When I was researching the install of a BRS parachute in a Cessna 182, I found limited information available online.

BRS is the company that makes chutes for Cirrus Aircraft. They are responsive and very professional. I found BRS fo be very easy to work with.

http://www.brsaerospace.com

The process ended up being very straight forward and well documented by BRS.

I thought it may be helpful to post what we learned in the process...

1) All in cost is just over $20,000

2) Install takes approximately (50) hours

3) Install step by step is completely documented by BRS and can be done by a good A&P. You will need to submit specific information and photos to BRS during the process for their approval.

4) BRS has a list of shops that have done installs.

5) STC applies to fixed gear 182s, 1964 or newer.

Below are some photos from the A&P. I have not seen the plane in person yet so the photos are limited.

KJ

I’m surprised it didn’t cost more, as the Cirrus repack is reported to be about $15,000.

What’s the installed weight?

85lb weight @ 93.80 arm

The 182 is a little nose heavy anyway, so 40 of those lbs are useful in moving the C.G. back.

The cost is dependent on the shop. The work was done in my hangar with a really good tech who did his research in advance and had all the tools. He had everything laid out and lined up and was only working on this job.

I would guess it could easily cost $5k more done elsewhere.

KJ

There was a pilot in North Mississippi, a local attorney who got one of these installed. The mechanic shop was on one end of the short runway at Holly Springs MS. The pilot picked up the airplane, started up, took off.... and just over the trees past the end of the runway the engine quit. The pilot pulled the chute and it saved his life.

If only he had noticed that the mechanics set the fuel selector to "OFF" whereas he had left it on "BOTH" for his whole flying career.....

Anyway, don't be that guy when you pick up your plane with the new parachute!

Sounds like the chute has saved a few people who ignored a checklist. I’ll be sure to pull my pre flight checklist before the chute.

KJ

Here is how the BRS chute arrives...

Very cool, thanks for posting!

Why?

Why what?

Why a chute?

Because when absolutely everything has gone into the crapper, and you have no options left, this gives you one more option.

And, for some, the wife won't fly in a plane without a chute.

Both are real-world reasons.

A better "why" - someone put a BRS into a Petersen Katmai STOL 182. With the canard it lands about 35 mph in a few hundred feet. Almost have to break a strut to really need it in a Katmai.

RAS

A better "why" - someone put a BRS into a Petersen Katmai STOL 182. With the canard it lands about 35 mph in a few hundred feet. Almost have to break a strut to really need it in a Katmai.

RAS

$20k installed sounds very reasonable! What other aircraft can be STC’d with a chute?

Not a 206 unfortunately.

Not a 206 unfortunately.

Most years of Cessna 172 and Cessna 182 (I recall 1966 & later for the 172 & 1964 & later for the 182, please confirm that with BRS).

BRS is working on the Cessna 206 now.

Please keep in mind that we did the work with my mechanic in my hangar, so it could cost more elsewhere. The just over $20k was my actual installed cost.

KJ