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Pilot’s Operating Handbook DFE Ultralights Ascender III-C
PARACHUTE RECOVERY SYSTEM
The aircraft is equipped with a BRS-5 750 canister-mounted, rocket-deployed parachute
recovery system manufactured by Ballistic Recovery Systems of St Paul, Minnesota.
When the deployment handle is pulled the solid fuel rocket will deploy the recovery parachute to
full line extension in 0.94 seconds. The parachute is a 28-foot diameter, 28-gore model of 615 sq
ft area. It is capable of being successfully deployed at airspeeds of 0 to 100 MPH.
The BRS system weighs 22.7 lbs and is mounted on the main landing gear with the rocket
deployed straight down. It is designed for a maximum load of 750 lbs.
The BRS system is designed to save the lives of the crew in the event of a structural failure or
mid-air collision. Its use under other circumstances, such as engine failure over inhospitable
terrain, is at the discretion of the pilot.
The BRS system has been demonstrated to be effective at altitudes as low as 150 feet and is
designed to produce descent rates of 15 – 30 fps (22 – 44 MPH).
For the BRS system to operate, the safety pin must be removed prior to flight. It is recommended
that the pin be replaced immediately after landing to preclude inadvertent ground firing.
CABIN FEATURES
The seats are equipped with zippered pockets for personal items. Both seats are equipped with
seat harnesses.
The copilot’s seat and supporting structure is quickly removable for single-seat operations.
A ballast weight tube is fitted to the front carry-through for solo flight, or the rear carry-through
for dual flight can be used for storing the aircraft tie-down kit and other supplies. The main
baggage area is located inside the wing and is accessed by the installed zippers.
C
C
C
A
A
A
U
U
U
T
T
T
I
I
I
O
O
O
N
N
N
Soft items only should be stored inside the wing
storage area to preclude damage to the Dacron fabric.
No fire extinguisher is required or installed.
No first aid kit is required but one may be carried in one of the stowage areas.