Originally Posted by Pace
You raise some interesting points regarding the base level for a chute pull.
A climbing aircraft maybe climbing at 700fpm and abruptly loosing an engine would still have some upward momentum when the chute is pulled.
I would imagine this would have an effect on the chute being successful at a lower than base level as there would be less deceleration for the chute to counteract over a pull with an aircraft descending at maybe 700 fpm?
Probably further research could establish better guidelines.
Indeed, you point out an advantage of a climb attitude for deploying the Cirrus parachute -- upward momentum.
Except, experience with pilots in Cirrus simulators proves otherwise. Despite hiring the simulator to experience emergency procedures, despite thorough briefings with the simulator instructor, despite knowing they will be challenged by an engine-failure-on-takeoff scenario --
they don't pull!
Seems that until a Cirrus pilot forms a habit, they experience tunnel vision, panic, or freeze.
One sim instructor goes so far as to note "That I only have to kill them once!"
In retrospect, the combination of reviewing CAPS survivable scenarios with a briefing for departure on every flight gets into the minds of Cirrus pilots -- and they do things differently afterwards. The briefing includes establishing altitudes as well as the call-out for "CAPS and FLAPS" and an action to grasp the CAPS handle at 500' AGL. That helps build muscle memory and a habit to consider CAPS in an emergency.
Once you get into a Cirrus cockpit, have a great Cirrus day!
Cheers
Rick