S
ECTION
10: S
AFETY
I
NFORMATION
C
IRRUS
D
ESIGN
C
IRRUS
A
IRFRAME
P
ARACHUTE
S
YSTEM
(CAPS)
SR20
10-6
P/N 11934-005
Mid-Air Collision
A mid-air collision likely will render the airplane unflyable by damaging
the control system or primary structure. If a mid-air collision occurs,
immediately evaluate if the airplane is controllable and structurally capable
of continued safe flight and landing. Unless it is apparent that structural
and control system damage has not occurred, CAPS activation is recom-
mended. If you are not sure of the condition of the aircraft following a
mid-air collision, CAPS activation is recommended.
Structural Failure
Structural failure may result from many situations, such as: encountering
severe gusts at speeds above the airplane's structural cruising speed, inad-
vertent full control movements above the airplane's maneuvering speed, or
exceeding the design load factor while maneuvering. If a structural failure
occurs, CAPS activation is recommended.
Loss of Control
Loss of control may result from many situations, such as: a control system
failure (disconnected or jammed controls); severe wake turbulence, severe
turbulence causing upset, severe airframe icing, or pilot disorientation
caused by vertigo or panic. If loss of control occurs, the CAPS should be
activated immediately.
• WARNING •
In the event of a spin, immediate CAPS activation is mandatory. Under
no circumstances should the pilot attempt recovery from a spin other
than by CAPS activation.
Landing Required in Terrain not Permitting a Safe Landing
If a forced landing on an unprepared surface is required CAPS activation is
recommended unless the pilot in command concludes there is a high like-
lihood that a safe landing can be accomplished. If a condition requiring a
forced landing occurs over rough or mountainous terrain, over water out
of gliding distance to land, over widespread ground fog or at night, CAPS
activation is strongly recommended. Numerous fatalities that have
occurred in Cirrus aircraft accidents likely could have been avoided if pilots
had made the timely decision to deploy CAPS.
While attempting to glide to an airfield to perform a power off landing, the
pilot must be continuously aware of altitude and ability to successfully
perform the landing. Pilot must make the determination by 2000' AGL if
the landing is assured or if CAPS will be required.
Reissue A