frans
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