Thu, Mar 29, 2007
"Abnormal" Deployment Triggers SB
In response to a recent abnormal event involving the Cirrus
Airframe Parachute System™ (CAPS), on Thursday Cirrus Design
sent a letter to customers advising them of an upcoming Service
Advisory (SA-709) and Mandatory Service Bulletin to implement
design changes.
Cirrus Design tells ANN that although CAPS system is robust --
and has proven itself in the field repeatedly, with nine successful
deployments in which 21 lives were saved -- an event occurred
recently in which an aircraft attempted to deploy the CAPS system
during an in-flight emergency. The rocket fired normally, however
the rocket trajectory was abnormal.
The company believes a repeat of this condition is unlikely;
nonetheless, Cirrus deems it "imperative" to modify the system on
all aircraft. The company has engineered changes to the system, and
will be issuing a Service Advisory and Mandatory Service Bulletin
to implement these changes.
Cirrus is now manufacturing field kits to modify all aircraft.
The company is also training Service Centers -- both domestically
and internationally -- to update all aircraft in a timely fashion.
On April 4, 2007, multiple locations will be prepared to install
these modifications. By mid-April, Cirrus plans to have over
200 personnel and most Service Centers trained to provide this
modification safely and expeditiously.
Cirrus owners are advised to contact their local Service Center,
to establish a date for this modification. Cirrus Design will
provide all parts and labor for this modification.
Customers are also asked to go to the Cirrus website (at the FMI
link below) and click on "MyCIRRUS" for additional updates.
Even though Cirrus is issuing this Service Advisory and
Mandatory Service Bulletin, the company still recommends pilots
do not hesitate to activate the CAPS system in a life
threatening situation.
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