Zephire helicopter parachute
 

Not see this mentioned before...

I never fly that high. What's the minimum altitude for successful deployment/stabilisation of descent?

A bit of digging... Zephir website

I will have to get a second cup of coffee and think about this a bit before responding.

Having flown helicopters for more than a few years and been involved in both military and civilian parachute jumping....and having an air bag equipped vehicle......I have some questions about the system being undertaken.

Assuming this company has done its homework, it would be interesting to see what data they are using to establish the frequency of If (amazingly) it shows that low-time PPLs in small, low inertia, aircraft are likely to be in this position more than other rotary pilots, there's always a dichotomy in adding weight and complexity to a small helicopter to increase safety. Good for them if it works, but until then, I'll keep watching the RRPM gauge and listening to the engine note.

Thinking about this....what could possibly go wrong?

Thinking of volunteering for Test Pilot duty are you 212Man?

So the pilot flies thinking "If the donk stops I don't need to lower the lever, I allow the Nr to decay and deploy the chute. The chute didn't deploy - oh bother!"

I know it's a bit early for April fools lads, but come on this is really funny!!!!:O

Well, this is the system that our future transport will depend upon - the Fabulous Electric Drone Taxi of the Sky!

Obviously enter autorotation first, establish a ROD then deploy the shute, then confirm deployment of shute before gently raising lever to bleed off RRPM and apply rotor brake I should think... Could be useful if donk quits at night or IIMC etc or if over a city where you would not want a spinning rotor to decapitate pedestrians...

So if you just want to squash them, that's fine.

212 Man....seems to have lost. his sense of adventure since I last had a Heineken with him at the famous Container Bar in Igdugboe!

Going to be pretty if it accidently deploys.

Imagine the sequence with that field where it set down, with some high-tension power lines in the background. At least with an auto, you have a little control over where you're going to set down. With a parachute, you're at the mercy of the wind.

A ballistic parachute is a reasonable option for single-engine Cirrus planes, because the alternative is finding a big patch of open area to glide into. Not always easy in built-up areas, hostile terrain, or open water ditching at speed. On a helicopter, maybe not so much. Plus the added weight, aerodynamic drag, and risk of accidental deployment. I think it would have to be a purpose-built design, like a "safe Robby" for the entry-level private owner with some bucks to spend (like Cirrus).

If it really works that well, its a bloody good idea on a single engine helicopter over "hostile" terrain.

This is a well questioned path on this forum. To operate single-engined over "hostile" terrain requires a number of mitigations to be in place to reduce the risk in the event of an engine failure. Commercial or Military operators are very familiar with these, and again I would be fascinated in the data that shows an engine failure (or drive issue) at altitude that can't be managed with a correctly executed autorotation, including zero speed onto rugged terrain. The main risk mitigation for non-commercial operations should be not to operate over "hostile" terrain unless absolutely imperative.