Very cool option. The rocket propelled parashoot ^h^h parachute essentially totals the aircraft when used. Even a crash at post touchdown landing speeds is li

Very cool option. The rocket propelled parashoot ^h^h parachute essentially totals the aircraft when used. Even a crash at post touchdown landing speeds is likely easier on those on board. The autopilot features available to GA and experimental aircraft are quite impressive for holding things at a specific ask in various weather conditions. Not uncommon to have the autopilot active when flying in IFR conditions to help with some of the workload. Assuming the plane has GPS, a correct altimeter setting, and airspeed - between the instruments you get a reasonable amount of cross checking for accuracy and enough information to calculate your vector. If you actually fly/land at the speeds recommended, most of the time landing will be pretty uneventful. Many of the tablet/phone based GPS only solutions will give a pretty solid estimation of engine out glide distance too. You (should) pitch for 'best glide' speeds and in combination with the airport data bank with the GPS unit, know where you can get to. I'll push the 'direct to' nearest button and try for it were it in glide range. This sounds like it just connected all the automation dots. A good landing is where everyone leaves the plane safely. A great landing allows the plane to be used again. I suspect this is going for a good landing... which is fantastic news for the passenger.