Whole Aircraft Recovery Systems

 
 
Some aviators downplay the importance of flying with a parachute. Making an argument against a parachute is somewhat foolhardy as they do not detract from your comfort or wallet to a degree that outweighs the blanket of safety provided. If you need to be convinced of the necessity of a parachute read the NTSB accident reports. A backpack parachute is better than nothing but still much more dangerous than a whole aircraft recovery system. This stems from the time it takes to deploy and the psychological factors that limit ones ability to depart an aircraft.

The following is a list of every company in the world I found producing emergency parachutes capable of supporting the Sonex weight and speed.

I have not yet purchased mine
 

» MVEN

  • An explosive charge ejects the parachute from a container in the fuselage
  • Has a failsafe manual ejection system in the event that the primary ejection system fails. This is the only company to include such a backup
  • Based in Kazan, Russia
  • Parachutes available direct from the manufacturer
  • Very good price at $2700U.S.
  • U.S. point of contact:
    • Spectrum Aircraft Corporation
      Sebring Airport, 13 Crosley Lane,
      Sebring, FL 33870, USA
      Tel.: 863-655-92-99
      Fax: 863-655-95-78
  • Canada point of contact:
    • President Guy Defrance, Canada, Quebec
      Fax: 450-589-46-92.
» BRS (ballistic recovery system)
  • The parachute is pulled from the container by a rocket
  • Very expensive model (just under $6000) required for the Sonex due to the weight and top speed the aircraft is capable of under normal conditions
  • Made in the USA, proven track record. Parachutes must be purchased direct from the manufacturer
  • Somewhat difficult to work with on the Sonex due to configuration control and liability issues
» Stratos 07 
  • The parachute is pulled from the container by a rocket
  • Costs about 3200 Euros (a little under $4000 US)
  • Made in the Czech Republic, available from Junkers Profly out of Germany
  • Have not dealt with the company yet.
» Evacuchute (available from Quakepro USA)
  • The parachute is pulled from the container by a rocket
  • Company failed to respond to price querry
  • Available from Quakepro USA (if they respond to a price request)
 

12/13/05

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