In the pursuit of enhancing safety during emergencies, the notion of equipping airplanes with giant parachutes may initially appear appealing. However, upon closer examination, this idea proves to be impractical. Commercial airliners possess an immense weight, and the parachute system required to support such a monumental load would be substantial, leading to a significant reduction in passenger capacity and fuel carriage. Moreover, it is crucial to recognize that passengers lack the necessary training for emergency parachute usage and landing techniques. Unlike skydiving aircraft with modified or no doors, the emergency exits of commercial flights remain inaccessible in mid-air, even with passengers’ best efforts. Additionally, the weight of individual parachutes, ranging between 15 and 40 pounds, would quickly accumulate, negatively impacting the carrier’s overall weight reduction efforts.
Statistical data reveals that the majority of airplane accidents occur during takeoff or landing, rendering the need for parachutes during flight considerably rare. While whole-aircraft parachutes have proven effective in saving lives in small planes, the implementation of such an extreme safety measure remains questionable from the perspective of aviation experts. Considering these factors, it becomes evident that the idea of attaching giant parachutes to commercial airplanes, with the intention of saving both the aircraft and its passengers during emergencies, is ultimately unfeasible. Consequently, there exist numerous valid reasons why parachutes are not carried by commercial airlines for passenger use.
Author – Vishnu Ravi
Aerospace Engineer