Why did he climb?

Please answer this question for me. I have to know. Sounds to me like the flight should have never taken place! Preflight planning is the best recovery system available!

I certainly agree with your comments. The Cirrus certainly has had its share of high profile accidents recently, and I’ve read a few accounts of their higher than normal accident levels.

Let me first say, I wish the Cessna Caravan had this recovery system because, in my opinon- it certainly needs it. ie; icing conditions and the stall.

The Cirrus appears to be a wonderful modern innovation and a – delight to behold airplane, albeit the avionics make a hugh pitch in sales appeal.

The ejection seat has been saving aviators for decades but has done nothing to preserve the aircraft. But being a government expenditure it probably really didn’t matter. Enough said.

If the ballistics recovery system has saved 184 lives, that means if all 4 seats were occupied ( which of course we know they were not ) it has involved 46 aircraft and we know that would be the minimum and in all liklehood a good deal more.

Isn’t that a high loss rate for a relatively new machine ? What percentage of those aircraft survived unscathed ?? Certainly not the one I saw land in the Hudson river ! !

Do we buy an airplane to survive the ride or purchase a good old baby Beech to hav fun ,improve our skills, take little or no major risks and play against the odds ??

I now reflect on the recent loss of two BAC aircraft , one with fatalities and one with serious injuries. Neither had the option of stepping out or pulling the proverbial rip-cord.

If cost were no object, perhaps we would all invest in this great back up invention.

I leave you with kindest regards and best wishes to all grass roots aviators.