Whole Airplane Parachute Is Now Certified Factory Option

Ballistic Recovery Systems, Inc. announced Tuesday it has received the Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) from the FAA for the Symphony SA 160.

This latest approval -- BRS's 4th -- is the first one available directly from the aircraft manufacturer as a factory-installed option. Symphony is also only the second manufacturer to offer a certified whole airplane parachute system in a Part 23 production aircraft.

"The BRS system is yet another example of the excellent technologies available on the SA 160. We are committed to the rebirth of the two-place market, and are proud to be the first manufacturer of two-place aircraft to offer the parachute installation as a factory option. Our customers appreciate the choices we offer," said Paul Costanzo, Symphony Aircraft President and CEO.

"The patented, light weight, fast-acting BRS parachute system will offer an exceptional degree of safety to the Symphony -- one of the newest high wing FAA Part 23 certified aircraft designs," said BRS CEO Larry E. Williams.

"Cirrus took a revolutionary step in personal aircraft transportation when they made the BRS parachute system, known as CAPS(TM), standard equipment on all of their aircraft," added Williams. "The recent approval for the Symphony has been tested to the same level. I am happy to see Symphony become the first aircraft manufacturer to adopt the BRS parachute as an option on factory new aircraft."

BRS, Inc. pioneered the concept of general aviation whole aircraft parachute systems in the early 80s, and to date has sold over 20,000 onboard emergency parachute systems to aircraft owners around the world -- including over 2,500 systems on certified aircraft such as the aforementioned Cirrus Design SR-series... and now, the two-seat Symphony.

"With the cooperation of Symphony engineering," said Williams, "we've been able to create an improved installation that is lighter in weight and optimizes center of gravity. Additional improvements include the BRS deployment handle cover which has a unique safety latch that keeps the handle in clear view and allows for quick and safe release by either the pilot or the passenger."

According to the company, BRS units to date have been documented in saving 181 lives with 9 of them in certified Aircraft.

FMI: www.symphonyaircraft.com, www.brsparachutes.com