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  #45  
Old February 13th 04, 12:03 AM
Chris OCallaghan
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The group demonstrates the spectrum of opinions on this subject from
"Not me, brother," to "Anyone opposed should be held criminally
liable."

Gerhard Waibel said it best (paraphrase): "If I can get the parachute
off the pilot's back, I have the space I need to build a cockpit that
will protect him."

In the under 2000 ft agl realm, a rocket deployed chute is very, very
desirable. Or if the pilot is incapacitated as a result of collision.
Or if the pilot is physically unable to exit the aircraft due to
infirmity or high g loading. Or if the pilot would prefer to stay with
his significantly more visible glider and its reliable ELT.

Control is also very desirble. In mountainess terrain, it might be
better to have a square on your back. Nice to have options. Including
deploying your recovery system, then taking your time to decide if and
how to evacuate the cockpit.

Schempp Hirth has put BRSs in several gliders during the past year. My
order was a little too early, or I'd have had one myself.