Bert,
Shouldn't that be re-worded to read, "In order to get an STC to legally install a ballistic recovery system (whole aircraft parachute) you must demonstrate the system works by deploying one on the type certificated aircraft for which an STC is being sought." Would the FAA require a demonstration test before approving a one-time installation for a single aircraft? Naturally, the engineering report from a DER would be required at the very least. Still, as you point out, the regulatory hurdle is high. And, you've got the issue of destruction of the aircraft just right. Deployment of whole aircraft parachutes usually results in destruction of the aircraft. Additionally, I've seen it argued that a big percentage, perhaps nearly half, of the deployments were unneeded and the airplane should have been flown out of the problem. Ed
