"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.

FMI: www.cirrusdesign.com