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0 pointscookguyruffles4y ago0 comments

Am I correct in saying after one usage, the parachute system generally needs replaced? I think I read this about Cirrus planes anyway

0 comments

bbojan4y ago

I believe the whole airplane needs to be replaced after BRS use.

ahartmetz4y ago

It may sound pointless unless you consider that the pilot will not need to be replaced.

Leherenn4y ago

There's the issue that in many cases people tried to save the airframe rather than activate the parachute, knowing the aircraft was likely to be written off, and died doing so. It the same when the pilot is equipped with a parachute.

3 more replies

nopzor4y ago

yes, i think the way i’ve heard it pitched is that deploying the parachute will result in “a bad day for the insurance company, and a great day for the pilots and passengers”

miked854y ago

> Cirrus originally thought that the airframe would be damaged beyond repair on ground-impact, but the first aircraft to deploy (N1223S) landed in mesquite and was not badly damaged. [1]

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cirrus_Airframe_Parachute_Syst...

stevehawk4y ago

they're almost always totaled by the insurance company. Easier than risking that they missed a hairline fracture somewhere and have the plane go down again.

mc324y ago

Not necessarily. Frames can be repaired. Frame repairs and overhauls are common. If the damage is too extensive and expensive then you use it for parts.

AdrianB14y ago

Yes. The parachute has a pyrotechnic deployment mechanism that is consumed; I never saw a BRS sold in separate components, so you need to replace the entire package. The 10 year shelf life is coming from the pyrotechnic charge and the parachute material, they both age.

fnordfnordfnord4y ago

You can buy the components separately but they won't usually be certified so that's only useful for EAA types and people like Mike Patey.

jaywalk4y ago

The parachute system will need to be completely replaced after usage no matter what. Activating the parachute involves firing a small rocket motor to pull it out quickly.

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