Pros and Cons
Good post nothing to add, but there are three negatives, it cost money, adds weight and is not as comfortable as a regular seat back.
There is one plus, it may save your life and passenger life some day. If you do dual acro its the law.
Once you get use to wearing a chute, you feel naked with out it. If you buy it and leave it in the hanger it will not do much good.
PS> Yes there have been many bail out's in single engine planes; Don't recall any in RV's specifically, but many acro pilots have bailed out and lived to fly another day. In fact a famous acro pilot just survived a bail out of a Sukhoi SU-31. (I think he bailed; info sketchy whether he bailed or rode the plane down that was destroyed by fire in a wooded area.)
Sukhoi SU-31 Down In Virginia
Fri, 24 Aug '07
Rescuers Meet Pilot Walking Down Mountain
ANN has confirmed with the airshow community the identity of the pilot of a Suhkoi Su-31 that went down Thursday in Virginia.
He is famed aerobatic pilot and coach Sergei Boriak, who -- in addition to his accomplishments as an aerobatic performer -- has also trained such notable performers as Patty Wagstaff, Gene Soucy, Mike Goulian, Kirby Chambliss, Keith Leedom, and Matt Chapman.
Aero-News is awaiting an update on Boriak's condition. As reported earlier, rescuers met the pilot as he walked down a hill from the accident site, and transported him to an area hospital.
It isn't clear if Boriak rode the aircraft in, or if he bailed out.
The FAA Preliminary Report states the accident aircraft, Boriak's aerobatic Sukhoi Su-31, was destroyed in the crash.
ORIGINAL REPORT
Virginia State Police report a 1999 Sukhoi SU-31 went down Thursday afternoon in a wooded area in northern Fauquier County.
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He has burns on his hands and face, possible broken bones - but is okay.