BRS Expands Cessna Parachute Centers

At a time when changing perceptions about flight safety have pilots more interested in whole aircraft parachute systems, BRS Aerospace is expanding their network of approved installation centers for chute retrofits on Cessna 172s and 182s. In an exclusive podcast, company President Enrique Dillon told AVweb that BRS is looking to increase the number of approved centers around the world.

BRS, which is perhaps best known for providing whole aircraft parachute systems for Cirrus, reports 376 lives saved by their technology, including one deployment on a Cessna 182. The BRS parachute system was approved for the Cessna 172s (1966 and newer) in 2002 and 182s (1964 and newer) in 2004. Since then, Dillon says, hundreds of retrofit installations have been completed. Installation kits cost $17,500 for the Cessna 182 and $15,500 for the Cessna 172. In addition to the kit cost, owners should expect to pay for an average of 40 to 45 hours installation time. The 172 system adds 79 pounds. The 182 chute weighs in at 85 pounds.

The company has added five centers to its Cessna network in the past five months. Shops interested in becoming BRS approved installation centers work with BRS until they have successfully completed a couple of chute installations. Installations don't have to be completed at approved centers, though BRS says the centers have the advantage of familiarity with both the product and with BRS personnel.