With the Sad news concerning Steve Brown (my prayers go out to the family and friends), and with posts concerning the number pilots tragically lost in aviation accidents, is it time to consider escape methods other than going down with the aircraft or having to parachute over the side.
Reading the account of bailing out of the Super Corsair by Kevin Eldridge, the parameters for a successful bail out are narrow at low altitude and even then it is no guarantee of freedom from a major injury (as was the case for Kevin).
Here are some possibilities I know of,
A ballistic chute, as fitted to a number of aircraft (such as Cirrus).
I know there are weight and speed issues, but a number of VLJ's are planning on them being fitted.
Here's one of the companies that makes them;
A system as fitted to some aerobatic aircraft. i believe that in an Aero Gp race 2 aircraft collided, one pilot was killed and another was able to eject using such a seat (not rocket propelled, I think it's pnuematic ) That was at low altitude and in a race (ok not a reno style pylon race but it is a race with multiple aircraft on the course at the same time so it's still an air race). The system worked in a low altitude air race environment.
Here's a photo of it operating on a Su 29
Don't know it's speed parameters, but I'm sure it's not going to be fun to try and bail out the side at over 400mph in a normal escape either. i also remember some similar system was fitted to t-28s + skyraiders in vietnam
Or maybe an ex military seat fitted to an aircraft. Don't know about any leaglities on it, but there must be a number of seats out there available, such as from L-39s, Migs etc.
So why don't more aircraft have some form of emergency system? Any thoughts on the pros and cons of various options. What's everybody's thoughts on this?
When it comes down to it aircraft are replaceable, people aren't. A number of years ago my father was in an accident that could have almost killed him at work, if he had used proper equipment it wouldn't have happened. Is it a an idea who's time has come for air racing? the military have been using it for decades, and now many civil aircraft also.
Reading the account of bailing out of the Super Corsair by Kevin Eldridge, the parameters for a successful bail out are narrow at low altitude and even then it is no guarantee of freedom from a major injury (as was the case for Kevin).
Here are some possibilities I know of,
A ballistic chute, as fitted to a number of aircraft (such as Cirrus).
I know there are weight and speed issues, but a number of VLJ's are planning on them being fitted.
Here's one of the companies that makes them;
A system as fitted to some aerobatic aircraft. i believe that in an Aero Gp race 2 aircraft collided, one pilot was killed and another was able to eject using such a seat (not rocket propelled, I think it's pnuematic ) That was at low altitude and in a race (ok not a reno style pylon race but it is a race with multiple aircraft on the course at the same time so it's still an air race). The system worked in a low altitude air race environment.
Here's a photo of it operating on a Su 29
Don't know it's speed parameters, but I'm sure it's not going to be fun to try and bail out the side at over 400mph in a normal escape either. i also remember some similar system was fitted to t-28s + skyraiders in vietnam
Or maybe an ex military seat fitted to an aircraft. Don't know about any leaglities on it, but there must be a number of seats out there available, such as from L-39s, Migs etc.
So why don't more aircraft have some form of emergency system? Any thoughts on the pros and cons of various options. What's everybody's thoughts on this?
When it comes down to it aircraft are replaceable, people aren't. A number of years ago my father was in an accident that could have almost killed him at work, if he had used proper equipment it wouldn't have happened. Is it a an idea who's time has come for air racing? the military have been using it for decades, and now many civil aircraft also.
Comment