That is an excellent idea for any first flight experimental aircraft.

I'll propose it to the pilot when he gets back.

Rancher Bob

I'll contribute the 1st $500. It's only money --the test pilot is
putting his butt on the line.There's a company in the Slovak/Czech
Republic, if I remember correctly, who have a proven product and at a
better price than the BRS people. Perhaps we could get a special deal
considering that this is an exciting and newsworthy project and could
get them a bunch of good publicity.

Bob Ripley

I'll put in $100 my self.

I'll get back to you Bob. I'll check with the boss.

Paul Lamar

I believe it is called MAGNUM BALLISTIC PARACHUTES

Vern Taylor

This is a wonderful idea for all home builts. IMHO it will significantly
make home building safer.

Paul Lamar

Something for everyone to remember is typically the ballistic chute
saves the pilot but writes off the plane. On a Cirrus the plane is junk
after using the chute it's only a last resort.

Bill Jepson

What fails on the airplane Bill?

Would a bigger chute help?

Paul Lamar


A bigger chute would likely help. The ballistic chute saves ultra
lights. But full size aircraft are descending at speeds that cause 20 g
impacts. If you look at the specs you will note that the gear will be
sure to fold and the bottom of the fuselage will get crumpled and the
stresses involved can effect the whole airframe. The pilot will be saved
which is the point of course, but BPs aren't going to save you with no
damage. If you want the plane back you will probably need to land it.

Bill Jepson


You can buy a chute for a 4,000 pound airplane from Magnum.
I suspect that would let our 1000 pound Harmon Rocket with the 650 HP
under 200 pound engine down lightly.

Paul Lamar

Writing off planes is only a matter of money. Writing off humans is
something else!

Bob Ripley


Hi Paul:

I second the call to add a Ballistic Parachute to the TTC Project ..........

If the engine ever quit for whatever reason (MOTEC switching to "limp-home" mode),

...........at idle RPM, the 80-inch prop would become a BRICK WALL!

And the airplane could not glide to a landing.

Keith Moore

I think what might be possible would be to convert what velocity he had to
add a bit of altitude and slow it down before firing the chute.

Paul Lamar


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