6.1 CAPS — Cirrus Airframe Parachute System

DRAFT lesson page — content pending POH verification and video production.

Learning Objectives

• State the CAPS deployment envelope — max speed and minimum altitudes ‹VERIFY POH›
• Apply the deploy / no-deploy decision framework to realistic scenarios
• Actuate CAPS correctly and perform the post-deployment flow
• Brief passengers on CAPS before and during an event

In This Lesson

• CAPS is standard, primary safety equipment — a whole-airframe parachute
• The deployment envelope and why pulling early matters
• Handle location and actuation: cover off, both hands, firm straight pull
• The deploy sequence: rocket, canopy, stabilized descent
• Post-deployment: fuel and electrical, brace; plus the passenger briefing

Video

In production — original CAPS deployment animation + Austin cockpit-handle footage + AI voiceover.

Knowledge Check

• CAPS handle actuation: cover off, both hands, firm straight pull
• Consider CAPS for loss of control, engine failure with no safe landing site, and pilot incapacitation — not a normal stabilized approach
• After deployment the priority is to prepare the cabin and brace
• Minimum deployment altitude, level vs. after loss of control ‹VERIFY POH›
• CAPS passenger briefing occurs before every flight