"Getstuffed" wrote:

The power of the charge that expels the pilot from a crippled aircraft is
far more than a homebuilt or GA aircraft could bear. The structure would
simply fail. Your best best is a recovery chute save yourself and the plane.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Forget the recovery chute for most homebuilts, too.
The majority of airframes are not designed for an
aftermarket recovery chute attach point, the shock
loads or even safe deployment without rigorous,
tedious and expensive R&R. Then there is the
trade off issues of weight reducing the payload,
range and performance.

Rarely does a major airframe package fail.
Wings seldom fall off without provocation.
So, in most cases, 'tis far more practical and
do-able to just GUIDE the aircraft to a safe TD...
even in treetops.

Most failures are... plain old fuel starvation with
CFIT ranking quite high, as well. Bang for the
buck would dictate that efforts be expanded in
schooling pilots in these failures before attempting
a costly idiot proof airplane of marginal performance.

Neither screw up calls for a pricey parachute with
the problems associated with attaching and then
perfecting the package for an 'iffy' deployment.

If all else fails, WEAR a parachute. It has not the
high tech flavor that some here would embrace,
but damn.... it is simple, cheap and it works!


Barnyard BOb - powered flight is a gas, er, requires gas