I suppose "Controlled Landing into Terrain" wouldn't have worked out, acronym-wise. :cool:

Apparently "14 of the aircraft involved in CAPS deployments have been repaired and put back into service".

"Revision A7 of the Cirrus SR22 POH currently states "CAPS deployment is expected to result in damage to the airframe" that updates the earlier language that "The system is intended to saves the lives of the occupants but will most likely destroy the aircraft."

It sounds like it's repairable in *some* cases, or the CAPS have gotten better.. Cool !! This is the thing that will bring me back to general aviation...

it is not uncommon at all for a "totaled" aircraft to be repaired back to service for one reason or another.

When I worked on Twin Otters that was our companies biggest revenue stream, lease the Twotter out for 5 years, they wreck it inside of 3, the company take the insurance payout, buys the written off remains and repairs and puts them back in service. That is a fairly unique aircraft because until recently it could not be replaced, but I have seen a Twotter valued at 1.8M get over 2M in repairs....

A parachute is a good idea, but there are some downsides.

Controlling weight is critical with airplanes, and adding a chute system to an airplane that was not designed for it will increase its empty weight considerably- possibly turning a four-seat airplane into a three-seater, or at least severely limiting how much baggage can be carried.

If the chute is installed in the same position as the Cirrus, behind the cabin, it will make the airplane tail-heavy. Even if the airplane is below its maximum weight, it may be difficult to keep the airplane within its legal CG (Center of Gravity) range. Airplanes come with detailed charts to calculate exact weight and balance to insure normal flight characteristics. Flying nose-heavy or tail-heavy will turn you into a test pilot!

While parachutes are available for several airplanes now, they are not popular outside the Cirrus, that comes with them from the factory.