Dale Klapmeier Explains Key Insurance Policy Changes for Cirrus Safety

Early in his flying career, Alan Klapmeier survived a mid-air collision; the event inspired Klapmeier to find a viable safety solution for other pilots in similar emergency situations.  After thorough research and development, Cirrus premiered the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS).

Today, CAPS comes as standard equipment on every Cirrus aircraft, continuing the company’s commitment to general aviation safety.  In the event of an in-flight emergency, pilots can activate CAPS from within the cockpit, deploying a solid-fuel rocket out a rear hatch.  Within seconds, the rocket carries the parachute rearward, allowing the 55’ canopy to unfurl and slowing the aircraft rate of descent.  Since implementation, Cirrus states that there has been 18 CAPS deployments resulting in 35 lives saved.

Since introducing the system, Cirrus has continued its efforts to reduce any anxiety over CAPS deployment, including extensive simulation training.  Recently, however, some insurance companies have aided Cirrus’ efforts by eliminating deductibles in the case of damage caused by CAPS deployment. 

Greg Sterling, Vice President and Division Manager of LAD, one of the companies to change their insurance policy, explained the decision by stating, “In the interest of aviation safety, we want to eliminate any chance that a pilot might hesitate in deploying the recovery parachute in an emergency because of insurance or financial implications.”  Join Aero-TV as we talk with Dale Klapmeier about the importance of these policy changes.

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