Register

First Cirrus Chute Replacements

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Cirrus aircraft require a mandatory and costly replacement of their Airframe Parachute System (CAPS) every 10 years, which includes options for overhauled or new systems and significant labor charges.
  • CAPS has proven to be a vital safety feature, credited with saving 44 lives in 22 deployments, and is a major selling point for Cirrus aircraft.
  • The replacement process is performed by specially certified service centers due to the hazardous nature of the system's rocket, and it represents a new, substantial business opportunity for Cirrus.
See a mistake? Contact us.

It has been a little more than 10 years since Cirrus Design Corp. delivered its first certified airplane, an SR20, to a customer. That 10-year mark is more than just an anniversary. It’s the certified interval for Cirrus owners to replace the chutes in their airplanes.

Chute replacement will become an important part of Cirrus’ overall business, since its service centers will be doing many hundreds of chute replacements a year for many years. Cirrus now owns the rocket design and rigs and packs the chutes, which BRS still produces.

Isabel Goyer

A commercial pilot, Isabel Goyer has been flying for more than 40 years, with hundreds of different aircraft in her logbook and thousands of hours. An award-winning aviation writer, photographer and editor, Ms. Goyer led teams at Sport Pilot, Air Progress and Flying before coming to Plane & Pilot in 2015.

Ready to Sell Your Aircraft?

List your airplane on AircraftForSale.com and reach qualified buyers.

List Your Aircraft
AircraftForSale Logo | FLYING Logo
Pilot in aircraft
Sign-up for newsletters & special offers!

Get the latest stories & special offers delivered directly to your inbox.

SUBSCRIBE