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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/pilot-ballistic-parachute-passenger

When would a passenger normally pull an airplane's ballistic parachute?

Only if the pilot is incapacitated.

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  1. Whenever the engine loses power
  2. After any in-flight system warning
  3. Only if the pilot is incapacitated ✔

Why: The AFH says pilots should brief passengers who can reach the handle on when deployment is safe and the basic steps. Generally, a passenger deploys it only if the pilot is incapacitated.

Huh, didn't know that: Deploying the parachute costs the airframe, but the AFH says using it in the right flight conditions saves lives.

The dad joke
My airplane has a parachute. It's the only thing in my life that knows how to slow down.
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References

Answer: Only if the pilot is incapacitated. The AFH says pilots should brief passengers who can reach the handle on when deployment is safe and the basic steps. Generally, a passenger deploys it only if the pilot is incapacitated.

  1. Airplane Flying Handbook FAA-H-8083-3C, Chapter 18 www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/airplane_handbook/19_afh_ch18.pdf
    Generally, the passenger would deploy the system only if the pilot were incapacitated.
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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