Orval Fairbairn wrote:

II am NOT a fan of ballistic parachutes for anything other than
ultralights, where engine/structure may be substandard.

They are justified in any case where they may be effective
(even if structures are not substandard). Hang gliders use them
all the time, as do the parapente. It's not only for structural failure
or engine trouble.


it is expensive to maintain, as the pyrotechnics have to be replaced
every 5 years or so;

I believe they are now talking about 12 years on the rocket.

Maintenance is high at about $600 for a repack for the smaller ones
every six years. Annual or semi-annual repacks for the soft pack
with shipping will cost about the same overall.

Total cost for a UL version is $3 per hour of flying time if you fly
100 hours per year and keep it 12 years.

--Dan Grunloh (half way there)