BRS retrofit on built RV10?

[rocketman1988]

That is the #1 reason to get the chute!

[Aluminum]

Originally Posted by Low Pass

And if having a BRS means a spouse buys off on the airplane idea. That's a very significant parameter.

^^^ This ^^^.

[AlpineYoda]

I installed the parachute case and the rocket tunnel for the BRS in my RV-10 yesterday. As I note in my EAA blog, the instructions are not on par with what we RV-10 builders are used to from Van's. This was a lot more like what I've seen Dave P having to do for his RV-3. The parts are all there (except for some truly terrible screws that I've had to replace with a new set from Spruce), but how they all go together is somewhat left to the imagination.

If anyone else decides to add a BRS down the road, please feel free to reach out to me. Happy to pass on what I've learned so far, for better or worse.

[Skepilot]

Originally Posted by AlpineYoda

I'm in the process of installing one in an under-construction RV-10. Happy to discuss what's involved. I'm sure it's a bit easier to do it while the plane is still half built, but the kit was clearly designed to be installed as a retrofit to an existing plane.

Thanks for your reply. (Not interested in debating the rest of you about the merits of an airframe parachute.) It is too bad they can’t figure out a way to put the chute aft of the baggage area a-la Cirrus. But even with the chute back there, the RV-10 still has a more baggage space than the Sling TSi I was considering.

Anyway, I would like to discuss what’s involved in the installation, especially with regards to a retrofit. The rocket and chute itself seem fairly straight forward, but I’m curious about the cables.

It looks like the forward attach point is on the engine mount, correct? Would that require removing the engine and possibly the mount for a retrofit? The small image on their website doesn’t provide sufficient detail.

And what are the cables attached to at the rear to give it sufficient structural strength? And how are the cable conduits attached to the fuselage?

Thanks.

[Skepilot]

@AlpineYoda are you still monitoring this thread? I've got some questions on the chute.

1.) What is the frequency and cost of repack? On the Cirrus it's every 10 years. I would assume it's the same since they're both BRS brand? Is the cost less since it's experimental?

2.) On the Cirrus there are also "line cutters" which need to be replaced every 5 years. Is that the same on the RV-10?

3.) Are there other brand chutes that can be used on the RV-10? The Sling TSi uses Magnum Ballistic Parachute, and it's only a $11k option. The repack is every 6 years, but only costs $3500. (Yes, the Sling MGW is about 600# lighter than the RV-10, but Magnum makes chutes for planes up to 3,960# gross weight.)

4.) I hear the the BRS chute weighs 80 pounds. I understand the RV-10 baggage compartment is normally limited to 100 pounds. Does that leave you only 20 pounds of baggage capacity, or does it not matter as long as you're within CG limits?

Thanks

[BobTurner]

Originally Posted by Skepilot

@AlpineYoda are you still monitoring this thread? I've got some questions on the chute.

4.) I hear the the BRS chute weighs 80 pounds. I understand the RV-10 baggage compartment is normally limited to 100 pounds. Does that leave you only 20 pounds of baggage capacity, or does it not matter as long as you're within CG limits?

Thanks

10 years ago the recommended baggage area limit was 150 lbs. As far as I know there was no structural concern - I think Vans was just concerned with careless pilots going too far aft with the cg.

[Skepilot]

Originally Posted by Skepilot

3.) Are there other brand chutes that can be used on the RV-10? The Sling TSi uses Magnum Ballistic Parachute, and it's only a $11k option. The repack is every 6 years, but only costs $3500. (Yes, the Sling MGW is about 600# lighter than the RV-10, but Magnum makes chutes for planes up to 3,960# gross weight.)

In addition to Magnum, another option is Galaxy Recovery Systems. They are the exclusive provider of ballistic chutes to Pipistrel, including their new Panthera, which has a MGW similar to the RV-10.

Would love to find out if anyone has put a Magnum or Galaxy chute on their RV-10. I did see a post from 2008 of a guy putting a Magnum on his RV-10. I sent him a PM, but I'm not sure he's still active here on VAF.

[Papa]

Originally Posted by BobTurner

10 years ago the recommended baggage area limit was 150 lbs. As far as I know there was no structural concern - I think Vans was just concerned with careless pilots going too far aft with the cg.

The construction manual still lists the baggage area limit as 150 lbs. Obviously one has to watch the cg, and that could certainly be an issue with both bags and a chute in back.

[rvanstory]

Originally Posted by Papa

The construction manual still lists the baggage area limit as 150 lbs. Obviously one has to watch the cg, and that could certainly be an issue with both bags and a chute in back.

Never noticed the 150lb listing...., but it's sure is there. Where did 100 lb limit come from that many use? That's what I have placarded, but not sure where this came from VS the 150 lb. limit.

[BobTurner]

Originally Posted by rvanstory

Never noticed the 150lb listing...., but it's sure is there. Where did 100 lb limit come from that many use? That's what I have placarded, but not sure where this came from VS the 150 lb. limit.

If you go to <vansaircraft.com>, airplanes, RV-10, it lists under ‘specifications’ ‘baggage-100lbs’.