Rescue systems for aircraft

Sistemi di salvataggio con paracadute balistico — © NASA

It is well known that motor vehicles can be equipped with airbags. However, only a few rescue workers are aware of what a ballistic rescue system with a parachute in an aircraft is and what the dangers of such a parachute rescue system are. It becomes particularly dangerous if a rescue system was not activated in a plane crash.

Technical developments are making it possible that an increasing amount of aircraft can be equipped with a rescue system. How you can tell whether a rescue system could be installed and what precautions need to be taken in the event of an accident is explained in the brochure (in German language) below.

Such rescue systems are also known as “Ballistic Recovery System” (BRS). The term "Ballistic Parachute System" (BPS) is also sometimes used. Cirrus Aircraft calls it the "Cirrus Airframe Parachute System" (CAPS) and BRM Aero s.r.o. calls it "Aircraft Emergency Parachute System" (AEPS).

Many aircraft can also be equipped with total rescue systems from Galaxy Holding s.r.o. Such systems are known as GRS.

Rescue workers are made aware of the dangers during training. It is recommended that you always carry the checklist with you: