SixPapaCharlie
May the force be with you
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Sixer
So there is a major buzz on the FAA chat thing about GA safety.
Now they (Damn the man) want all GA aircraft to not only have BRS but also the Dynamic Inflatable Cushioned Kevlar System or "DICKS"
Shown here:
Once all planes have DICKS on board GA accidents will be reduced near 0 with exception to the in-flight fire or post DICKS deployment into a flock of birds.
As long as DICKS are used within the parameters survivability should be guaranteed.
It is currently in the testing phases and the biggest concern at this point is premature deployment of the DICKS which can lead to issues as prolonged usage of DICKS can cause fatigue in the system.
Due to the pressures required to use the system, it is only good for a few minutes and there is a period of time post deployment where it has to reset before it can be used again. Currently most of the test pilots are falling asleep during this period of testing. They are not sure why just yet.
Current thinking is that pilots will have to gauge how long until impact and make sure not to pull the DICKS too soon and also not too late.
The system is a joint effort by a committee formed from Cirrus and NASA currently called Ballistic Aviation Landing Lifeline Systems or "BALLS" for short.
It is a problem that BALLS has been itching to get their hands on for quite some time and now with breakthroughs in technology with regards to lighter stronger materials, BALLS has the answer. And the Answer seems to be DICKS.
"DICKS BALLS is the end all solution to aviation fatalities" said one engineer. He also noted as you would expect "Bigger planes will have bigger DICKS and nobody should be surprised by this"
When asked if older planes could be retrofitted with DICKS the response was simple "I don't know but Also I don't work here, I am just visiting my son in college and thought I would take this tour. I was right in front of you in line for the tickets."
We don't really know what to make of that but we suspect that is science talk for "Hell yes".
Once DICKS is on your plane, there are some things to consider.
DICKS must be serviced frequently and there is a fee for that.
DICKS requires a lot of maintenance as there are a lot of chemicals in the system and any sort of spillage of these substances cause major problems especially if it gets in your hair or eyes.
Service is needed when indicated when the system status light turns blue.
BALLS has thought of everything it seems.
Some of the modules on the DICKS can be ruptured after landing to help search and rescue. One of the modules if filled with bright red smoke for easy location.
The rest are filled with confetti because if you are using DICKS it means you are in a hairy situation. Studies have shown that popping a balloon full of confetti raises serotonin levels and even if it is just for a few brief moments, then it is worth spewing confetti all over a hillside.
I personally am glad to see this level of safety being brought to the GA community.
Note: Currently it is undecided if DICKS will be mandatory.
Only time will tell.
Now they (Damn the man) want all GA aircraft to not only have BRS but also the Dynamic Inflatable Cushioned Kevlar System or "DICKS"
Shown here:
Once all planes have DICKS on board GA accidents will be reduced near 0 with exception to the in-flight fire or post DICKS deployment into a flock of birds.
As long as DICKS are used within the parameters survivability should be guaranteed.
It is currently in the testing phases and the biggest concern at this point is premature deployment of the DICKS which can lead to issues as prolonged usage of DICKS can cause fatigue in the system.
Due to the pressures required to use the system, it is only good for a few minutes and there is a period of time post deployment where it has to reset before it can be used again. Currently most of the test pilots are falling asleep during this period of testing. They are not sure why just yet.
Current thinking is that pilots will have to gauge how long until impact and make sure not to pull the DICKS too soon and also not too late.
The system is a joint effort by a committee formed from Cirrus and NASA currently called Ballistic Aviation Landing Lifeline Systems or "BALLS" for short.
It is a problem that BALLS has been itching to get their hands on for quite some time and now with breakthroughs in technology with regards to lighter stronger materials, BALLS has the answer. And the Answer seems to be DICKS.
"DICKS BALLS is the end all solution to aviation fatalities" said one engineer. He also noted as you would expect "Bigger planes will have bigger DICKS and nobody should be surprised by this"
When asked if older planes could be retrofitted with DICKS the response was simple "I don't know but Also I don't work here, I am just visiting my son in college and thought I would take this tour. I was right in front of you in line for the tickets."
We don't really know what to make of that but we suspect that is science talk for "Hell yes".
Once DICKS is on your plane, there are some things to consider.
DICKS must be serviced frequently and there is a fee for that.
DICKS requires a lot of maintenance as there are a lot of chemicals in the system and any sort of spillage of these substances cause major problems especially if it gets in your hair or eyes.
Service is needed when indicated when the system status light turns blue.
BALLS has thought of everything it seems.
Some of the modules on the DICKS can be ruptured after landing to help search and rescue. One of the modules if filled with bright red smoke for easy location.
The rest are filled with confetti because if you are using DICKS it means you are in a hairy situation. Studies have shown that popping a balloon full of confetti raises serotonin levels and even if it is just for a few brief moments, then it is worth spewing confetti all over a hillside.
I personally am glad to see this level of safety being brought to the GA community.
Note: Currently it is undecided if DICKS will be mandatory.
Only time will tell.
Awesome!!
