"Gig 601XL Builder" wrDOTgiaconaATsuddenlink.net wrote:
That weight is the only the BRS itself and not what would have to be
done to the airframe itself to add the system and while it doesn't
seem like a lot it is about 10% of the useful load of an LSA and it is
weight that is much further back than the fuel tanks so it will count
for more in virtually any LSA installation.

Well somehow the Flight Design CT manages to include a BRS as standard
equipment yet still weigh in at only 649 lbs yet still provide an airframe
capable of a 1320 lbs gross weight. (Properly equipped for day VFR looks to
cost ~$105k. Adding navcom radios also adds weight above their 649 lbs.
http://www.flightdesignusa.com/ )

The CT is the kind of competition Cessna has to go up against. That's why
Cessna may not have any choice but to include a parachute. But I'm still
counting on their bean-counters (possibly with assistance from their un-
imaginative engineering and manufacturing side) to nix the idea.

Don't forget to add to the price that it will have to repacked every 6
years. While I don't know what they charge I'd bet it ain't cheap.

Repacking cost is not an "unknown" or particularly hard to find information
- it is listed on BRS Parachutes web site right here (under "BRS Products"
menu item "BRS Repack Center"):
http://www.brsparachutes.com/Default.aspx?TabId=25

About US$1500 for the LSA models. Amortized over 6 years, ~$21/month.
Hardly a show-stopping cost at ~6 large Starbucks Lattes/month (assuming a
venti Latte costs $3.50.) ;-)

Plus I never really liked the idea of having an explosive device right
behind my head. And yes, I not particularly thrilled about having one
in front of me aimed at my chest in my car either, but a lot more of
those have been built and I figure most of the bugs have been worked
out.

Can't help you there. How many people have died from exploding BRS rockets
so far?