An ejected pilot' s seat deploys a drogue chute shortly upon ejection so as to slow the pilot' s seat. A strain gauge is connected in line with a drogue chute to sense the load thereon. The load corresponds to speeds at which the ejected seat travels. As the ejected seat slows, the first possible safe speed for main parachute deployment is detected and a sequence controller causes rotation of a rotary solenoid shaft. The shaft displaces a mechanical stop for a parachute deployment timer. The main parachute is deployed shortly upon actuation of the parachute deployment timer. The result is main parachute deployment as soon as the ejected seat has reached a safe deployment speed, as opposed to after a longer fixed interval of time. This maximizes the altitude of descent for an ejected pilot, thereby increasing his safety factor for descent.